2004-07 Chevrolet Malibu | Consumer Guide Auto

Midsize car; Built in USA

4-door hatchback
4-door sedan

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Good condition price range: $3,800 – $9,200*

2004 Chevrolet Malibu

2005 Chevrolet Malibu

Pros:	Instruments/controls Rear-seat room (Maxx) Rear-seat entry/exit (Maxx)
Cons:	Engine noise (four-cylinder)

Chevrolet aims the Malibu at Honda Accord and Toyota Camry buyers. While the sedan is a bit smaller than those rivals, the versatile Maxx offers more rear-seat room than either. The four-cylinder engine disappoints, but in V6 form, Malibu combines good pep with competent road manners, and an impressive list of standard or available features. New-car prices were reasonable, and Malibus tend to be moderately priced secondhand as well.

Overview

Chevrolet’s midsize Malibu was redesigned for 2004, returning as a four-door sedan and adding a companion hatchback body style. New features included available remote-control starting and, in the hatchback, a rear seat that slid fore/aft 7 inches. The restyled Malibu shared its new front-drive platform with the near-luxury 9-3 sedan from GM’s Saab brand, as well as the new Pontiac G6. Malibu rivals included the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry.

Base Malibu sedans held a 145-horsepower four-cylinder engine. LS and LT sedans got a 200-horsepower V6.

Named Malibu Maxx, the hatchback had a 6-inch-longer wheelbase than the sedan, but a slightly shorter body. Maxx LS and LT trim levels were offered; both came only with the V6. A four-speed automatic was each Malibu’s sole transmission.

Antilock braking in tandem with traction control was optional on the base sedan, standard on other Malibus; the Maxx added all-disc brakes. Head-protecting curtain side airbags were standard on the LT sedan and LT Maxx, and optional on others.

All models came with a power driver-seat height adjuster, tilt/telescoping steering column, and power windows/locks/mirrors. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, OnStar assistance, satellite radio, and heated front seats were available. The remote starter worked via the keyfob from up to 200 feet away.

Both body styles had a fold-flat front passenger seat and split folding rear seatbacks. The Maxx’s rear seat had reclining seatbacks and could slide to favor either cargo space or rear leg room. Its rigid cargo cover doubled as a tailgate table. Maxx also had a glass skylight over the rear seat and was available with DVD entertainment.

Yearly Updates

2005 Malibu
Curtain side airbags now included front side torso airbags. The Maxx LT added a rear wiper this year.

2006 Malibu
Additional models and revised styling marked the 2006 season. Both body styles now came in uplevel LTZ and sporty SS trim. LTZ models had leather upholstery, while SS versions got cloth/leather. Most LT sedans and the LS used a 144-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The LTZ and other LT models held a 201-hp 3.5-liter V6. SS models got a 240-horsepower 3.9-liter V6 and an automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. A sport suspension, 18-inch tires and sport seats went on SS editions, while the LTZ rode on 17-inch rubber. Front torso airbags and curtain airbags were standard in LTZ and SS models.

2007 Malibu
The smaller of Chevrolet’s two midsize sedans is largely unchanged for 2007, pending a 2008 redesign due in calendar ’07. Previously optional curtain side airbags are now standard on all models.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	2.2/134
Engine HP	144
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	155

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic	24/34

dohc I4

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

2.2/134

Engine HP

144

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

155

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

4-speed automatic

24/34

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.5/213
Engine HP	200
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	220

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic	23/32	22.3

ohv V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.5/213

Engine HP

200

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

220

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

4-speed automatic

23/32

22.3

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.9/238
Engine HP	240
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	240

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic	19/26	20.2

ohv V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.9/238

Engine HP

240

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

240

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

4-speed automatic

19/26

20.2

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Chevrolet Malibu LT sedan

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6

60%

Fuel Economy - 6

60%

Ride Quality - 6

60%

Steering/Handling - 6

60%

Quietness - 7

70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7

70%

Room/Comfort Front - 7

70%

Room/Comfort Rear - 5

50%

Cargo Room - 4

40%

Other

Value - 7

70%

Total: 61

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Malibu 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5

100%

Front Passenger Injury - 5

100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A

N/A0%

Rear Passenger Injury - N/A

N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision	N/A
Injury	N/A
Theft	N/A

2004 Chevrolet Malibu	Pricing Effective: 03/08/2004
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
Base 4-door sedan	$ 18,770	$ 17,175	$ 625
LS 4-door sedan	20,770	19,005	625
LS Maxx 4-door hatchback	21,600	19,764	625
LT 4-door sedan	23,270	21,292	625
LT Maxx 4-door hatchback	24,100	22,052	625
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
Base : 2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, 205/65R15 tires, wheel covers
LS adds: 3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, remote keyless entry, illuminated driver-side visor mirror, alloy wheels
LS Maxx adds: adjustable rear seat, glass roof panel, cargo cover, 215/60R16 tires
LT adds to LS: curtain side airbags, automatic climate control, remote starter, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, floormats, rear spoiler, fog lights, 215/60R16 tires
LT Maxx adds: adjustable rear seat, rear radio controls, glass roof panel, cargo cover

