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Summary
The Chevrolet Malibu has all the size, room, features and conveniences a middle-of-the-market sedan needs to be competitive, and the fits and finishes inside and out are world-class. Chevrolet has indeed built a car we can't ignore. We think the new Chevy Malibu stands up well to the best in its class, including the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report after test driving Malibu models around Memphis and down into Mississippi; with Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles and Kirk Bell from Chicago.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Chevrolet Malibu LS ($21,605), Malibu 1LT ($22,505), Malibu 2LT ($24,705), Malibu LTZ ($26,880), Malibu Hybrid ($25,555) |
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Engines:
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2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4 |
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Transmissions:
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6-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain side airbags, ABS with brake assist, traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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none |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Kansas City, Kansas |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Chevrolet Malibu LTZ sedan ($26,880) |
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Standard Equipment:
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automatic climate control, leather upholstery, cruise control, 8-way power driver's seat, 6-way power passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power windows, power heated mirrors, auto-dimming driver's side exterior mirror, power locks, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescoping a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, eight-speaker 210-watt AM/FM/CD stereo, XM satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, iPod adapter, outside temperature display, automatic headlights, one year of OnStar assistance with Turn-by-Turn navigation, floor mats, faux suede upholstery, heated front seats, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass, Bluetooth connectivity, remote engine starting, fog lights, clear-lens LED taillamps, P225/50R18 tires, alloy wheels |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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metallic paint ($295); power sunroof ($800 |
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Destination Charge:
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650 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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28625 |
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Layout:
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front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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169 @ 6400 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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160 @ 4500 |
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Transmission:
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6-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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22/33 |
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Wheelbase:
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112.3 |
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Length/width/height:
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191.8/70.3/57.1 |
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Track, f/r:
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59.6/60.0 |
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Turning circle:
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40.4 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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39.4/53.0/42.2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.2/52.1/37.6 |
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Cargo volume:
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15.1 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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Suspension, f:
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independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, four-link, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
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Ground clearance:
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Curb weight:
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3436 |
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Tires:
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P225/50R18 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc with ABS, EBD |
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Fuel capacity:
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16.3 |
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