What Is It?
2004 Chevrolet Malibu
What's Special About It?
Chevrolet is taking dead aim at Japanese midsize sedans with the new Malibu. GM has plenty to offer in the way of trucks, and truck-based SUVs, but few really good sedans. In fact, GM's best sedans come from the more expensive brands in the form of the DTS, Park Avenue and Aurora. The Malibu is out to change that. For 2004 the Malibu will utilize GM's Epsilon platform, a platform that will be shared by other GM brands such as Pontiac, Saab and Opel. GM calls the Epsilon platform its "global architecture" and intends it to offer ride and handling similar to European and Japanese brands.
Malibu's styling is fresh without being funky, and youthful without being exclusive. Malibu is a mass-market car so it breaks no new ground with regard to bold design or radical bodywork but it does offer interesting and useful features inside. Chevy outfits the Malibu with what it calls the "personalized fit package." What this means to the consumer is a midsize car that is able to adapt to drivers of many different sizes by offering a power-adjustable seat height, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and adjustable pedals. Another innovative feature is Malibu's factory-installed remote start system — a first in the midsize segment. The 2004 Malibu can be started from the comfort of your home on those icy mornings or hot afternoons. The range is about 200 feet. All Malibus will be equipped with electric variable-assist power steering.
The standard power plant is a DOHC Ecotec 2.2-liter inline four that makes 140 horsepower. A new 3.5-liter V6 is available as an option and makes 200 hp. Both engines come with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic. Traction control and ABS are optional as well.
On the safety front, Malibu offers the first passenger car application of a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), a system that will suppress airbag deployment if a small child or small adult is in the front passenger seat. Side roof airbags are optional.
Why Should You Care?
The Epsilon architecture is shared with the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra, this put the Malibu in some pretty good company. Of course the real proof will be a stint behind the wheel, but on paper the Malibu could shape up to be a budget-priced European touring sedan. — Brian Moody
2004 Chevrolet Malibu
What's Special About It?
Chevrolet is taking dead aim at Japanese midsize sedans with the new Malibu. GM has plenty to offer in the way of trucks, and truck-based SUVs, but few really good sedans. In fact, GM's best sedans come from the more expensive brands in the form of the DTS, Park Avenue and Aurora. The Malibu is out to change that. For 2004 the Malibu will utilize GM's Epsilon platform, a platform that will be shared by other GM brands such as Pontiac, Saab and Opel. GM calls the Epsilon platform its "global architecture" and intends it to offer ride and handling similar to European and Japanese brands.
Malibu's styling is fresh without being funky, and youthful without being exclusive. Malibu is a mass-market car so it breaks no new ground with regard to bold design or radical bodywork but it does offer interesting and useful features inside. Chevy outfits the Malibu with what it calls the "personalized fit package." What this means to the consumer is a midsize car that is able to adapt to drivers of many different sizes by offering a power-adjustable seat height, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and adjustable pedals. Another innovative feature is Malibu's factory-installed remote start system — a first in the midsize segment. The 2004 Malibu can be started from the comfort of your home on those icy mornings or hot afternoons. The range is about 200 feet. All Malibus will be equipped with electric variable-assist power steering.
The standard power plant is a DOHC Ecotec 2.2-liter inline four that makes 140 horsepower. A new 3.5-liter V6 is available as an option and makes 200 hp. Both engines come with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic. Traction control and ABS are optional as well.
On the safety front, Malibu offers the first passenger car application of a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), a system that will suppress airbag deployment if a small child or small adult is in the front passenger seat. Side roof airbags are optional.
Why Should You Care?
The Epsilon architecture is shared with the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra, this put the Malibu in some pretty good company. Of course the real proof will be a stint behind the wheel, but on paper the Malibu could shape up to be a budget-priced European touring sedan. — Brian Moody
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