19 Cool Modification Ideas for Chevrolet Malibu

What accessories can you install on your Malibu?

Last Updated on 2023-10-04

As American as apple pie, baseball, Chevrolet Malibu is basically the comfy, middle-aged cardigan of the automotive world. Been around since the '60s, it's a staple in the American driveway. Presently in its ninth life, this sedan is a survivor.

Forget the Camaro, this is Chevy's bread and butter, competing with the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the real everyday champions.

Associated with soccer moms or dads, weekend DIYers, and nine-to-fivers who consider "racing" to be a rush to the daycare and then a dash to the office? Probably true.

Even though the Chevy Malibu is often seen as the quintessential family car, it does not mean you have to put up with the factory settings.

There's a bit of a renegade spirit in every Malibu owner. Personalization can be simple and cost-effective. Whether it's swapping out the old halogens for snazzy LED headlights or slapping on a steering wheel cover that screams "I've got style, thank you very much.

So, are you ready to give your Malibu some proper flair? Then enough preamble! Let's cut to the chase and delve into the specifics of Malibu mods.

What are the best upgrades for the Chevrolet Malibu?

While it may seem at first glance that the Malibu is not the vehicle to be upgraded, some owners manage to add some distinction to their cars by installing various interior or exterior accessories.

Thinking about how to make your Malibu faster? Consider a throttle body spacer, which will give your car a necessary performance boost. To keep your engine at the proper temperature and prevent power loss, resort to cold air intake mods.

Vehicle appearance is an aspect that should not be neglected. Shining custom wheels with fender flares can make your Malibu look sportier and saucier.

If you want to add practicality to your Chevy, such aftermarket parts as roof rails and fog lights will come in handy, whatever the circumstances: extra cargo or foggy weather.

Customization ideas never end. Turn your stock Chevy Malibu into a custom project with us! Join our community of Malibu enthusiasts and register your car in a virtual garage now!

See Additions for Your Chevrolet Malibu

Jump to Specific Mod Category

Brakes


1. Brake Rotors
Popularity: 75

As brake discs wear out over their lifespan, timely replacement is crucial for ensuring safety. In addition, if you want to elevate your braking system's performance, you can install drilled or slotted brake rotors. Thanks to their unique design, they provide superior cooling, ensuring optimal braking even in demanding conditions.

Average Cost $40-$500

Installation Cost $400-$1200

DIY Difficulty 5 of 10. Medium

5 of 10. Medium, a bit of a brain teaser.

Level of Hate 1. No one will even notice

As brake discs wear out over their lifespan, timely replacement is crucial for ensuring safety. In addition, if you want to elevate your braking system's performance, you can install drilled or slotted brake rotors. Thanks to their unique design, they provide superior cooling, ensuring optimal braking even in demanding conditions.
Stop on a Dime with These Brake Rotors

Interior


1. Steering Wheel Cover
Popularity: 68

As time passes, your car's steering wheel can start to show its age, manifesting wear and tear through scratches, cracks, and breaks, all of which diminish the car's interior aesthetics. To prevent this, use a steering wheel cover. Whenever the cover starts looking aged or worn, simply replace it to reveal the well-preserved steering wheel beneath.

Average Cost $10-$100

Installation Cost $30

DIY Difficulty 2 of 10. Effortless

2 of 10. Effortless, just like flipping a switch.

Level of Hate 1. No one will even notice

As time passes, your car's steering wheel can start to show its age, manifesting wear and tear through scratches, cracks, and breaks, all of which diminish the car's interior aesthetics. To prevent this, use a steering wheel cover. Whenever the cover starts looking aged or worn, simply replace it to reveal the well-preserved steering wheel beneath.
Enjoy Firm Grip with Steering Wheel Cover

2. Phone Holders
Popularity: 67

Feeling the need to stay connected, even while on the move? We get it, but juggling your phone while driving is not just frustrating—it's hazardous and could lead to serious accidents. The solution? A sleek phone holder. This compact accessory occupies minimal space, yet offers the perfect spot for your smartphone. With it, you can effortlessly access your device without the distraction of figuring out where to place it.

Average Cost $2-$24

Installation Cost $1

DIY Difficulty 1 of 10. Child's play

1 of 10. Child's play, no sweat.

Level of Hate 1. No one will even notice

Feeling the need to stay connected, even while on the move? We get it, but juggling your phone while driving is not just frustrating—it's hazardous and could lead to serious accidents. The solution? A sleek phone holder. This compact accessory occupies minimal space, yet offers the perfect spot for your smartphone. With it, you can effortlessly access your device without the distraction of figuring out where to place it.

