2005 Chevrolet Malibu Review (continued)
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Summary

The Chevrolet Malibu has a rock-solid driving personality, a nice ride, a quiet, comfortable cabin, and lots of safety features. The Malibu Maxx is a compelling alternative with its liftgate, adjustable rear seating, and the versatility of a small SUV, all in a package no larger than a mid-size sedan.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Michelle Krebs is based in Detroit, with Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Chevrolet Malibu ($18,995); sedan LS ($21,060); LT ($23,855): Maxx ($20,760); Maxx LS ($21,260); Maxx LT ($24,405)
Engines:	3.5-liter ohv 12-valve V6
Transmissions:	4-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual-stage frontal airbags; LATCH universal child seats anchors; seatbelt pretensioners
Saftey Equipment (optional):	seat-mounted side-impact and side curtain airbags; ABS; traction control
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Kansas City, Kansas

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Chevrolet Malibu LT ($23,855)
Standard Equipment:	automatic climate control; leather seats; heated front seats; 6-way power driver's seat; lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat; seat cushion storage pockets for outboard seating positions; leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; leather-wrapped shift knob; front and rear reading lights; remote keyless entry; remote vehicle starter; two illuminated vanity mirrors in front; fog lamps; power and heated outside rearview mirrors; body-color rocker moldings; rear spoiler; 16-inch tires and wheels; cruise control; front-reading lights; map pockets in the backs of the fronts seats; power adjustable pedals; six-speaker stereo with RDS; cargo net; illuminated driver-side vanity mirror; vanity passenger-side mirror; body-color moldings; power windows, door locks and outside mirrors; tilt/telescoping steering column; seat-mounted side-impact and side curtain airbags
Options As Tested (MSRP):	1SB package ($905) includes power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink, XM Satellite Radio; AM/FM/6CD ($300); OnStar ($695) includes 1-year Safe & Sound subscription
Destination Charge:	625
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	26705
Layout:	front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	200 @ 5400
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	220 @ 3200
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	23/32
Wheelbase:	106.3
Length/width/height:	188.3/69.9/57.5
Track, f/r:	60.0/59.3
Turning circle:	36.0
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.6/53.2/41.9
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.6/52.4/38.5
Cargo volume:	15.4
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:	independent, 4-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:	6.1
Curb weight:	3476
Tires:	P215/60R16
Brakes, f/r:	vented discs/discs w ABS, Dynamic Rear Proportioning (EBD)
Fuel capacity:	16.3