2004 - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu review

2006 Chevrolet Malibu. Click for larger photo

2006 Chevrolet Malibu interior. Click for larger photo

The 2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu was the first North American car riding on GM's Epsilon platform shared with European Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3. Chevrolet Malibu comes in four-door or extended five-door configuration (Malibu Maxx). The Malibu sedan is classified by the EPA as a mid-size sedan, while the Malibu Maxx is placed in a large car category.

The Malibu has front-wheel drive with transversely-mounted 4-cylinder or V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission; no manual transmission was offered. All models except sporty Malibu SS are equipped with Electric Power steering. The ABS and Traction Control are available.

Inside, the Malibu is roomy and fairly quiet with simple, user-friendly design. Fit and finish isn't perfect and quality of some materials (e.g seat fabric) could be better. Controls and instruments are simple and straightforward. Front visibility is good. Rear window is slightly obstructed by rear seat headrests. Side mirrors seem rather small at first, but easy to get used to. Available features include trip computer, power adjustable pedals, remote starter, satellite radio, rear DVD system, Onstar. The Malibu Maxx is slightly shorter than the Malibu sedan, but it has longer wheelbase and extended cabin, which gives the Maxx more rear-seat and cargo space.

On the road, the Malibu feels solid. Handling is good. Ride is firm and stable on highway, but feels a bit "bouncy" on rough road. The electrical steering feels very light at low speeds. The four-cylinder engine feels adequate, while the V6 offers plenty of power and smoother ride.

In the NHTSA frontal-impact crash tests, the 2004 Malibu sedan scored 4 stars, while the improved 2005-2007 Malibu sedan received five stars for both, the driver and the front passenger. For more details, visit Safercar.gov.
In the frontal offset crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2004-2007 Malibu sedan received "Good" overall rating.

Engine

2.2L 4-cylinder Ecotec engine

The 2004-2007 Malibu offered three engine choices:
- The base 2.2L 4-cylinder 16-valves DOHC all-aluminum L61-model Ecotec engine. This is a solid, low-maintenance engine; this model engine is widely used in late GM products.
- The 3.5L 12-valves OHV V6 LX9-model engine, which is an improved version of the previous generation 3.4L engine.
(For 2007, the 3.5L LX9 engine was replaced with next-generation 3.5L LZ4-model OHV engine with variable valve timing).
- And finally, the 240-hp 3.9L OHV V6 LZ9-model engine used in Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS starting from 2006. This engine also comes with variable valve timing.

Strengths

- Affordable price
- Decent fuel economy
- Good handling and ride
- Rear space in Maxx
- Variety of available features

Weaknesses

- Interior materials and quality
- 4-cylinder engine is a bit underpowered and noisy
- Depreciates fast
- Lack of refinement

Overall

Although the 2004-2007 Malibu still lacks refinement, it's substantially improved vehicle compared to the previous generation. Both, the 4-cylinder and V6 models post reasonable fuel economy and you can get features like satellite radio, power adjustable pedals, trip computer and remote starter. The Malibu also costs few thousands less than segment leaders Camry or Accord. However, don't expect the Malibu to be completely trouble-free. Steering and electrical problems are not unheard of, especially in early models. To protect yourself from unexpected repairs, consider buying an extended warranty.

What to look for buying a used Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu is often used as a rental vehicle; as a first step, check used car history records. Follow this link: How to check used car history
- Front end vibration on acceleration in 4-cylinder models may indicate a problem related to engine mounts, check with the GM dealer.
- Knocking from the steering column while turning may indicate a problem with one of the steering components.
- If the "check engine" or any other warning light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic or a GM dealer of your choice.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition. Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.

Few maintenance tips

- Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing can help to protect a car body from corrosion.
- Your Oil Life System does not sense the oil level; you still need to check the oil level manually.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Change transmission fluid regularly.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift. Check more Car maintenance tips.
You also can find a lot of car care tips at GM Goodwrench website - check the link section below.

2007 Chevrolet Malibu short specifications (US model)

Links

If you are looking for Service Manual

If you want to find more technical information such as repair manual, technical service bulletins (TSB), check engine codes description, electrical diagram, diagnostic procedures, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, etc. follow this link: Where to find repair manual

by Vlad Samarin