What is it?
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
What's special about it?
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is now what they call a "world car" in the industry. Instead of building several different versions for the various markets around the world, this Malibu will be more or less the same whether it's at a dealer in Beijing or French Lick, which is not in France by the way.
The constraints of the world market have imposed some notable changes to this midsize sedan. Unlike any number of its predecessors, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is not universally bigger. Its wheelbase has been cut down by 4.5 inches while its overall length has been reduced by half an inch. The car's width is up by nearly 3 inches, though, so the sedan's proportions are still largely intact. The shorter wheelbase reduces legroom slightly but the added width substantially improves hip- and shoulder room.
Along with the slightly smaller overall size, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will also downsize its engine lineup. It will come to market with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine only. The direct-injected DOHC Ecotec engine is expected to generate 190 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission will be the only gearbox available in the U.S.
Not much changes on the chassis side. There are still MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup in back, along with electric steering and four-wheel disc brakes. The wheels will range in size from 17 to 19 inches.
You may notice some obvious Chevrolet design cues in this Malibu, and it was fully intentional. "We wanted to bring a sport sensibility to the family sedan segment," said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director of design for GM. Whether that sensibility works for you is a personal thing, but it works well for the Malibu. Chevrolet says this Malibu will be one of the most aerodynamic sedans in the midsize segment, a trait that should translate into some solid EPA numbers when they're officially announced later this year.
Actual production of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu doesn't start until early next year. That should give Chevrolet plenty of time to work out the kinks before it heads to America and abroad.
Inside Line says: A nice set of upgrades for what is already a very competent sedan. Nothing ground-breaking here, but that's rarely what this segment demands. — Ed Hellwig, Editor
Add A Comment »
jimmybigballs says:
08:38 PM, 04/22/2011
Why I will never buy a car like the Chevrolet Malibu:
One big mistake new-car shoppers make is basing their choice on sticker price alone. Factor in the ownership costs of the vehicles you're considering. Service costs (including standard maintenance and repairs), insurance, fuel and depreciation over the life of an automobile add up to big bucks. For example, the base-model Chevrolet Malibu ($22,735) costs the same as the Honda Accord, but its five-year ownership cost ($36,766) is nearly $1,500 more -- mainly because it has a lower resale value (that is, more depreciation). To compare ownership costs of vehicles on your shopping list, go to our guide for five-year service costs, one-year insurance costs, annual fuel costs and three- and five-year resale values.
http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-112543-9336-3-dont-waste-your-money-on-these-bargain-traps?ywaad=ad0035&nc
My Honda may look plain and ugly but it will always be worth more than the sucker's Malibu when I trade it in or sell it.
skippydick1 says:
08:26 PM, 04/22/2011
I think misterfusion has a point with the rear. It looks a lot like the camaro. So you'll be buying one right?
You'll be in your malibu at a stoplight and some chics will be coming up to you thinking that there's a cool dude driving a camaro. Then when they stop at the light and actually see you drive a malibu they'll be laughing because you're driving a camaro wanna be that's 150 some horses short and looks like your daddy's buick regal. Then you have to go home and cry and wash your vagina out. Lovin it!
cliffordmcnab says:
08:14 PM, 04/22/2011
Ok misterfusion, drink your kool-aid and keep believing. Chevy is just rearranging the chairs on the titanic. Nothing new to the table. I don't like the new Accord or the aging Camry, but the new Malibu will never outsell either. You have to give consumers an initiative to want to buy a piece of crap american car like that and there is no reason. The interior looks like it was designed for a metrosexual senior citizen. "The Epsilon chassis is really solid.."- that's just an opinion and not a fact. Looks like all this time Chevy was trying to catch pace with Honda and Toyota, but underestimated Hyundai. If this new design can outsell an Accord, Camry, or Sonata in one year then I'll consider it to be a serious contender. Until then, keep on drinking your kool-aid and believe that this malibu is something special when it's nothing but a rental fleet car.
misterfusion says:
03:18 PM, 04/22/2011
@cliffordmcnab - Better get your money back from that "Trolling 101" course you took at Learning Tree.
Hell, the CURRENT Malibu is a much better car than the Camry, and at least as good as the Altima. The Accord is just a huge disappointment -- emphasis on "huge".
Anyone who disparages the interior of the current Malibu has obviously never been in one; IMO the styling is outstanding, and the materials are excellent, which is not subjective. It was class-leading when first released, and competitors are only now reaching parity. Plus, the Epsilon chassis is really solid, and helps the car perform well against its FWD competition.
The rear exterior of the current Malibu was its biggest flaw, so IMO the new Camaro rear on the 20103 is an improvement (I'd rather see something a little "out there" instead of something nondescript).
cliffordmcnab says:
08:25 AM, 04/22/2011
GM gets out of bankrupcty with taxpayer money and all they make is this rent-a-car piece of crap? Typical GM. Won't bring any compteition to the table against Toyota or Honda or Nissan. Always 10 notches below imports. I wouldn't be caught dead in this car. Looks like your grandma's Buick with camaro tailights. GM should have been just left to die.
roger03 says:
03:55 PM, 04/21/2011
Me like!
rlyon says:
01:45 PM, 04/20/2011
Rear lights are out of place. Doors are too small compared to the front and rear end, needs to be taller and the logo bar on the grill needs to be re-thought.
subiext6 says:
08:51 AM, 04/20/2011
i like the sporty looking steering wheel.
mov3_ovr says:
09:19 PM, 04/19/2011
True the Genesis is plain and the Pilot has a hate it or love it look, but they are also great vehicles to drive and live with (consider what they are intended for). They at least bring something to the table while the Malibu doesn't AND its still ugly.
travai says:
07:18 PM, 04/19/2011
Change two things: The interior's center vents and the too-tall nose