Description

Chevrolet redesigned the Malibu sedan for 2004 and moved it to General Motors' Epsilon global platform, which promised a high degree of structural stiffness. Developers sought to give the new sedan a European flair in ride and handling qualities. All Malibus have variable-assist electric power steering and a fully independent suspension. This Malibu was the first Chevrolet model to display the company's next-generation family look. The automaker calls this "expressive styling," which blends corporate heritage with European influence. The car features a chrome front bar and a gold bow tie emblem. Other badging was eliminated for a cleaner appearance. Body-colored mirrors, rocker panels and side moldings are mounted on the LT sedan. Compared with its predecessor, the current version has a slightly wider stance. Mounted on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the Malibu is 188.3 inches long overall. Those dimensions are comparable to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry's, two of the Malibu's foremost competitors. Five occupants fit inside the Malibu, which has a flat-folding front passenger seat and a 60-40-split, folding rear seat. The trunk holds 15.4 cubic feet of cargo. A new four-spoke steering wheel is installed. A 3.5-liter V-6 that develops 201 hp and 221 pounds-feet of torque and drives a four-speed-automatic transmission.