This Discontinued And Affordable Chevrolet Sedan Model Is One Of The Best Cars For Retirees

Retirees are especially mindful of costs in the wake of things they will cost them more in retirement. As a result, finding an affordable car can be particularly important. Luckily, the Chevrolet Malibu stands out as a Chevrolet car that is perfect for retirees. While Chevrolet actually discontinued the Malibu after the 2025 model year, there are still plenty of used models available, and at an affordable price. In fact, according to Edmunds, overall used Chevrolet Malibus start at around $18,000, depending on trim level — with models from 2020 through 2024 averaging around $16,204. This is well within the $56,680 estimated median annual income of U.S. households aged 65 and older in 2024, per U.S. Census Bureau data.

Older drivers also tend to be more vulnerable on the road, so choosing a car with strong safety features can be particularly important. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu a five-star overall safety rating, while JD Power gave it strong scores in quality and reliability. Meanwhile, it also delivers on comfort, with U.S. News & World highlighting the Malibu's comfortable interior – something that can reduce physical fatigue for older drivers.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu gets 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 36 mpg on the highway — for a combined 31 mpg. This is above the average 2026 vehicle, which gets 28 mpg. This fuel efficiency can reduce your overall ownership costs every year, especially for drivers in states with the highest gas prices. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average driver drove 13,735 miles in 2024. And, according to AAA, the national average gas price was $4.30 as of October 15, 2026. With these figures in mind, the Malibu could save you more than $1,000 over five years compared to the average 2026 vehicle.

The Chevrolet Malibu also stands out if you are looking to save money on repair costs. CarEdge reports that it costs about $6,882 to maintain and repair a Malibu in its first 10 years of service — $917 less than the industry average for sedan models over the same period. Plus, you can expect a relatively good value if you plan to resell the car later. According to CarEdge, the Malibu has a 50% resale value after 5 years — better than the Chevrolet Blazer, Equinox, Trax, Trailblazer, Traverse, and Tahoe.