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Image credits: © Chevrolet. GM Corp
MSRP: $21,975-27,015
Invoice: $20,875-25,665
2011 Chevrolet Malibu news, pictures, and information | ||
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AWARD-WINNING MALIBU GROWS CHEVY'S MIDSIZE PASSENGER CAR PRESENCE, IS ONLY MIDSIZE SEDAN WITH STANDARD NAVIGATION
Since its introduction as an all-new model for the 2008 model year, the Chevrolet Malibu has continued to earn praise from consumers, automotive critics and experts. Malibu was recently named a Best Buy by Consumers Digest for the second year in a row, and a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2010. That's on top of 2008 North American Car of the Year honors by automotive journalists, and more than 40 other awards since the car's introduction.More importantly, the proof of Malibu's success is on the road, because consumer demand for Malibu has been steadily increasing. Since its launch, Malibu has doubled Chevrolet's share of the fiercely competitive midsize car market, and average transaction prices have climbed almost $3,000. Sales were up 39 percent in the first quarter of 2010.
'The Malibu continues to be a very powerful challenger in the midsize §egmènt by providing customers wîth a gorgeous, fuel-efficient sedan packed wîth value-added amenities,' said Jim Campbell, Ú.S. vice president, Chevrolet marketing. 'Word is out that Malibu delivers a lot of car for the money, and the result is that we are bringing new customers to Chevrolet every day, as well as those who may not have driven a Chevrolet in a while.'
New for 2011
Malibu's 2011 model year changes include:• The fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all models; previously it was only available on the LT and LTZ models. Malibu no longer offers a four-speed automatic
• TAPshift manual shift control now standard on all models
• 17-inch bright finish aluminum wheels are standard on Malibu 1LT
• 18-inch Chrome Tech aluminum wheels are included in Malibu 2LT V-6 package
• OnStar 9.0 hardware, which offers improved voice recognition and six months of uplevel Directions and Connections service including Turn-by-Turn navigation, making Malibu the only midsize car that offers standard navigation service.
The 2011 Malibu is offered in three well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ – all wîth a standard, fuel-efficient, four-cylinder 2.4L Ecotec engine and six-speed transmission that deliver 33 mpg highway. A 252-horsepower 3.6L V-6 is available on 2LT and LTZ models. Chevrolet expects that about 60 percent of customers will choose either the 1LT or 2LT model.
Also standard on all Malibu models are four-wheel anti-lock brakes; StabiliTrak electronic stability control; AM/FM stereo wîth CD player and MP3 playback; XM Satellite Radio; OnStar 9.0 wîth six months of Directions and Connections service and Turn-by-Turn Navigation; power height driver seat adjuster wîth power lumbar; Remote Keyless Entry and cruise control. A compact spare tire and jack assembly are available on all models.
On LS models, custom cloth front bucket seats are standard, along wîth 17-inch fascia spoke wheels wîth painted sterling silver trim. Bluetooth connectivity and carpeted front and rear floor mats are available.
Malibu 1LT adds §teering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; power body-color outside mirrors; 17-inch bright finish aluminum wheels, bright exterior accents and carpeted front and rear floor mats. Six-way power driver seat adjuster; remote vehicle start; Bluetooth connectivity; and an interface package including uplevel AM/FM stereo wîth ÚSB port and CD player and 110V AC rear power center are available.
Malibu 2LT models add 17-inch Chrome Tech aluminum wheels, ÚltraLux trim seats wîth heated six-way power driver and front passenger seat; remote vehicle starter system; leather-wrapped §teering wheel. Bluetooth connectivity for phone; and chrome exhaust tip. A premium floor and trunk mat package; interface package; premium eight-speaker Bose audio system and power sunroof are available. When the V-6 package is selected on the 2LT model, 18-inch Chrome Tech aluminum wheels are included.
The premium Malibu LTZ model adds front heated leather-appointed seats wîth eight-way power driver seat and six-way power passenger seat; AM/FM stereo wîth ÚSB port and MP3 playback; eight-speaker Bose premium audio system; automatic climate control; premium carpeted front and rear floor mats; power, heated body-color outside mirrors; fog lamps, 18-inch, 10-spoke bright aluminum wheels. A power sunroof and V-6 package are both optional.
