🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Malibu

Year:

2001

Product Name:

2001 CHEVY/Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual

Manufacturer:

General Motors (GM)

Vin Code:

1G4EL

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2001 Chevrolet Malibu was positioned as a mid-size sedan, a popular segment in the North American automotive market, competing with vehicles like the Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord.

Competitive Analysis:

Offered a balance of comfort, practicality, and styling, often at a competitive price point. Its platform shared with other GM vehicles allowed for cost efficiencies.

Key Features:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available V6 engine, standard safety features for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive owner's manual for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu.

Page Count:

~170-190 pages (typical for this model year, exact count may vary slightly)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Vehicle operation, safety features, instrument panel, controls, climate control, audio system, maintenance, emergency procedures, specifications, tire information, charging system, lighting, wipers, seats, seat belts, airbags, child restraints, locking system, fuel system, braking system, steering system, suspension system, tire and wheel care, fluid checks, recommended services, warranty information.

Procedures Included:

Starting and operating the vehicle, using controls and features, basic maintenance checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), tire changes, jump starting, fuses and bulbs replacement, refueling, cleaning and care, emergency procedures (towing, accident response), understanding warning lights and indicators.

Technical Depth:

Covers essential operational and basic maintenance information for the owner. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic information typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

Standard OEM quality, black and white text with some diagrams and illustrations.

Binding Type:

Stapled or perfect bound booklet

Paper Type:

Standard uncoated paper

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.4L ECOTEC DOHC I4 (LD9) and 3.1L LA1 V6 (2) engine options.

2.4L I4 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5600 rpm

2.4L I4 Torque:

155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

3.1L V6 Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5200 rpm

3.1L V6 Torque:

190 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Code Base:

LD9 (2.4L I4), LA1 (3.1L V6)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (I4) or V-Configuration 6-Cylinder (V6)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (4T65-E)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Automatic was standard on all models for 2001)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx:

8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) (for service fill, check manual for exact capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.5 inches (4864 mm)

Width:

70.4 inches (1788 mm)

Height:

56.0 inches (1422 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.0 inches (2718 mm)

Passenger Volume Approx:

98.6 cubic feet (2.8 cubic meters)

Trunk Volume Approx:

15.0 cubic feet (0.42 cubic meters)

Curb Weight Approx I4:

3200-3300 lbs (1451-1497 kg)

Curb Weight Approx V6:

3350-3450 lbs (1520-1565 kg)

Standard Tire Size:

P205/60R15

Optional Tire Size:

P215/60R16 (on higher trims)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 115 mm (5 x 4.53 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4 stars (Excellent)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4 stars (Excellent)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, which were optional)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (on some models)

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), optional front side-impact airbags, front and rear crumple zones, reinforced passenger compartment, seat belts with pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) on rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, optional premium sound system.

Display:

Digital or analog displays for radio, clock, and climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on ABS and optional traction control.

Connectivity Features:

No Bluetooth or USB connectivity. May have an auxiliary input for audio devices on some premium systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used - consult manual for specific recommendations).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (inspect more frequently).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type: copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-5 years (with appropriate coolant type).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified, check manual for current GM specifications like dexos or previous specs)

Engine Oil Capacity Approx:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.4L I4, 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 3.1L V6 (check manual for exact capacity).

Coolant Specification:

GM-specified orange coolant (long-life, ethylene glycol based)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

Dexron-III (or equivalent, consult manual)

Known Issues:

Some models may experience issues with intake manifold gaskets, EGR valve clogging, and occasional transmission solenoid failures. Check for any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to specific powertrain or electrical components.

Tire Pressure Recommendation:

Typically 30-32 PSI for front and rear tires (refer to door jamb sticker for exact pressure).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Chevrolet, founded in 1911, is one of America's oldest and most recognized automotive brands, known for a wide range of vehicles from trucks to sports cars.

Model Evolution Summary:

The 2001 Malibu is part of the third generation of the Chevrolet Malibu, which debuted in 1997. This generation represented a move towards a more modern, European-influenced design and was built on GM's front-wheel-drive W-body platform.

Production Location:

United States (e.g., Kansas City, Kansas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Production Years Generation:

1997-2003 (Third Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Malibu's platform (GM W-body) was used in various award-winning vehicles. Specific awards for the 2001 Malibu itself are not widely documented, but it was a solid performer in its class.

Fuel Economy Est City I4:

Approx. 22-24 MPG

Fuel Economy Est Highway I4:

Approx. 30-34 MPG

Fuel Economy Est City V6:

Approx. 19-21 MPG

Fuel Economy Est Highway V6:

Approx. 27-30 MPG