Brand-new for 1997, Chevrolet's midsize Malibu shared its basic structure with the Oldsmobile Cutlass, which was redesigned that same year. Borrowing its breezy name for a Chevrolet model that finally faded away after 1983, roughly replacing the Corsica, Malibu fit between the subcompact Cavalier and the midsize Lumina in both dimensions and price. Wheelbase was nearly three inches longer than Cavalier's, and just a fraction shorter than the Lumina. Overall, the Malibu measured 10 inches longer than a Cavalier but 10.5 inches shorter than the Lumina. Inside, Malibu offered slightly more front head room than either of its Chevrolet mates. The biggest difference came in rear leg room, with Malibu delivering 3.5 inches more than Cavalier and nearly 1.5 inches more than the otherwise-larger Lumina. Base and LS trim levels went on sale, each seating five. Base Malibus got a standard 150-horsepower, dual-overhead-camshaft 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 155-horsepower, 3.1-liter V6 was optional in the base model and standard in the LS edition. Both got a 4-speed automatic transmission with a floor-mounted shift lever. Standard equipment included dual airbags, antilock brakes, air conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering wheel, tachometer, and daytime running lights.The LS sedan added cruise control, remote keyless entry, split folding rear seat, alloy wheels. Each of those items was optional on the base Malibu.Traction control was not available, but the transmission offered a second-gear-start feature for better traction on slippery surfaces. Rivals included the Honda Accord, Dodge Stratus, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.