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB	Base	$835	$752
Cruise control, power-adjustable pedals, remote keyless entry, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, seatback map pockets, upgraded sound system, cargo nets, floormats.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB	LS	800	720
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB	LS Maxx	925	833
Curtain side airbags, remote starter, 6-way power driver seat, rear radio controls (Maxx), floormats.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB	LT, LT Maxx	905	815
Power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.
California Pkg.	Base	460	414
Color-keyed bodyside moldings, alloy wheels. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. Available California only.
Safety
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Curtain side airbags	Base, LS, LS Maxx	395	356
Antilock brakes	Base	400	360
Includes traction control.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
OnStar telematics system		695	625
Includes one-year service. LS, LS Maxx require Preferred equipment Group 1SB. NA Base.
Power sunroof		725	653
LS, LS Maxx require Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. NA Base.
Remote starter	Base, LS, LS Maxx	150	135
Base requires cruise control.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer		300	270
Base requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Satellite radio		325	293
Requires monthly fee. NA Base.
Rear-seat entertainment system	LS Maxx, LT Maxx	995	896
Includes DVD/CD player, headphones. LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Cruise control	Base	425	383
Includes remote keyless entry.
Floormats	Base, LS, LS Maxx	80	72
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Rear spoiler	LS	175	158
Engine-block heater		35	32

2005 Chevrolet Malibu	Pricing Effective: 12/10/2004
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
Base 4-door sedan	$ 19,200	$ 17,568	$ 625
LS 4-door sedan	21,265	19,457	625
LS Maxx 4-door hatchback	21,465	19,640	625
LT 4-door sedan	24,060	22,015	625
LT Maxx 4-door hatchback	24,610	22,518	625
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
Base : 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, 205/65R15 tires, wheel covers
LS adds: 3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control, antilock brakes, cruise control, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, remote keyless entry, illuminated driver-side visor mirror, alloy wheels
LS Maxx adds: antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, adjustable rear seat, glass roof panel, cargo cover, 215/60R16 tires
LT adds to LS: front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, automatic climate control, remote starter, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, floormats, rear spoiler, fog lights, 215/60R16 tires
LT Maxx adds: adjustable rear seat, rear radio controls, glass roof panel, cargo cover, rear wiper

Overview

Yearly Updates

Engines

Road Test

Performance

Accommodations

Other

Total: 61

Specifications

NHTSA

HLDI

Trouble Spots

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Pricing

2006 Chevrolet Malibu	Pricing Effective: 05/26/2006
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
LS 4-door sedan	$ 16,365	$ 15,465	$ 625
0LT 4-door sedan	17,865	16,882	625
1LT 4-door sedan	18,365	17,355	625
2LT 4-door sedan	19,865	18,772	625
LT Maxx 4-door hatchback	20,165	19,056	625
LTZ 4-door sedan	23,065	21,796	625
LTZ Maxx 4-door sedan	23,465	22,174	625
SS 4-door sedan	22,865	21,607	625
SS Maxx 4-door sedan	23,265	21,985	625
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
LS : 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, 205/65R15 tires, wheel covers
0LT adds: leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, upgraded sound system, illuminated driver-side visor mirror, map lights, 215/60R16 tires
1LT adds: remote starting, floormats
2LT/LT Maxx adds: 3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, adjustable rear seat (Maxx), glass roof panel (Maxx), cargo cover (Maxx)
LTZ/LTZ Maxx adds: front side airbags, curtain side airbags, automatic climate control, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors, rear radio controls (Maxx), automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, rear wiper (Maxx), fog lights, rear spoiler, 225/50R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels
SS/SS Maxx adds to 2LT/LT Maxx: 3.9-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, automatic climate control, leather/cloth upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, rear radio controls (Maxx), fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/50R18 tires, alloy wheels, (Deletes heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat)

2007 Chevrolet Malibu	Pricing Effective: 04/13/2007
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
LS 4-door sedan	$ 17,215	$ 16,268	$ 650
1LT 4-door sedan	18,435	17,421	650
2LT 4-door sedan	20,145	19,037	650
LT Maxx 4-door hatchback	20,575	19,443	650
LTZ 4-door sedan	23,675	22,373	650
LTZ Maxx 4-door sedan	23,710	22,406	650
SS 4-door sedan	23,470	22,179	650
SS Maxx 4-door sedan	23,915	22,600	650
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
LS : 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, daytime running lights, air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, 205/65R15 tires, wheel covers
1LT adds: leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, upgraded sound system, illuminated driver-side visor mirror, map lights, floormats, 215/60R16 tires
2LT/LT Maxx adds: 3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, remote engine start (Maxx), fold-flat passenger seat (Maxx), adjustable rear seat (Maxx), glass roof panel (Maxx)
LTZ/LTZ Maxx adds: front side airbags, automatic climate control, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors, rear radio controls (Maxx), remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, cargo cover (Maxx), rear wiper (Maxx), fog lights, rear spoiler, 225/50R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels
SS/SS Maxx adds to 2LT/LT Maxx: 3.9-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, front side airbags, automatic climate control, leather/cloth upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, rear radio controls (Maxx), remote engine start, cargo cover (Maxx), fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/50R18 tires, alloy wheels, (Deletes fold-flat passenger seat)