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2004 Chevrolet Malibu
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| Euro-Malibu |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:27:42 |
| Rating |
 35 ( -6 -17.14% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
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Description:
2004 Chevy Malibu
Euro-Malibu
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle:
2004 Chevy Malibu
MSRP (sedan): $18,995 (base), $20,995 (LS), $23,495 (LT)
First Impressions:
New version of Chevy's staple midsize is smoother and more refined than before.
At first drive, the new Malibu feels well screwed together and noticeably more refined than the model it replaces.
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For Chevy, mid-size means Malibu. And for 2004, it's an all-new Malibu, with another body style waiting in the wings. Here now is the Malibu sedan. Coming this December is a stretched, hatch/wagon variation known as the Malibu Maxx. Recently, we got a chance for an extended first drive in Malibu sedan models. (Maxx was not made available for driving).
The Malibu twins ride on GM's new Epsilon platform: the first North American cars to share that distinction. Developed by GM-owned Opel in Germany, this architecture also underpins such upscale offerings as the Saab 9-3, and GM looks for it to provide a European accent to the formerly all-American Malibu. The suspension is fully independent, with MacPherson struts up front, a multi-link setup in back, and stabilizer bars fore and aft. Another GM first on Malibu is EPS - electronic power steering. The variable, electrical assist is provided by a control unit, eliminating the need for a hydraulic pump. After a first drive with the new architecture and steering system, we are hotter on the former than the latter. Malibu has a quiet, smooth ride and is admirably free of squeaks and rattles. Solid handling is in evidence, though the steering is light at low speeds and generally feels a little less dialed in than we'd like it.
"We've set a new standard for Chevy car interiors with the 2004 Malibu and Malibu MAXX. We've achieved the refined look of a European sedan by paying close attention to detail and careful selection of materials and colors, while staying true to Chevrolet values."
Mainstream midsize is a conservative neighborhood, and given those parameters, Malibu's sedan design is fresh looking. Seen from the side, a rounded greenhouse sits atop a slight, low to high profile. Look closer and you see that the design pays dividends on the inside. The roofline arches most where it's most needed - over the heads of front and back seat occupants. Malibu seats four easily and five in a pinch. There is surprisingly good rear seat leg room for a compact class car. A low lift over height and a wide opening make accessing the trunk easy. Rear seats fold forward to increase your storage options. The seatback releases are only accessible in the trunk. By the numbers, there is a generous 15.4 cubic feet of space available, more if you fold down the seats.
For rear room and trunk space, it's ditto and more so for Malibu Maxx. Maxx looks like the wedding of a four door sedan with a hatchback. The cabin is bigger than the sedan version. Though the overall length is ½" shorter, Maxx's wheelbase is 6" longer. The added inside room is found from the b-pillar back. The tale of the tape reveals that Maxx has 2½" more rear leg room compared to the sedan, and it adds just under an inch of headroom, giving back about ½" of shoulder room. The rear seats in Maxx adjust 7" up and back and recline as well. They are split 60/40 to add options to the standard, healthy 22.8 cubic feet of storage space in back.
From the front seats forward, both Malibus are the same. Most any size person can be accommodated in the driver's seat. A standard tilt/telescopic steering column and power driver's seat height adjustment see to that. Chevy's designed a pleasant looking interior in terms of materials and layout. Wipers and light controls are found on stalks right and left, respectively. The center stack is vents on top, HVAC below, sound system in between. Heating and cooling controls are rheostat style and simple to use. The radio/CD controls are a bit much to take in while driving and the information screen is susceptible to washing out in direct sunlight. The center console has a covered main compartment; deep enough to be useful, tall enough to double as an inside armrest.
Malibu is offered in three trim levels. In addition to the base model, buyers can opt up to LS or LT versions. The standard powertrain is Chevy's 2.2 liter DOHC Ecotec four cylinder. It's rated at 145 hp @5,600 rpm, 155 lb. ft. of torque @4,000 rpm. By EPA's reckoning, the Ecotec will net 24 mpg's city/34 highway. LS and LT Malibus run the new, GM 3.5 liter V-6. It checks in at 200 hp (@5,400 rpm) and 220 lb. ft. of torque (@3,200 rpm). Gas mileage is estimated to be 23 city/32 highway (when Maxx debuts, it will carry ratings of 22/30). The transmission choice in all cases is a four speed automatic with overdrive, and it's geared to work well with the respective power bands of both motors. The bigger V-6 makes easier work of hilly terrain and passing situations and is generally more satisfying, as you would expect. It's also rather quiet, though the Ecotec four is not unduly harsh either.
Pricing has been set as follows. Base Malibus will carry an MSRP of $18,995 including delivery, with LS models starting at $20,995 and LT versions, $23,495. The price tag of a fully equipped LT will be $25,575. When Maxx makes its winter debut, stickers will range from $22,225 for the base model to $24,725 for the top-line LT. A Maxx loaded to the max will price out at $27,980.
Last year, Chevy sold 96,000 Malibus. With an all new sedan and "extended sedan" body styles, they look to sell 180,000 Malibus in calendar 2004 (65%/35%, Sedan/Maxx), and the estimate doesn't sound like a stretch. At first drive, the new Malibu feels well screwed together and noticeably more refined than the model it replaces. Comfortably sized and reasonably priced, Malibu looks to gain ground in the mid-size segment against some tough competition.
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---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2003 |
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