Introduced as a 2004 model, the all-new Malibu and Malibu Maxx made an immediate impression. The clean lines of the Malibu sedan were recognized as crisply tailored and the unique extended sedan design of the Malibu Maxx attracted customers while defying classification.

Malibu delivers the performance and versatility of the best midsize sedans with the dependability and value that customers expect from Chevrolet. Plus, the Malibu adapts to different individuals and lifestyles with two body styles, flexible interiors and a full range of driver personalization features.

From the B-pillar forward, the Malibu sedan and Malibu Maxx are identical. Rearward of the B-pillar, the two differ substantially. The five-door Malibu Maxx rides on a wheelbase that is 6 inches (15.2 cm) longer than the Malibu sedan, while its overall length is a half-inch (1.3 cm) shorter. The result is a spacious interior for a car its size.

Performance

"Anyone who has driven the previous version of the Malibu will immediately notice a firmer, quieter, more linear feel in the ride and handling of the new generation," said Gene Stefanyshyn, vehicle line executive for the Malibu and Malibu Maxx. Malibu's dynamic performance and refined composure starts with its foundation - the General Motors Epsilon global architecture. The Malibu and its Malibu Maxx stablemate were the first North American applications of the Epsilon architecture, which also provides the foundation for the Saab 9-3, Opel Vectra and the forthcoming Pontiac G6.

The powertrain choices for the Malibus help bring out the best of the new architecture. The Malibu sedan gets power and fuel efficiency from its standard 144 horsepower (107 kw), 2.2L, dual-overhead-cam Ecotec four-cylinder engine. The LS and LT models of the Malibu and Malibu Maxx feature the new GM 3500 3.5L, overhead-valve V-6, with 200 horsepower (149 kw). All Malibus come with the smooth-shifting Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed electronic automatic transmission. Combined with the broad torque curve of Malibu’s four- and six-cylinder engines, the result is strong performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

An independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a four-link independent rear suspension underpin Malibu. All Malibu models are equipped with power brakes and electric power steering (EPS) with variable assist for low- and high-speed steering maneuvers.

In addition to the vibration-reducing properties of the Epsilon architecture, Malibu has a host of noise-elimination features, including a cast foam-rubber barrier covering the dash panel; a modular noise-dampening plate in the dash panel; a fiberglass-composite hood insulator; and front and rear “glove-fit” carpet floor modules.

High standards

Every Malibu features a high level of standard equipment. A power driver’s seat height adjuster, tilt/telescoping steering column, CD-equipped audio system, power windows, door locks and mirrors are standard on all Malibus. Power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and manual lumbar support are standard on LS and LT models, and available on the base Malibu sedan. Many of these features are not standard, or even available, in other cars in the Malibu’s class.

Malibu is also the first car in its class to offer an optional factory-installed remote vehicle starter system, allowing the driver to get a head start on the car’s interior heating and cooling from a range of about 200 feet (61 m).

Genuine versatility

Malibu can be a cargo carrier by day and a refined, comfortable people-hauler by night, or the other way around. Use of space is the key. In the sedan body style, Malibu is roomy, measuring out at 101 cubic feet (2,871L) of space for passengers. With a 60/40-split/folding rear seat and a fold-flat front passenger seat, a variety of items will fit fully inside Malibu, including long items such as ladders and snow skis.

The rear seats in Malibu Maxx slide nearly 7 inches (17.8 cm) fore and aft and are split 60/40 not just in the seat back, but also the seat cushion, to further increase comfort. The rear seat backs recline, allowing different sized rear passengers to tailor their seating position in a similar way a front-seat passenger can. The Malibu Maxx has a generous 106 cubic feet (3,002L) of passenger space and a luxurious 41 inches (104 cm) of legroom with the seats pushed all the way back – legroom comparable to a full-size domestic luxury sedan.

The Malibu Maxx also features a standard fixed-rear glass skylight that provides a spacious, open atmosphere over the rear seats. Both driver- and passenger-side rear occupants have the option of opening or closing a standard split/retractable shade to control the amount of light coming through the skylight.

The Malibu Maxx’s rear cargo area features a standard power outlet and a multi-functional cargo panel with four positions for two-tier loading. The cargo panel also can be positioned as a table for picnics or tailgate parties. Hooks on the cargo panel help secure smaller items, and cargo nets on each side of the cargo area, also unique to the Malibu Maxx, help keep items from sliding around.

Comfort for rear-seat passengers for all Malibu models is enhanced with a heating/air conditioning system designed for their needs. In addition to airflow to the feet, two vents on the center of the dash – dubbed “turbo blasters” by the car’s engineers – are designed to pour generous amounts of heated or cooled air directly into the back seat.

Three levels of audio system offerings are available on the Malibu, including an uplevel radio with an in-dash, six-CD changer, six speakers (including two tweeters on the A-pillar), automatic volume and tone controls, and XM Satellite Radio compatibility (continental U.S. only). Malibu Maxx adds the option of a rear-seat audio system or a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system, both complete with wireless headphones.

Style

Malibu features crisp, clean lines that highlight a space-efficient and aerodynamic exterior. Crystalline-like headlamp lenses and a chrome front bar and gold Chevy bowtie highlight these contemporary lines. Compared with its predecessor, the new Malibu has a slightly wider stance and a much more substantial front end. The exterior is a fresh direction that honors Chevrolet’s heritage while allowing European influence in execution.

The interior features a Chevrolet-signature dual cockpit design with luxury features and an overall sense of quality and attention to detail. Seating in the Malibu has the look and feel of an upscale European sedan with comfortable, firm foam padding to give occupants a solid, secure ride that matches the car’s nimble performance.

Safety and strength

Engineers made extensive use of high-strength steel in strategic areas of the body and developed energy-absorbing front and rear crush zones to help obtain impressive structural performance for safety.

OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt analog system and external antenna for greater reception. 

The OnStar service available on the 2005 Malibu and Malibu Maxx also includes the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to 911 centers to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. ACCN does not require air bag deployment.

Other safety features in the Malibu include: