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2004 Chevrolet Malibu
Date Published: 3/13/08

2004 Chevrolet Malibu
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MSRP:
$18,770 - 24,100

Invoice:
$17,175 - 22,052

Class:
Midsize Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2004 Chevrolet Malibu
Expert Rating Summary
Category Base Rating (See All
Ratings)
Midsize Car Average Rating
Acceleration 4 5.2
Fuel Economy 6 5.3
Ride Quality 6 6.2
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 6.1
Quietness 6 5.8
Controls 8 6.4
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 5 4.5
Cargo Room 4 4.6
Value within Class 6 6
Total Score: 58 56.1
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2004 Chevrolet Malibu Review
Malibu is redesigned for 2004, returning as a 4-dr sedan and adding a companion hatchback body style. New features include available remote-control engine starting and, in the hatchback, a rear seat that slides fore/aft 7 inches. The restyled Malibu shares its new platform with the near-luxury 9-3 sedan from GM's Saab brand. Malibu's base sedan has a 145-hp 4-cyl engine. LS and LT sedans use a 200-hp V6. The hatchback is called Maxx and has a 6-inch-longer wheelbase than the sedan but a slightly shorter body. LS and LT trim levels are offered; both come standard with the V6. A 4-speed automatic is Malibu's only transmission. ABS in tandem with traction control is optional on the base sedan, standard on other Malibus; the Maxx adds 4-wheel disc brakes. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard on LT sedan and LT Maxx, optional on others. All models come with a power driver-seat height adjuster, tilt/telescope steering column, and power windows/locks/mirrors. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, OnStar assistance, satellite radio, and heated front seats are available. The remote starter works via the keyfob from up to 200 ft. Both body styles have a fold-flat front passenger seat and split folding rear seatbacks. The Maxx's rear seat has reclining seatbacks and slides to favor cargo space or rear leg room. Its height-adjustable rigid cargo cover doubles as a tailgate table. Maxx also has a glass skylight over the rear seat and is available with rear DVD entertainment.
News
GM says Malibu will offer a hybrid-power option for 2006. It appears this will be a Chevy exclusive among GM cars and perhaps a domestic-brand first among all cars. The Malibu will be a so-called "mild hybrid," with an electric motor/battery pack functioning as a starter/generator and to assist the normal gasoline engine in full-throttle acceleration. Honda's Insight and Civic hybrid use a similar system. No word on exact specifications or price, but GM expects a 12-15 percent fuel-economy gain for EPA-rated city mileage of at least 25 mpg. By contrast, GM also promises a Malibu SS with extra power and sportier handling. It could an '05 addition.

GM recently announced that Malibu bumpers would be strengthened after early cars rated "poor" in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an insurance industry-funded research organization. The rating refers to post-crash repair costs, not occupant protection. Among six midsize sedans in the test group, Malibu was next to last with combined repair costs of $3807. According to GM officials quoted last March by trade weekly Automotive News, the sturdier bumpers would be in production by June 2004.
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