3. Window Tint
Popularity: 58

Are you seeking enhanced privacy and comfort in your car? Imagine driving without the glare of the sun hindering your vision or curious eyes invading your personal space. This isn't just a dream—it's what you get with our premium window tinting! With a range of options from subtle shading to complete darkness, our tints are customizable to suit your unique needs and preferences. Don't let another day of discomfort and distraction pass you by. Choose the perfect tint for your car today and experience the difference!

Average Cost $50-$500

Installation Cost $150

DIY Difficulty 4 of 10. Manageable

4 of 10. Manageable, just needs a bit of focus.

Level of Hate 2. It can hardly bother anyone

Are you seeking enhanced privacy and comfort in your car? Imagine driving without the glare of the sun hindering your vision or curious eyes invading your personal space. This isn't just a dream—it's what you get with our premium window tinting! With a range of options from subtle shading to complete darkness, our tints are customizable to suit your unique needs and preferences. Don't let another day of discomfort and distraction pass you by. Choose the perfect tint for your car today and experience the difference!

4. Floor Mats
Popularity: 46

Floor mats are essential items for every car. They protect the interior from dirt and debris - rinse them with water, and your car is clean and tidy again. And with an array of designs and hues available, these mats offer a wonderful opportunity to infuse a touch of your personality into your vehicle's interior.

Average Cost $20-$150

Installation Cost $20

DIY Difficulty 1 of 10. Child's play

1 of 10. Child's play, no sweat.

Level of Hate 1. No one will even notice

Floor mats are essential items for every car. They protect the interior from dirt and debris - rinse them with water, and your car is clean and tidy again. And with an array of designs and hues available, these mats offer a wonderful opportunity to infuse a touch of your personality into your vehicle's interior.
See Floor Mats Your Vehicle Wishes It Had

5. Seat Covers
Popularity: 41

As car seats naturally age, they can become cracked, scuffed, and visibly worn. Use seat covers to prevent this and extend the life of your interior. Not only are they effective, but they're also stylish - with an array of chic colors and patterns available, you'll effortlessly find a design that resonates with your taste.

Average Cost $20-$80

Installation Cost $30

DIY Difficulty 2 of 10. Effortless

2 of 10. Effortless, just like flipping a switch.

Level of Hate 2. It can hardly bother anyone

As car seats naturally age, they can become cracked, scuffed, and visibly worn. Use seat covers to prevent this and extend the life of your interior. Not only are they effective, but they're also stylish - with an array of chic colors and patterns available, you'll effortlessly find a design that resonates with your taste.
Revitalize Interior Space with Stylish Seat Covers

6. Custom Shift Knobs
Popularity: 27

If you want to personalize the interior of your car, install a custom shift knob. A pool ball, a skull, a katana handle - the choices are limited only by your imagination. Before making a purchase, ensure the threads of the part align with those of your shift knob.

Average Cost $5-$175

Installation Cost $40

DIY Difficulty 3 of 10. Easy-peasy

3 of 10. Easy-peasy, almost a cakewalk.

Level of Hate 2. It can hardly bother anyone

If you want to personalize the interior of your car, install a custom shift knob. A pool ball, a skull, a katana handle - the choices are limited only by your imagination. Before making a purchase, ensure the threads of the part align with those of your shift knob.
Get Hold on Power with Custom Shift Knobs

7. Center Consoles
Popularity: 24

Give your car a little upgrade with a center console! It's a nifty addition that helps keep your stuff neatly organized while you're on the road, and it even acts as a comfy armrest for those longer drives. Installing a center console is a simple, straightforward way to make your car feel a bit more like home.

Average Cost $30-$75

Installation Cost $10-$150

DIY Difficulty 4 of 10. Manageable

4 of 10. Manageable, just needs a bit of focus.

Level of Hate 1. No one will even notice

Give your car a little upgrade with a center console! It's a nifty addition that helps keep your stuff neatly organized while you're on the road, and it even acts as a comfy armrest for those longer drives. Installing a center console is a simple, straightforward way to make your car feel a bit more like home.
Center Console

Illumination


1. Headlights
Popularity: 52

If your headlights become dim, clouded, or show signs of damage, the best choice is to replace them. For an upgrade, consider installing advanced lensed or diode headlights - it not only elevates your car's look but also significantly boosts visibility during nighttime drives.

Average Cost $80-$700

Installation Cost $150-$450

DIY Difficulty 6 of 10. Somewhat challenging

6 of 10. Somewhat challenging, like a small hill to climb.

