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Chevrolet Malibu sedan with V6 power scores as a bargain buy
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Good driving characteristics, sharp styling and comfortable accommodations combine with attractive prices to make the Malibu sedan a best-seller for the Chevrolet brand of General Motors.
With four doors and seats for five plus a pair of trim choices, the Malibu ranks in size among Chevrolet's sedans between the larger mid-size Lumina and a budget-priced Cavalier subcompact. The 107-inch wheelbase implies that Malibu could fit at the elongated end of the compact class, yet there's so much interior space that it officially moves into the mid-size car category.
The original Malibu nameplate showed up in 1968 with the Malibu Super Sport coupe or sedan derivatives from the mid-size Chevrolet Chevelle. It was a hot item in the early years, ultimately accounting for millions upon millions of sales until the demise in 1983.
The current design, based on a platform that first appeared in Chevy's lineup of 1997, has become a popular choice for dependable family transportation because it presents a genuine value due to Malibu's pleasant personality and convenient features usually found only on a list of optional equipment. These Malibu standards include air conditioning, form-fitting front bucket seats separated by a center console, analog instruments with tachometer, a tilting steering column and stereo sound kit.
Chevrolet equipped the modern Malibu with either a thrifty four-cylinder or more powerful V6 engine, although few chose the four-pack. For Malibu 2000 models, the smaller four-cylinder engine has been deleted and a revamped 3.1-liter V6 becomes the sole powerplant.
It delivers 20 more power points than the previous V6 for a net output of 170 hp.
Fresh styling points on Malibu begin at the front fascia with a new grille and emblem modified to resemble the new face of a larger Impala. A new two-piece trim element etches along side doors and new body-color mud guards fit discreetly behind each wheelwell.
Revised bolt-on wheel covers or optional new aluminum wheels also decorate the 2000 editions, and for the top model a new spoiler for the rear decklid is now available.
The design of Malibu's prow dips low, the front grille appears narrow to match slits of aero-style headlamps and the hoodline forms a bold sloping plane that leads up to canted contours of the windshield.
Compared against extreme statements, Malibu's form grows from more conventional architecture. Thus, the overall appearance seems rooted in mainstream taste, and the interior also caters to a broad audience.
The interior of this year's Malibu presents subtle improvements with fresh fabric covering the seats, a large new glovebox set in the front dash, and new handles now anchored above doors to assist passengers when slipping into or out of the car.
Standard layout for both the Malibu and an upscale LS trim includes two front bucket seats followed by a rear bench with room for three adult riders.
Foundation of the Malibu begins with a safety-cage superstructure containing crash crumple zones fore and aft and cross braces to curb frame squeaks, plus a front frame cradle in place to attach suspension elements.
The four-wheel independent suspension system includes MacPherson struts in front and a tri-link rear design, with front and rear stabilizer bars checking body sway.
Quick-to-respond rack and pinion steering with power assistance is also aboard, along with power brakes with front discs rigged with aluminum calipers and rear drums.
Anti-lock controls for brakes tie to every wheel as standard safety equipment on Malibu. Additional safety elements reach to dual air bags for front riders, daytime running lights, child-safe rear door locks and steel bracing added to each side door.
The revised V6 engine, constructed from a cast-iron block and equipped with sequential fuel injection, earns respectable fuel economy figures that rise as high as 30 mpg for highway driving. Still, this Malibu delivers a power punch due to the substantial torque mustered at relatively low engine speeds.
Tap the throttle and Malibu romps. All of that torque is handy for accelerating quickly in a freeway on-ramp or for passing slower vehicles at speed.
The four-speed automatic transmission, GM's electronically-controlled 4T40-E, operates with quiet efficiency in virtually seamless shift patterns.
A powertrain control module in this transmission monitors various operating conditions ranging from altitude to ambient temperature and then automatically calculates optimum shift points to maximize efficiency.
Drive the Malibu, as we did on a network of urban and rural roads strung across North Carolina to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you too might mistake its poise and precise behavior for an import.
On a curvy course, it shows surprising agility.
Around every bend the chassis dips only a few degrees in deference to lateral forces of motion, as steering feels effortless but acts acutely.
Overall, the tightness of the structure and its compliant and controllable nature make the Malibu a fun car to drive, which is not the anticipated trait of a budget-minded machine designed for mass consumption.
It's also quite comfortable, even for extended seat time.
The two trim levels -- Malibu and LS -- begin with significant content, then expand to rather cushy dimensions.
Standard gear extends from fabric seat covers and air conditioning to a remote electric trunk release, the tilting steering column and an AM-FM stereo with digital clock.
The LS edition contains power controls for windows and door locks, along with six-way power buttons for the driver's bucket seat, a split-folding seatback for the rear bench, cruise control, remote keyless entry system, a cassette deck added to the sound system and exterior perks such as electric controls for mirrors, front foglamps and the aluminum wheels.
Optional gear on the LS includes a power sliding sunroof, leather seat upholstery, decorative gold trim elements and the tail spoiler.
Malibu's bottom line begins at $16,445 for the base edition, plus a $550 delivery fee, with the Malibu LS listing for $19,215. Max it out with options and the LS caps around $22,000, which is still thousands less than comparably equipped imports with V6 powertrains.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size sedan
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| Model Options: |
Mid-size sedan
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| Wheelbase: |
107.0 inches
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| Overall Length: |
190.4 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 3.1-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4
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| Drive: |
Front
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| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS
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| Airbags: |
2 (front)
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| Gas Mileage: |
20/30 mpg
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| Price: |
$ 17,000 to $ 22,000
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