2007 Chevrolet Malibu Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The smaller of Chevrolet's two midsize sedans is largely unchanged for 2007, pending a 2008 redesign due late in calendar '07. Malibu shares some underskin structure with Pontiac's G6, Saturn's Aura, and the premium-compact 9-3 at GM-owned Saab. Malibu comes as a sedan and as the Maxx, a 4-dr hatchback with a 6-inch longer wheelbase than the sedan. Both body styles offer LT, LTZ, and sporty SS models; sedans also come in entry-level LS trim. LS and 1LT sedans have a 144-hp 4-cyl engine. 2LT sedans, LT Maxx, and LTZ models have a 201-hp V6. SS versions have a 240-hp V6. All use a 4-speed automatic transmission. SS models get sport suspension and seats, and unique trim. ABS and traction control are standard on 2LT, Maxx, and SS, optional on other Malibus. Previously optional curtain side airbags are now standard on all models. Front side airbags remain standard on LTZ and SS, optional otherwise. A tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard. Exclusive to Maxx are a sliding/reclining rear seat, glass skylight over the rear seat, rigid cargo cover/tailgate table, and optional DVD entertainment.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.

News

Malibu is redesigned for 2008 and a summertime sales launch. The Maxx hatchback is gone, but the sedan returns with a similarly long wheelbase. Its platform is new, however, being the Episilon II global midsize-car architecture engineered by General Motors' German Opel branch. This will eventually serve redesigned versions of the Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura sedan, and Saab 9-3.

The '08 Malibu stands 6 inches longer than the 2004-2007 sedan, and boasts a 3-inch longer wheelbase than the Toyota Camry, one of several targeted rivals. The front end wears a "dual-port" grille, a new design signature for Chevrolet cars. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cyl with 164 hp. It teams with a 4-speed automatic transmission in LS and LT models or a 6-speed automatic in the top-line LTZ. Optional is a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 with the 6-speed automatic. ABS and traction control are standard for all '08s. LT and LTZ add GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system. Chevrolet says interior materials were chosen for a more-upscale look. Metallic or woodgrain trim is available.

Chevy says it will offer a gas-electric hybrid Malibu a few months after other models reach dealers. Officials hint at a starting price of about $20,000. The powertrain should be identical to that of the Aura Green Line, with a battery-powered electric motor that assists a 4-cyl gasoline engine but does not drive the vehicle independently. Final pricing and more details will be available soon, so keep checking back with us.

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2007 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

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
4	6	6	7	5.9

The 4-cyl is adequate around town, feels weak in highway passing. The 201-hp V6 is more robust in all situations. Strong 240-hp V6 has more than ample power, but makes SS versions prone to torque steer. Transmission smooth, works well with either V6, but must shift frequently to keep 4-cyl in its power band.

Fuel Economy

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
6	6	6	5	5.1

No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl. Test 201-hp V6 sedans averaged 20.9-23.7 mpg depending on driving conditions. Test LT Maxx models averaged 21.2-25.2 mpg in city/highway driving. Test Maxx SS averaged 19.0-21.4 in city/highway driving, 16.9 mpg in mostly city use. Chevy recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines.

Ride Quality

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
6	6	7	6	6.1

Well-isolated from bumps, yet exhibits more wallow, float than Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Rear tires sometimes thump over expansion joints. SS Maxx gives up little in comfort despite sport suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
6	6	6	7	6.2

Rigid body and taut suspension help Malibu corner with agility and confidence. SS models best overall on their 18-inch tires, but 16s and 17s furnish impressive grip. Electric power steering delivers good road feel; SS steering has conventional hydraulic assist. Brakes adequate, but ABS should be standard on all models.

Quietness

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
6	7	7	7	6.2

The 4-cyl and 201-hp V6 drone loudly at full throttle and lack the overall refinement of Japanese-brand rivals, but are quiet enough at cruise. SS 240-hp V6 better isolated, sounds more refined during acceleration. Wind and road noise well-muted.

Controls

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Well-designed interior has large, legible gauges and conveniently located, clearly marked audio and climate controls. Interior materials are visibly below Honda/Toyota level, but are serviceable and show good workmanship.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

Standard power seat-height adjuster, tilt/telescope steering wheel allow comfortable driving posture; optional power-adjustable pedals tailor it further. Good head and leg room for larger adults. Outward vision good, enhanced by large door mirrors though Maxx's rear pillars obscure view to back corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
5	5	7	7	5.1

Sedans offer adequate leg room, but low seat cushion forces awkward knees-up stance, and taller adults may lack head room. Maxx has leg room rivaling that of full-size sedans, plus useful reclining seatbacks and easy entry/exit through broad doors. It's also among the few cars in this class to offer DVD entertainment. Seats comfortable, if a bit soft.