Fuel-saving six-speed transmissions standard on all models for 2011
Malibu's 169-horsepower (126 kW) four-cylinder 2.4L Ecotec engine is partnered wîth a 6T40 six-speed transmission to deliver a great balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Malibu was the first midsize sedan to offer a standard four-cylinder/six-speed automatic transmission combination. EPA-estimated fuel economy for this DOHC powertrain wîth variable valve timing is 22 mpg in the city and an impressive 33 on the highway.
If more power is desired, Malibu 2LT and LTZ are available wîth the 3.6L V-6 VVT – a sophisticated, all-aluminum DOHC engine that uses variable valve technology to produce 252 horsepower (188 kW)* while delivering EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg in highway driving. It, too, is mated wîth a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
The Malibu six-speed transmissions enable a strong balance between performance and fuel efficiency, wîth the six forward gears offering optimized performance at all rpm levels, as well as reduced rpm at highway cruising speeds. Lower rpm can enhance fuel economy and reduce cabin noise. The six-speed transmissions also feature TAPshift, which enables the driver to shift manually through the gears.
All Malibu powertrains are backed by GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the best and most comprehensive in the .
Design
With its strong stance and bold proportions, the Malibu has a profile that reinforces its substantial feel. Clean, pure lines and wheels pushed to the corners, as well as a visually lower, yet longer, greenhouse and a shorter deck suggest motion, agility and attitude. The body sides are clean and elegant, interrupted only by distinctive, wheel-oriented forms that communicate an aggressive, stable stance and a rear profile wîth Corvette cues that connects to Chevrolet's rich performance heritage. .
The interior's attention to detail matches the Malibu's exterior, wîth an ergonomic design using premium materials that convey quality and value. The integrated, flowing instrument panel features a Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit design, wîth prominent gauges backlit in blue, and metallic or wood grain accents.
Engineering out the noise
Malibu's strong structure provides an exceptionally quiet environment. Along wîth the robust chassis, which minimizes vibration and noise, the body construction uses noise-reducing materials – such as liquid spray-on sound deadener, laminated steel and composite wheel liners – to deliver one the §egmènt's quietest, most refined driving experiences. Laminated 'quiet glass' also contributes to a quiet environment.
Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets enhances the Malibu's inviting feel. The overhead console-mounted LED floodlights provide subdued lighting to the center console area between the front seats.
Malibu also comes wîth a standard AM/FM stereo system CD player wîth MP3 playback capability and XM Satellite Radio. Available upgrades on certain models include a premium eight-speaker, Bose sound system that is standard on LTZ and available on 2LT.
Driving experience
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.4 L., 4-cylinder Power: 172 hp Torque: 167 ft-lbs Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder Power: 252 hp Torque: 251 ft-lbs | |
6-speed Automatic, 6-speed Automatic | |
GM's standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system uses sophisticated vehicle sensors tied to the anti-lock braking system to help the driver maintain control during certain maneuvers, especially ones of an emergency nature. The brake assistance feature provides full braking power when a panic-braking event is detected. This can reduce the braking distance, providing more control in helping to avoid a crash.
Steering response is precise and immediate, thanks to tuned §teering systems designed for each model. Malibu models equipped wîth the 2.4L engine use a variable electric power-assist §teering system, while V-6 models employ a hydraulic-assisted §teering system.
A family of 17- and 18-inch wheels is offered wîth Malibu, all tailored wîth a tight wheel-to-body relationship. LS models come wîth 17-inch fascia spoke wheels and for 2011, 1LT models feature 17-inch bright aluminum wheels. The 2LT V-6 package includes new 18-inch Chrome Tech aluminum wheels.
Safe and secure
The Malibu enhances its popularity as a family sedan wîth a comprehensive roster of standard and available features that helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. They include:
• Dual-stage driver and front passenger frontal air bags wîth GM Passenger Sensing System
• Standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes wîth StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, traction control and panic braking assist
• Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seats)
• Front seat-mounted thorax protection side air bags
• Front safety belt pretensioners
• LATCH child safety seat anchors
• Safety cage construction wîth strategic use of high-strength steel for structural integrity helps protect occupants; magnesium cross-car beams help improve protection in side-impact crashes
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• OnStar Automatic Crash Response.