Level of Hate 3. Get ready to gather attention on the street

If your headlights become dim, clouded, or show signs of damage, the best choice is to replace them. For an upgrade, consider installing advanced lensed or diode headlights - it not only elevates your car's look but also significantly boosts visibility during nighttime drives.
See Like an Owl on Steroids with LED Headlights

2. Light Bars
Popularity: 33

In situations where enhanced illumination is required and standard headlights fall short, a light bar becomes invaluable. This device uses high-power diodes as a light source and can be used either with headlights or independently. Depending on the size and shape, the power of these devices differs; they are very popular among off-roaders and are the go-to tool when you need a clear, comprehensive view of the terrain to navigate safely.

Average Cost $30-$200

Installation Cost $350-$600

DIY Difficulty 6 of 10. Somewhat challenging

6 of 10. Somewhat challenging, like a small hill to climb.

Level of Hate 4. Expect a strong public reaction (mostly negative)

In situations where enhanced illumination is required and standard headlights fall short, a light bar becomes invaluable. This device uses high-power diodes as a light source and can be used either with headlights or independently. Depending on the size and shape, the power of these devices differs; they are very popular among off-roaders and are the go-to tool when you need a clear, comprehensive view of the terrain to navigate safely.
Turn Night into Day Off-Road with Light Bars

Sound


1. Speakers
Popularity: 52

Good music is an essential part of a pleasant car ride. Upgrading or adding speakers is a surefire way to enhance sound quality. Choose products powerful enough for your needs, but always prioritize high quality to ensure there's no unwanted noise or interference compromising the auditory experience.

Average Cost $50-$300

Installation Cost $100-$400

DIY Difficulty 7 of 10. Difficult

7 of 10. Difficult, needs a fair bit of time and patience.

Level of Hate 3. Get ready to gather attention on the street

Good music is an essential part of a pleasant car ride. Upgrading or adding speakers is a surefire way to enhance sound quality. Choose products powerful enough for your needs, but always prioritize high quality to ensure there's no unwanted noise or interference compromising the auditory experience.
Elevate Sound Quality with Premium Speakers

2. Amplifier
Popularity: 18

Turn up the vibe in your ride with a cool amplifier that cranks up your music's clarity and oomph. This little upgrade works magic on your car's sound system, making your favorite tunes sound better with deeper bass and clearer highs. Pop in an amplifier and get ready for road trips and commutes filled with awesome music that sounds just right.

Average Cost $50-$340

Installation Cost $100-$430

DIY Difficulty 7 of 10. Difficult

7 of 10. Difficult, needs a fair bit of time and patience.

Level of Hate 3. Get ready to gather attention on the street

Turn up the vibe in your ride with a cool amplifier that cranks up your music's clarity and oomph. This little upgrade works magic on your car's sound system, making your favorite tunes sound better with deeper bass and clearer highs. Pop in an amplifier and get ready for road trips and commutes filled with awesome music that sounds just right.

Suspension


1. Wheel Spacers
Popularity: 43

Wheel spacers provide a means to fine-tune the wheel offset of your car, essential for accommodating rims outside the standard parameters. Available in an array of thicknesses and materials, it's simply a matter of selecting a spacer that aligns with your vehicle's bolt pattern and center bore.

Average Cost $85-$150

Installation Cost $100-$250

DIY Difficulty 3 of 10. Easy-peasy

3 of 10. Easy-peasy, almost a cakewalk.

Level of Hate 1. No one will even notice

Wheel spacers provide a means to fine-tune the wheel offset of your car, essential for accommodating rims outside the standard parameters. Available in an array of thicknesses and materials, it's simply a matter of selecting a spacer that aligns with your vehicle's bolt pattern and center bore.
Enhance Stability by Widening Stance with Wheel Spacers

2. Coilovers
Popularity: 30

If you're keen on customizing your car's ground clearance, coilovers are an ideal choice. Designed to replace stock shock absorbers, they come with an adjustable locking nut. For a lower stance, simply tighten the nut. If you prefer a raised profile, just loosen it, and watch your car elevate.

Average Cost $300-$450

Installation Cost $200-$350

DIY Difficulty 7 of 10. Difficult

7 of 10. Difficult, needs a fair bit of time and patience.

Level of Hate 3. Get ready to gather attention on the street

If you're keen on customizing your car's ground clearance, coilovers are an ideal choice. Designed to replace stock shock absorbers, they come with an adjustable locking nut. For a lower stance, simply tighten the nut. If you prefer a raised profile, just loosen it, and watch your car elevate.
Improve Handling with Adjustable Coilovers

Exhaust


1. Custom Mufflers
Popularity: 42

If you want to achieve a unique sound from your engine, you should consider installing a custom muffler. The design you choose can produce anything from a subtle purr to a deep, resonant bass, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preference. Before making a purchase, make sure the diameter of the muffler matches your tailpipe and that you're not violating the noise level allowed by state law - after all, who wants unnecessary run-ins with the law or irritated neighbors?