Cargo Room

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
4	4	7	7	4.8

Sedan trunk has adequate volume for class, low liftover. Maxx's rear seats slide ahead for generous space. All models have folding rear seatbacks. Fold-flat front-passenger seat in LT/LTZ Maxx a boon for longer items. Interior storage unexceptional, though.

Value within Class

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
5	6	7	6	6.3

Malibu targets Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Malibu sedan is a bit smaller than those rivals, but the versatile Maxx has more rear-seat and cargo room than either. Malibu's 4-cyl engine disappoints, but V6 models have good pep, competent road manners, and an impressive list of standard features.

Total Score

LS sedan	LT sedan	LT Maxx	SS Maxx	Class Average
56	60	67	66	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69

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2007 Chevrolet Malibu Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/13/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LS 4-door sedan	$17,215	$16,268	$650

1LT 4-door sedan	$18,435	$17,421	$650

2LT 4-door sedan	$20,145	$19,037	$650

LT Maxx 4-door hatchback	$20,575	$19,443	$650

LTZ 4-door sedan	$23,675	$22,373	$650

LTZ Maxx 4-door sedan	$23,710	$22,406	$650

SS 4-door sedan	$23,470	$22,179	$650

SS Maxx 4-door sedan	$23,915	$22,600	$650

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

Powertrain

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

Safety

Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, 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.

1LT adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, upgraded sound system, illuminated driver-side visor mirror, map lights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

215/60R16 tires.

2LT/LT Maxx adds to 1LT:

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Remote engine start (Maxx), fold-flat passenger seat (Maxx), adjustable rear seat (Maxx), glass roof panel (Maxx).

LTZ/LTZ Maxx adds to 2LT/LT Maxx:

Safety

Front side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors, rear radio controls (Maxx), remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, cargo cover (Maxx), rear wiper (Maxx).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear spoiler, 225/50R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels.

SS/SS Maxx adds to 2LT/LT Maxx:

Powertrain

3.9-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Front side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, leather/cloth upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, rear radio controls (Maxx), remote engine start, cargo cover (Maxx).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: fold-flat passenger seat.

Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/50R18 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Luxury and Convenience Pkg.
1LT, 2LT, LT Maxx	$595	$494
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, rear map lights, fog lights, bodyside moldings, chrome wheel covers.

Front Seat Pkg.
1LT, 2LT, LT Maxx	$450	$374
Heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat.

Enhanced Safety Pkg.
LS, 1LT	$760	$631
Traction control, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Driver's Convenience Pkg.
1LT, 2LT	$315	$261
Power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start.

Safety
Front side airbags
2LT, LT Maxx	$295	$245


Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
1LT, 2LT/LT Maxx, LS, SS/SS Maxx	$695	$577
Includes one year service. LS, LT1 require Enhanced Safety Pkg. LT2, LT Maxx require front side airbags. LS includes upgraded sound system. Std. LTZ, LTZ Maxx.

Power sunroof
2LT/LT Maxx, LTZ/LTZ Maxx, SS/SS Maxx	$800	$664
NA LS, 1LT.

Power-adjustable pedals
LT Maxx	$125	$104


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
1LT, 2LT/LT Maxx, LTZ/LTZ Maxx, SS/SS Maxx	$300	$249
NA LS.

Rear radio controls
LT Maxx	$175	$145


Satellite radio
1LT, 2LT/LT Maxx, LTZ/LTZ Maxx, SS/SS Maxx	$199	$165
NA LS.

DVD entertainment system
Maxx	$1,295	$1,075
LT Maxx includes rear radio controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
1LT, 2LT	$175	$145
LT Maxx	$300	$249
LT Maxx includes rear wiper.

Engine-block heater
1LT, 2LT/LT Maxx, LS, LTZ/LTZ Maxx, SS/SS Maxx	$50	$42

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2007 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	16.3

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	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.2 /134	3.5 /213	3.9 /238

Horsepower @ rpm.	144 @ 5600	201 @ 5400	240 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	155 @ 4000	221 @ 3200	240 @ 2800

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	24/34	22/32	18/26

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	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	4	4

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	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	5/100,000	--

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

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/100,000	--

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

< 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Photos

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Also in the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Review:

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Chevrolet Malibu Road Test

Chevrolet Malibu Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Malibu Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Malibu Photos

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