CHEVROLET MALIBU

OVERVIEW

• Manufacturer: General Motors
• Model years:

1964–1983

1997–present

BODY AND CHASSIS

• Class: Mid-size car
• Layout:

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1964–1983)

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1997–present)

CHRONOLOGY

• Predecessor: Chevrolet Chevelle

POWERTRAIN (PRESENT)

• Engine:

1.35 L L3T I3 turbo (gasoline)[74]

1.5 L LFV I4 turbo (gasoline)

1.8 L LKN I4 hybrid (gasoline)

2.0 L LTG I4 turbo (gasoline)

2.0 L LSY I4 (turbo gasoline)

(China 535T; 2019–present)

• Transmission:

6-speed GM 6T45 automatic

8-speed Aisin AWF8F45 automatic (2016 only)

9-speed GM 9T50 (M3E) (2017-)

GM Voltec 5ET50 (MKE) (2016-2019) Multi-mode two motor, electronic continuously-variable automatic transaxle (Hybrid model)

GM CVT250 (MRG) CVT (2019-)

DIMENSIONS (PRESENT)

• Wheelbase:4 in (2,830 mm)
• Length:8 in (4,923 mm)
• Width:0 in (1,854 mm)
• Height:3 in (1,455 mm)
• Curb weight: 3,086–3,457 lb (1,400–1,568 kg)

INFORMATION ABOUT CHEVROLET MALIBU

The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and since 1997.

The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in February 1997.

Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu was marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally.

HISTORY

• First generation (Chevelle Malibu, 1964)

Malibus were generally available in a full range of bodystyles including a four-door sedan, two-door Sport Coupe hardtop, convertible and two-seat station wagon. Interiors were more lavish than lesser Chevelle 300 and 300 Deluxe models thanks to patterned cloth and vinyl upholstery (all-vinyl in convertibles and station wagons), deep-twist carpeting, deluxe steering wheel and other items.

• Second generation (Chevelle Malibu, 1968)

Malibus and all other Chevelles were completely restyled for 1968 with semi-fastback rooflines on two-door hardtops and wheelbases split to 112 inches (2,800 mm)} on two-door models and 116 for four-door sedans and station wagons. Engine offerings included a new 307 cu in (5.0 L) V8 rated at 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) that replaced the 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 that had served as the base V8 since the Chevelle’s introduction in 1964.

Inside was a new instrument panel featuring round gauges in square pods similar to what would appear in Camaros the following year. New for 1968 was the Concours luxury option for Malibu sedans and coupes that included upgraded cloth or vinyl bench seats, carpeted lower door panels, woodgrain trim on dash and door panels, a center console and floor shifter (only with the hardtop and convertible, which was shared with the SS396) and Concours nameplates.

• Third generation (Chevelle Malibu, 1973)

Models included the base Deluxe, mid-range Malibu & Malibu SS and the top-line Laguna.

• Fourth generation (1978)

The new, more efficient platform was over a foot shorter and had shed 500 to 1,000 pounds (230 to 450 kg) compared to previous versions, yet offered increased trunk space, leg room, and head room. Only two trim levels were offered – Malibu and Malibu Classic.

The Malibu Classic Landau series had a two-tone paint job on the upper and lower body sections, and a vinyl top.

• Fifth generation (1997)

A new front-wheel drive Malibu was introduced in February 1997, midway through the 1997 model year on an extended wheelbase version of the GM N platform shared with the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva, Oldsmobile Alero, and Pontiac Grand Am as a competitor to the perennial stalwarts the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry which were the best sellers in the midsize market.

• Sixth generation (2004)

The Malibu name was moved to GM’s new Epsilon platform based on the 2002 Opel Vectra C for 2004.

The Epsilon-based Malibu came in two bodystyles, a standard 4-door sedan and a 5-door Malibu Maxx hatchback (the first mid-size Chevrolet hatchback since the 1989 Chevrolet Corsica).

The Malibu Maxx has a fixed glass roof panel over the rear seats with a retractable sunshade, and an optional glass panel sunroof over the front seats and was similar in execution to the Opel Signum, a large hatchback derived from the Vectra C.

• Seventh generation (2008)

The Malibu was extensively redesigned and re-engineered for model year 2008, with styling by Bryan Nesbitt. GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz was determined to make the nameplate competitive with Japanese mid-size cars.

The seventh generation Malibu uses a variant of the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform shared with the Saturn Aura, the Opel Signum, and Pontiac G6. It is assembled in Kansas City, Kansas.

• Eighth generation (2013)

The new Malibu became a global vehicle, replacing both the North American Malibu and GM Korea vehicles previously sold around the world. The Malibu was unveiled as a show car simultaneously at Auto Shanghai in China and on Facebook, on April 18, 2011.

• Ninth generation (2016)

The updated Malibu featured a sleeker, yet larger design similar to its full sized Impala. The wheelbase was increased almost four inches, creating more interior space; but the fuel efficiency is improved, as it is nearly 300 pounds lighter than the eighth generation model. The 2016 Malibu was offered in four trims: L, LS, LT, and Premier (replacing the LTZ trim).

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR CHEVROLET MALIBU

• 7,500 Miles

This will be your first auto maintenance appointment, and it’s a pretty easy one.

When you reach this mileage, on top of the previously listed services, you’ll need to have your passenger compartment air filter replaced. The next time you’ll need to have this replaced is at 45,000 miles.

• 22,500 Miles

When you reach this mileage, on top of the previously listed services, you’ll need to have your passenger compartment air filter replaced.

• 45,000 Miles

Other than the oil change, tire rotation, and passenger compartment air filter, you’ll need to have your evaporative control system inspected. You’ll also need to have your engine air cleaner filter replaced.

• 60,000 Miles

At this mileage, if your Chevy Malibu has a 2.0-liter engine, you’ll need to have your spark plugs inspected and possibly replaced. The next time you’ll need your spark plugs inspected/replaced is at 120,000 miles.

• 97,500 Miles

If you drive a Malibu that doesn’t have a 2.0-liter engine, this is the point when you’ll have your spark plugs inspected and replaced. You should also have an oil change and a tire rotation during this scheduled visit.

• 150,000 Miles

At this point, you’re a pro at your Chevy Malibu’s maintenance schedule! During this time, other than an oil change and a tire rotation, you’ll have to add some new things to the list. When you hit 150,000 miles, you’ll need your engine cooling system drained and refilled. Your accessory drive belts should also be inspected thoroughly, and you’ll need to have your brake fluid replaced.

Source: wikipedia, ginnchevy.