2005 Chevrolet Malibu Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

This midsize Chevrolet comes as a 4-dr sedan and as a 4-dr hatchback called Malibu Maxx. Malibu Maxx has a 6-inch-longer wheelbase than the sedan, but is not as long overall. Both share some underskin structure with the Pontiac G6 and the premium-compact 9-3 models from GM's Saab brand. Malibu sedans and hatchbacks feature LS and LT models with a 200-hp V6. The sedan adds an entry-level base model with a 145-hp 4-cyl engine. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. ABS bundled with traction control is optional for the base sedan, standard on other Malibus. Maxx and LT sedan models have 4-wheel disc brakes. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard for LTs, optional on other models; for 2005, they include front side torso airbags. All models come with a power height adjustment for the driver seat, tilt/telescope steering column, and power windows/locks/mirrors. Among options are power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, OnStar assistance, satellite radio, and heated cloth front seats. Also available is a remote starter that turns on the engine via the keyfob up to 200 ft away. Both body styles have a fold-flat front-passenger seat and split folding rear seatbacks. The Maxx's rear seat also reclines and slides fore and aft to favor cargo space or rear leg room. Also standard for Maxx are a glass skylight over the rear seat, a rigid cargo cover/tailgate table, and for '05, a rear wiper on LT versions. Rear DVD entertainment is an exclusive Maxx option.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

News

Malibu and Malibu Maxx will each add an SS version for 2006. Chevrolet confirms the package will include a new 240-hp 3.9-liter V6, plus sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels and sporty styling add-ons. Regular models may get a few changes too, but sources see nothing major coming for the next couple of years. A rumored hybrid-power option remains just that--a rumor--at least for the near-term. GM execs feel they can help more people save more gas by "hybridizing" their full-size pickups and SUVs, and will keep focusing their efforts accordingly.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Engine noise (4 cyl)

Ride

Rear-seat room (Maxx)

Rear-seat entry/exit (Maxx)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		45
Average Score		56
High Score		71

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 12/10/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$19,200	$17,568	$625

LS 4-door sedan	$21,265	$19,457	$625

LS Maxx 4-door hatchback	$21,465	$19,640	$625

LT 4-door sedan	$24,060	$22,015	$625

LT Maxx 4-door hatchback	$24,610	$22,518	$625

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 205/65R15 tires, wheel covers.

LS adds to Base:

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, remote keyless entry, illuminated driver-side visor mirror.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

LS Maxx adds to LS:

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Adjustable rear seat, glass roof panel, cargo cover.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

215/60R16 tires.

LT adds to LS:

Safety

Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, remote starter, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, fog lights, 215/60R16 tires.

LT Maxx adds to LT:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Adjustable rear seat, rear radio controls, glass roof panel, cargo cover, rear wiper.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
LT, LT Maxx	$1,310	$1,179
Power sunroof, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage-door opener.

Preferred Equipment Group 1SC
Base	$1,295	$1,166
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB plus bodyside moldings, alloy wheels.

Sport Appearance Pkg.
LS	$1,050	$945
LT, LT Maxx	$840	$756
LS Maxx	$1,175	$1,058
Front mud guards, rear spoiler (LS, LS Maxx), 215/60R16 tires (LS), chrome alloy wheels.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
Base, LS, LS Maxx	$690	$621
Includes front side airbags.

Antilock brakes
Base	$400	$360
Includes traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
LS, LS Maxx, LT, LT Maxx	$695	$625
Includes one-year service. LS, LS Maxx require Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. NA Base.

Power sunroof
LS, LS Maxx, LT, LT Maxx	$725	$653
LS, LS Maxx require Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. NA Base.

Heated front seats
Base, LS, LS Maxx	$275	$248
Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Remote starter
Base, LS, LS Maxx	$150	$135
Base requires cruise control.

Upgraded sound system
Base	$125	$113


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Base, LS, LS Maxx, LT, LT Maxx	$300	$270
Base requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Satellite radio
LS, LS Maxx, LT, LT Maxx	$325	$293
Requires monthly service fee after 3rd month. Base requires Preferred Equipment Group or upgraded sound system.

Rear-seat entertainment system
LS Maxx, LT Maxx	$995	$896
Includes DVD/CD player, headphones. LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Cruise control
Base	$425	$383
Includes remote keyless entry.

Floormats
Base, LS, LS Maxx	$80	$72


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
Base, LS	$175	$158
Base Preferred Equipment Group 1SC.

Engine-block heater
Base, LS, LS Maxx, LT, LT Maxx	$35	$32


Chrome alloy wheels
LS, LS Maxx, LT, LT Maxx	$695	$625
LS includes 215/60R16 tires. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB. NA Base.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Malibu 4-door sedan	Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 4-door hatchback

Wheelbase, in.	106.3	112.3

Overall Length, in.	188.3	187.8

Overall Width, in.	69.9	69.8

Overall Height, in.	57.5	58.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	3174	3458

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.4	41.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.3	16.4

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9	41.9

Rear Head Room, in.	37.6	39.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.5	41.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.2 /134	3.5 /213

Horsepower @ rpm.	145 @ 5600	200 @ 5400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	155 @ 4000	220 @ 3200

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	24/35	22/32

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Malibu 4-door sedan	Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 4-door hatchback

Front Impact, Driver	5	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	5	NA

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

Side Impact, Driver	4	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5	NA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	Aveo and Cobalt only.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
Trim Level: LS Maxx
Arrival Date: 07/25/2005
Engine: ohv V6
Bodystyle: 4-door hatchback
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $24,610
Price as Tested: $25,235
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 5091
Mileage at End of Test: 5297
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 8.169 gals.

Major Options: Gray Leather Appointed Interior

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 25.22 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek Maxx is comfortable, competent, and affordably priced. There are few flaws like cheap interior fittings and the lack of a 5-speed automatic. Overall, it is an excellent choice for a small- to medium-sized family. With a lower price-point for 2006, should be even more attractive.

Rick Cotta Maxx is the star of the Malibu line, offering rear seat space and cargo versatility virtually unrivaled in the midsize class. Refinement falls short of Accord and Camry, but so do prices, and there's little to fault here.

< 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Photos

Also in the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Review:

Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu Road Test

Chevrolet Malibu Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Malibu Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Malibu Photos

Chevrolet Malibu Full Review

All Chevrolet Malibus

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