Chevrolet Malibu Model History

A Chevrolet vehicle brand first appearing in the 1960s, the Malibu name was revived in the 1997 model year for a front-wheel drive sedan. Based on the same platform as the Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Alero, the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu was powered by a 150-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 155-horsepower 3.1 liter V-6. Output for the V-6 engine was increased to 170 horsepower for the 2000 model year Malibu.

The four-cylinder was dropped from the Chevrolet Malibu line-up after 2000. The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu was constructed on the Epsilon platform as both a sedan and a sporty-looking five-door hatchback/wagon called the Malibu Maxx. Base performance was derived from a 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with an option for a 201-horsepower V-6 powerplant. Equipped with sport suspension and unique exterior details, a higher-performing SS model of the Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx was offered in 2007 model year.

A new enlarged Malibu arrived for 2008 available only as a four-door sedan. In addition to four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine choices, a mild hybrid version of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu featured an alternator starter that allowed the gasoline engine to shut off when stopped. The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid was discontinued in 2010. Expanding the market for the Malibu, Chevrolet launched the 2013 version of the sedan with an intense focus on practicality and refinement. A naturally-aspirated 2.5 liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder producing 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque is offered on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.