It was actually revised for 2013, so it is pretty recent.

 

The 2013 Malibu was a disaster of a redesign, period. While I do think it's noble that GM quickly recognized it and tried to fix some of it, I honestly don't think it's really even salvagable.

Such a shame, my wife has the previous gen Malibu and it's really a great car. She won't even consider the current iteration.

You cannot have your clock cleaned in the midsize car segment.

 

I saw a 2014 Malibu on a Chevy lot today. It might have been a base model, I am not sure but my first thought (I saw it from the front) was its really, really bland. I am not sure this is an improvement.

I don't understand why the Chevy designers didn't take from the Impala's front end and make it more aggressive with more sharp lines.

 

Bland sells. At least this way you have the Impala and Malibu designed for 2 different tastes. Also, I've seen a Malibu LTZ and it look pretty good. Larger wheels make the car sometimes.