Overview

Named after the beautiful Californian beach city, the Malibu has been around since 1964. Receiving countless accolades and recommendations since being named the North American Car of the Year in 2008, the Chevrolet Malibu continues to offer great efficiency packaged in a signature design. Models equipped with the 2.4L engine/six-speed automatic combination are rated at 33 mpg on the highway. In this race, it surged ahead of more established brands such as the Cadillac CTS and the Honda Accord. The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in four trims ?the LS, LT, and LTZ, in addition to the exciting hybrid. The hybrid offers EPA estimates of 26/34 mpg city/highway, and is available as a very limited availability model. Three new exterior colors and the replacement of the driver's manual lumbar control with a new, power-adjustable control are new for 2010. Also, 17-inch chrome-clad wheels are now standard on 2LT models; the 2.4L engine is E85-capable and the six-speed automatic transmission is now standard on 1LT models.

Powertrain And Performance

The Malibu's trims drive on a standard 169-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The LS and LT trims are given a four-speed automatic transmission, while the LTZ includes a six-speed automatic transmission, which is optional on the LT. The LT and LTZ trims get an optional 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Malibu Hybrid runs on a standard ECOTEC 2.4L four-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Build And Styling

The LS rolls on elegant 17-inch alloy wheels with features like full power accessories, air-conditioning, keyless entry, and OnStar. A six-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack is standard. The 1LT adds color-keyed side mirrors and side moldings, a chrome exhaust outlet, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and carpeted floor mats. The 2LT upgrades with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, polished wheels, remote engine start, a power driver seat and heated front seats. The luxury-laden Malibu LTZ adds silver grille inserts (versus black), fog lamps, LED taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded audio system with a CD changer and eight speakers, leather seating and a power passenger seat. Options are grouped into a few packages that allow many of the higher trims' features to be added to the lower trims. A rear power package that includes a 110-volt AC outlet (behind the center console) and a manual rear sunshade is also an option.

Safety Features

The Chevrolet Malibu's standard safety features include side-curtain airbags; seat-mounted thorax airbags; halogen headlamps composite with automatic exterior lamp control and daytime running lamps; anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system which includes traction control; brake assist and tire pressure monitor (excludes spare tire).