2009 Chevrolet Malibu

Overview

The Malibu is named after the exotic coastal city in southern California. Taking its name from the city that is synonymous with entertainment, the Malibu is not a letdown. It is as high on entertainment features as it is in safety and power.

The 2009 Malibu starts off with a twin heritage. It is a continuation of a reputation that started in 1964. A more recent achievement was added to this nearly five-decade legacy – the 2008 Malibu was chosen as the North American Car of the Year.

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is available in LS, LT, and LTZ trims. To this line-up, the Hybrid version is now added. The Hybrid is quite a force to reckon with giving EPA estimates of 26/34 (city/highway). The Hybrid version will be a limited availability model.

An addition to this year’s Malibu is Bluetooth, now standard on the LTZ trim and optional on the LT trim.

Engine and Performance

A 169-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on all trims. The LS and LT trims come with a four-speed automatic transmission. The LTZ includes a six-speed automatic transmission, optional on the LT. Optional on the LT and LTZ is a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Malibu Hybrid is given a standard ECOTEC 2.4L four-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing (VVT). It comes with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Body and Styling

Chevrolet Malibu was redesigned in 2008. It shares its basic design with the Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, and Saab 9-3. Front buckets, with reclining seatbacks and adjustable head restraints; Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Assist; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; driver power-adjustable vertical height and manual lumbar; Driver Information Center (DIC) that comes with driver customization, warning messages, outside temperature display, trip odometer and programmable menu functions; oil-life monitor; rear seats with 60/40 split-folding seatback and adjustable outboard head restraints; AM/FM stereo with MP3 CD player; digital clock; seek-scan; Radio Data System; automatic volume; TheftLock; six speakers; auxiliary audio input jack for an MP3 player or mobile devices; and XM Radio are some of the standard interior features.

There are some optional packages available on the 2009 Chevy Malibu. These include the Power Convenience Package, which is offered with driver six-way power seat adjuster and remote vehicle starter system; Rear Power Package, which comes with rear power center, a manual backglass shade, and remote vehicle starter system; and Premium Audio Package, which has AM/FM stereo, in-dash six-disc CD changer, amplified premium eight-speaker system, and auxiliary audio input jack.

Safety Features

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with seat-mounted thorax airbags; side-curtain airbags; StabiliTrak electronic stability control system which includes traction control, brake assist, and tire pressure monitor (excludes spare tire); halogen headlamps composite with automatic exterior lamp control and daytime running lamps; and anti-lock brakes for safety.