2005 Chevrolet Malibu: Road Test
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2005 Chevrolet Malibu ▼
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- MSRP: $19,200 -$24,610
- Invoice: $17,568 -$22,518
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Our road test for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu help you decide if a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
The 4-cyl is adequate around town, feels weak in highway passing. V6 is more robust, but neither engine as lively or refined as those in Japanese-brand rivals. Transmission smooth, but must shift frequently to keep 4-cyl in its power band.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
No opportunity yet to measure 4-cyl sedans, but it should be similar to test V6 sedans, which averaged 20.9-23.7 mpg depending on driving conditions. Test LT Maxx averaged 21.2 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Chevy recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Well-isolated from bumps, yet with little wallow or float on wavy roads. Rear tires sometimes thump over expansion joints.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Rigid body and taut suspension help Malibu corner with agility and confidence. Larger wheels give the LT sedan and Maxx impressive grip in tight corners, where base and LS sedan's smaller tires complain loudly. Electric-assist steering delivers good road feel. Brakes adequate, but ABS should be standard on all Malibus.
QUIETNESS
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Engines nearly silent at cruise, but 4-cyl sounds strained when passing and V6 drones under acceleration. Wind and road noise well-muted at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Large, clear gauges. Conveniently located and clearly marked audio and climate controls highlight well-designed interior. Most materials impress, but center armrest lid is flimsy. Optional remote-start feature works as advertised and is integrated with standard antitheft system.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Standard power-height seat adjuster and tilt/telescope steering wheel afford excellent driving position, augmented by optional power-adjustable pedals. Head and leg room acceptable for large adults, but not outstanding. Outward visibility good, enhanced by large outside mirrors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 4.7 |
Sedan passengers have adequate leg room, but low seat bottom makes them ride knees up, and taller adults will want more head room. Maxx offers outstanding leg room rivaling that of large sedans, plus useful reclining seatbacks and easy entry/exit through large doors. It's also among the few cars in its class offering a rear DVD system. Seats comfortable, if a bit soft.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 7 | 4.5 |
Sedan trunk has adequate volume for class and low liftover. Maxx's rear seat slides ahead for generous space. Both body styles have folding rear seatbacks and, for really long items, a fold-flat front-passenger seat. Interior storage unexceptional, though.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 5.7 |
Chevrolet aims Malibu at Honda Accord and Toyota Camry buyers. While the sedan is a bit smaller than those rivals, the versatile Maxx offers more rear-seat room than either. Malibu's 4-cyl engine disappoints, but the V6 versions combine good pep with competent road manners and an impressive list of available features.
Total Score
| Base | LT sdn | LT Maxx | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 61 | 68 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 62
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