Average Cost $100-$1000

Installation Cost $150-$300

DIY Difficulty 7 of 10. Difficult

7 of 10. Difficult, needs a fair bit of time and patience.

Level of Hate 4. Expect a strong public reaction (mostly negative)

If you want to achieve a unique sound from your engine, you should consider installing a custom muffler. The design you choose can produce anything from a subtle purr to a deep, resonant bass, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preference. Before making a purchase, make sure the diameter of the muffler matches your tailpipe and that you're not violating the noise level allowed by state law - after all, who wants unnecessary run-ins with the law or irritated neighbors?
Make Your Car Roar, Not Whimper with Custom Muffler

Performance


1. Cold Air Intakes
Popularity: 38

A cold air intake is an affordable way to improve your vehicle's performance. It mounts in place of a standard air filter and channels cooler air directly into the engine's combustion chamber. This cooler air, being richer in oxygen, optimizes the combustion process within the cylinders, ultimately leading to increased power.

Average Cost $200-$450

Installation Cost $100

DIY Difficulty 3 of 10. Easy-peasy

3 of 10. Easy-peasy, almost a cakewalk.

Level of Hate 1. No one will even notice

A cold air intake is an affordable way to improve your vehicle's performance. It mounts in place of a standard air filter and channels cooler air directly into the engine's combustion chamber. This cooler air, being richer in oxygen, optimizes the combustion process within the cylinders, ultimately leading to increased power.
Install Cold Air Intakes to Boost Horsepower

2. Turbocharger
Popularity: 18

A turbocharger can significantly boost your engine's power by channeling additional air into the combustion chambers. This process results in more fuel being combusted per stroke, leading to heightened power. Remember: installing a turbocharger is a demanding process that requires extensive tweaking and calibration to keep the system running smoothly and without difficulties.

Average Cost $400-$5000

Installation Cost $800-$3200

DIY Difficulty 8 of 10. Quite tough

8 of 10. Quite tough, like a hard puzzle.

Level of Hate 3. Get ready to gather attention on the street

A turbocharger can significantly boost your engine's power by channeling additional air into the combustion chambers. This process results in more fuel being combusted per stroke, leading to heightened power. Remember: installing a turbocharger is a demanding process that requires extensive tweaking and calibration to keep the system running smoothly and without difficulties.
Maximize Speed with Turbo Charger Upgrade

3. Throttle Body Spacers
Popularity: 9

A throttle body spacer is a budget-friendly way to increase engine power. Positioned in front of the throttle body, it augments the volume of air channeled into the combustion chamber. This optimization not only enhances combustion but also boosts the horsepower beneath the hood.

Average Cost $50-$150

Installation Cost $50

DIY Difficulty 3 of 10. Easy-peasy

3 of 10. Easy-peasy, almost a cakewalk.

Level of Hate 1. No one will even notice

A throttle body spacer is a budget-friendly way to increase engine power. Positioned in front of the throttle body, it augments the volume of air channeled into the combustion chamber. This optimization not only enhances combustion but also boosts the horsepower beneath the hood.
Unlock Hidden Power with Throttle Body Spacers

Exterior


1. Fender Flares
Popularity: 23

Fender flares safeguard your car from mechanical hazards like small stones and branches. By snugly fitting over the fenders and arches, they shield both the paint and the metal underneath. As a bonus, they improve the appearance of the car, making it visually wider and more aggressive.

Average Cost $10-$900

Installation Cost $300

DIY Difficulty 5 of 10. Medium

5 of 10. Medium, a bit of a brain teaser.

Level of Hate 2. It can hardly bother anyone

Fender flares safeguard your car from mechanical hazards like small stones and branches. By snugly fitting over the fenders and arches, they shield both the paint and the metal underneath. As a bonus, they improve the appearance of the car, making it visually wider and more aggressive.
Add Muscle to Your Vehicle with Fender Flares

Chevrolet Malibu Upgrades Report

  • The total cost of all these 2023 Chevrolet Malibu upgrades averages around $19 295, including cost of installation.

  • The average cost of parts alone would be around $11 244.

  • If you choose to install upgrades by yourself you may save from $500 (on easy mods) to $1000 (includes hard level mods).

  • The suggested ideas include 8 mods with a low level of hate from non-tuners.

  • There are 4 upgrades requiring light level of mechanical background to install.

Description of terms

  • Popularity shows the percent of enthusiasts installing this particular mod.

  • Installation difficulty resembles the level of mechanical expertise required.

  • Average cost comprises the estimated cost of goods and average cost of installation.

  • Cost of installation indicates the average price you may pat the mechanic.

  • Level of hate is how much ordinary people dislike or may be complaining about this mod. For instance, Bi-Xenon headlights may blind the oncoming drivers.

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