Eight Generations of the Malibu and Still Going Strong

The Chevrolet Malibu name has been around for a very long time and has seen an abundance of growth and changes over that time. One theme has rang true throughout the life of the Malibu, it has always been a great sedan that offers comfort and enjoyment to its owners and has been loved by many over time. After suffering a lower than expected sales rate in 2014, Chevrolet has released the 2015 model to take back some of the market share.

Last year Chevrolet focused their efforts for the Malibu on improving the ride, this year they have added connectivity for the always internet connected world through the use of 4G LTE with Onstar to create wireless hotspot in the vehicle for the enjoyment of all passengers to utilize their wireless devices such as tablets and computers as well as phones. This improvement offers a major “wow factor” to the vehicle as one of only a few that offer such technology for its owners.

From last year’s outstanding suspension improvements to the highly responsive steering the Malibu not only offers an awesome connectivity for the passengers, but a fantastic ride for all to enjoy. The sharp steering allows any canyon road or city traffic to be navigated with ease and comfort and the power supplied is plentiful to get past others on the highway with no concern. Another great feature is the start-stop system that was added last year to shut the engine off at stoplights and while idling, offering a fuel savings that keeps the trips to the gas station to a minimum. Add to all this a very quiet ride from the extensive sound deadening technology included and this car offers a full ride experience for all that almost reaches high into the luxury car classes.

Two great engines are offered for this front-wheel sedan to give power and fuel economy options to potential owners. Information that comes to us from Albany Chevrolet tells us that the base model engine comes in the form of a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that offers 196 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. When paired with the six-speed automatic transmission that includes a manual-shift mode the fuel efficiency comes in at 23 city/35 hwy mpg. This engine is equipped with the start-stop technology to help with the fuel mileage numbers.

Second up is the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine offering a stout 259 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Even with this increase in power numbers the fuel mileage stays strong at 21 city/30 hwy mpg. Both engines can run efficiently on regular gasoline, but this turbocharged model is recommended to be fed with premium to keep it running in an optimal format.

The Malibu offers a cabin that is amazingly comfortable and a great place to spend time during a long commute, while running errands, or heading out on a weekend adventure. The cabin is adorned in a multitude of materials to include excellent chrome accents that help make the car feel like it belongs in a luxury class. Add the quiet ride and the 4G LTE connection and this is a car everyone can enjoy for any seat. The trunk offers plenty of room as well to make this a great car to take on a vacation or any other trip out of town.

With body stylings that are carried over from last year, the Malibu offers a sleek and stylish appearance that shows off with some serious attitude. Accented with chrome in the right places and wrap-around headlights, a dual smiling grill the front end offers a look of enjoyment and pleasure as this great sedan eats up the road. The hood to roof angle offers a bit of aerodynamics that gives this car a feel of power and speed while still being a very sensible family sedan. In the rear, the taillights are performance car inspired to hint at a well-designed and high-performing vehicle. Massive star spoked wheels finish off the overall appearance giving the final bit of demonstrative attitude to a really fantastic sedan.

The Malibu comes in three trim levels, LS, LT, and LTZ. At the base LS model the standard equipment offered includes a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio, cruise control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi connectivity when subscribed to OnStar. The LT model adds a seven-inch touch screen control with MyLink installed, a USB port, Bluetooth streaming, and a power driver’s seat. The top model Malibu LTZ adds a power passenger seat, heated front seats and leather upholstery. All models are equipped with ten airbags and a six month subscription of OnStar as well as a three moth 3GB data trial.

The optional equipment offered for the Malibu include the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a navigation system, a power sunroof, a backup camera, and leather upholstery. Add the Advanced Safety Package and blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic alerts are added. If a premium audio experience is desired, especially since the cabin is so quiet, there is an available nine- speaker Pioneer audio system that can be had.

Even though the Malibu has some trim levels that offer huge improvement over other sedans and almost seems like it should reach into the luxury classes, the prices remain very reasonable. The base LS model comes in around $23,000 which gives owners a fantastic starting point and a lot of car for the money. The LT level comes in just under $24,500 and the top of the line LTZ will bring a price around $29,000 to start. Adding the turbocharged engine will increase the price by $2,000. This price range puts the Malibu on the more affordable side of the midsized sedan class making it easy to own for many vehicle owners.

Not only does the Malibu offer a great ride that has been finely tuned over time, but now it also offers a hotspot to enjoy connectivity of mobile electronic devices. This is a great car for a family vehicle, a daily commuter car, or even the around town errand running vehicle of the family.