For 2011, Malibu includes OnStar 9.0, which, in addition to ACR, features improved voice recognition technology, remote diagnostics, remote door unlock, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and six months of uplevel Directions and Connections service that includes Turn-By-Turn Navigation. It is the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar.
Malibu is the only midsize car that offers standard navigation. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live adviser, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. The directions also are displayed on the radio screen. This enables drivers to be guided to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
Malibu also offers OnStar eNav, which lets subscribers plan their trips on MapQuest.com and later and call them up from within the vehicle. The driver pushes the OnStar button and follows voice commands to retrieve the directions using OnStar's Turn-by-Turn voice navigation. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
*SAE certified.Source - Chevrolet
Named for Malibu, California, the Malibu name has had a distinct history that began in 1963 and continued for nearly 20 years. Following a thirteen-year break, the Chevy Malibu name once again appeared in 1996, and again in 2003 as the latest generation was presented.
The name Malibu was originally utilized as the description for Chevrolet's top series models in the Chevelle line in 1964. This line continued all the way up to the 1983 model year. A mid-sized vehicle, the Malibu is produced in the United States by General Motors. Attempting to stay smaller than the full-size Impala model, the Malibu is marketed in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Israel.
1964 was the original production year of the Chevelle Malibu. Production continued until 1972 and the Malibu was restyled for the 73 model year. The lineup included the base Chevelle Deluxe, mid-range Malibu and the top-line Laguna. The Deluxe was dropped in 1974 and the Malibu took the place as the entry-level Chevelle. The Malibu classic also replaced the Laguna trim package. Continuing until 197, the SS was introduced and replaced the Laguna S-3 model.
Except the Monte Carlo coupe, the Malibu name replaced the Chevelle name on all mid-sized Chevrolets for the 1978 model year. As this was the down-sized version in comparison to previous mid-sized Chevrolets, only two trim levels were available, Malibu and Malibu Classic. A total of three body-styles were introduced, the station wagon, coupe and sedan. In 1981, the two-door coupe, which was mnemonic of the 1964 Chevelle hardtop was last produced. Today this coupe has been a highly sought after collector item for drag racers.
Filling the void for mid-sized police vehicles, once the Chevrolet Nova ended production, the 9C1 police option was transferred to the 4-door Malibu line. A special order of Malibu sedans was also produced in 1981 by GM Canada, though this was eventually rejected due to quality concerns. These Malibu's were considered undesirable with the combination of the smallest V6 engine and a 3-speed manual transmission and the 'Iraqui Taxi's' were auctioned off to the public at an extremely reduced rate.
The final year that a Malibu Classic was marketed, the 82 Malibu shared GM's re-designated rear-wheel drive G platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Oldsmobile Cutlass. Before being replaced by the front-wheel drive Chevrolet Celebrity, 4-door sedan Malibu's were produced until 1983. The El Camino continued to be produced in 1987 though the sedan and wagon were soon phased out.
For 1997, the Malibu was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year. In the same year and an all new front-wheel drive Malibu built on an extended wheelbase version of the GM N platform was introduced. The Malibu shared the N platform the with Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Alero and Achieva and was produced at the Oklahoma City Assembly plant and the Wilmington Assembly plant. Production was eventually moved to Lansing, Michigan.
Before the Oldsmobile Alero, the Oldsmobile Cutlass was a clone of the Malibu as a stopgap vehicle and replaced the Chevy Corsica. Falling between the Cavalier and the Lumina in the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu has taken the place of the now discontinued Corsica. A high level of standard equipment is found in the Malibu, and due to the competitive nature of midsize sedan market, the price is highly aggressive.
An all-new, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan was introduced in 1997 for the model year.
Emphasized body edges are showcased in the present series, which is a mid-sized, 5-seat sedan that is constructed on the Epsilon chassis designed in Germany also used in the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3.
Malibu's were designed with a front grille with the Malibu logo in silver in the center from 97 to 99. The blue Chevrolet emblem on the front grille was placed on the 2000 to 2003 models. In 2000, the 3.1 L V6 was updated with 170 hp while the 4-cylinder was dropped. The 4-cylinder was reintroduced in 2004, while the N-body Malibu/Chevrolet Classic continued in production until 05.
