- Newest year: 2003
- Gas
- Midsize cars
- Same as 2002
2000-2003 Chevrolet Malibu MPG & Fuel Cost
4 model years · 21–23 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 7 of 10 midsize car configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2000-2003 Chevrolet Malibu at a glance
The 2000-2003 Chevrolet Malibu covers 4 model years in the EPA database (5 configurations in all), rated 21–23 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2003, costs about $3,110 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Malibu 3.1L 6-cyl FWD (21 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2001; 2002 and 2003 repeat the values of the year before. The best combined rating in the generation, 23 MPG, was reached in 2000.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2000-2003 Chevrolet Malibu by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Gas | 21 MPG | $3,110 | Same EPA ratings as 2002 |
| 2002 | Gas | 21 MPG | $3,110 | Same EPA ratings as 2001 |
| 2001 | Gas | 21 MPG | $3,110 | Ratings changed |
| 2000 | Gas | 21–23 MPG | $2,840–$3,110 | First year |
What the 2003 Malibu 3.1L 6-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$259
$3,110 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$5.18
Per 100 miles
$20.73
Five years
$15,550
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the midsize car median
$430less a year
Class median $3,540 a year, MY2003
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 Chevrolet Malibu MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu as for the 2002 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2002 section above.See 2002
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu (Most efficient) | 3.1L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,110 |
2002 Chevrolet Malibu MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2001
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu as for the 2001 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2001 section above.See 2001
2001 Chevrolet Malibu MPG
21 MPG · $3,110/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2000: The most efficient configuration moves from 23 to 21 MPG, down 2. Its annual cost goes from $2,840 to $3,110, $270 more.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu (Most efficient) | 3.1L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,110 |
2000 Chevrolet Malibu MPG
21–23 MPG · $2,840–$3,110/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu 2.4L 4-cyl (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 28 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Malibu 3.1L 6-cyl | 3.1L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,110 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Malibu 3.1L 6-cyl FWD: $4,230 in California and $2,710 in Texas, a $1,520 difference.
- California $4,230
- Washington $3,920
- New York $3,110
- Florida $2,940
- Texas $2,710
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 midsize car models.
Generations
- 2000-2003 (5th gen)
- 2004-2007 (6th gen)
- 2008-2012 (7th gen)
- 2013-2015 (Epsilon II)
- 2016-2025 (E2XX)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2000-2003 Chevrolet Malibu get?
EPA rates the 2000-2003 Chevrolet Malibu at 21–23 MPG combined across 5 configurations and 4 model years. The most efficient version, the 2000 Malibu 2.4L 4-cyl FWD, is rated 23 MPG (19 city, 28 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2000-2003 Chevrolet Malibu?
The Malibu 2.4L 4-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 23 MPG, in 2000. The lowest top rating, 21 MPG, was in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2000-2003 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2001. In 2002 and 2003 the values repeat the year before.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Malibu 3.1L 6-cyl FWD costs about $3,110 a year. Across all 1 configuration the cost runs $3,110 a year.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 100 miles?
About $20.73 per 100 miles for the Malibu 3.1L 6-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Malibu 3.1L 6-cyl FWD is rated 18 city and 26 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 8 MPG.
How does the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu compare with other midsize car configurations?
The Malibu 3.1L 6-cyl FWD costs about $3,110 a year to fuel, $430 less than the class median of $3,540, and less than 7 of 10 midsize car configurations. The comparison covers all 90 rated midsize car configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu different from the 2002 model?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for 2002 and 2003: 1 configuration rated 21 MPG combined. See the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu for that year.