In 2008, the Malibu is scheduled to be redesigned and built on the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform before being released to the public.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereModel Year ChangesThe name Malibu was originally utilized as the description for Chevrolet's top series models in the Chevelle line in 1964. This line continued all the way up to the 1983 model year. A mid-sized vehicle, the Malibu is produced in the United States by General Motors. Attempting to stay smaller than the full-size Impala model, the Malibu is marketed in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Israel.
1964 was the original production year of the Chevelle Malibu. Production continued until 1972 and the Malibu was restyled for the 73 model year. The lineup included the base Chevelle Deluxe, mid-range Malibu and the top-line Laguna. The Deluxe was dropped in 1974 and the Malibu took the place as the entry-level Chevelle. The Malibu classic also replaced the Laguna trim package. Continuing until 197, the SS was introduced and replaced the Laguna S-3 model.
Except the Monte Carlo coupe, the Malibu name replaced the Chevelle name on all mid-sized Chevrolets for the 1978 model year. As this was the down-sized version in comparison to previous mid-sized Chevrolets, only two trim levels were available, Malibu and Malibu Classic. A total of three body-styles were introduced, the station wagon, coupe and sedan. In 1981, the two-door coupe, which was mnemonic of the 1964 Chevelle hardtop was last produced. Today this coupe has been a highly sought after collector item for drag racers.
Filling the void for mid-sized police vehicles, once the Chevrolet Nova ended production, the 9C1 police option was transferred to the 4-door Malibu line. A special order of Malibu sedans was also produced in 1981 by GM Canada, though this was eventually rejected due to quality concerns. These Malibu's were considered undesirable with the combination of the smallest V6 engine and a 3-speed manual transmission and the 'Iraqui Taxi's' were auctioned off to the public at an extremely reduced rate.
The final year that a Malibu Classic was marketed, the 82 Malibu shared GM's re-designated rear-wheel drive G platform with the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Oldsmobile Cutlass. Before being replaced by the front-wheel drive Chevrolet Celebrity, 4-door sedan Malibu's were produced until 1983. The El Camino continued to be produced in 1987 though the sedan and wagon were soon phased out.
For 1997, the Malibu was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year. In the same year and an all new front-wheel drive Malibu built on an extended wheelbase version of the GM N platform was introduced. The Malibu shared the N platform the with Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Alero and Achieva and was produced at the Oklahoma City Assembly plant and the Wilmington Assembly plant. Production was eventually moved to Lansing, Michigan.
Before the Oldsmobile Alero, the Oldsmobile Cutlass was a clone of the Malibu as a stopgap vehicle and replaced the Chevy Corsica. Falling between the Cavalier and the Lumina in the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu has taken the place of the now discontinued Corsica. A high level of standard equipment is found in the Malibu, and due to the competitive nature of midsize sedan market, the price is highly aggressive.
An all-new, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan was introduced in 1997 for the model year.
Emphasized body edges are showcased in the present series, which is a mid-sized, 5-seat sedan that is constructed on the Epsilon chassis designed in Germany also used in the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3.
Malibu's were designed with a front grille with the Malibu logo in silver in the center from 97 to 99. The blue Chevrolet emblem on the front grille was placed on the 2000 to 2003 models. In 2000, the 3.1 L V6 was updated with 170 hp while the 4-cylinder was dropped. The 4-cylinder was reintroduced in 2004, while the N-body Malibu/Chevrolet Classic continued in production until 05.
In 2008, the Malibu is scheduled to be redesigned and built on the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform before being released to the public.By Jessica Donaldson
2011| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Chevrolet Impala | ($24,395-29,935) |
| Chrysler 200 | ($19,245-23,745) |
| Dodge Avenger | ($19,245-23,545) |
| Ford Fusion | ($19,695-28,505) |
| Honda Accord | ($21,180-31,735) |
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| Mitsubishi Galant | ($21,595-23,995) |
| Nissan Altima | ($19,900-30,100) |
| Subaru Legacy | ($19,995-31,395) |
| Toyota Camry | ($19,595-29,245) |
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| 2010 Malibu | 2012 Malibu |
