Target Audience:
Families, commuters
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima
Platform:
GM Epsilon platform (shared with Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3)
Design Philosophy:
European-influenced styling, comfortable ride, refined interior
Engine Variants Covered:
3.5L V6, 3.9L V6 (High Value Package)
Transmission Variants Covered:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Trim Levels Covered:
LS, LT, LTZ
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, timing, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication
Transmission:
Service, repair, diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter replacement
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS diagnostics, caliper and rotor replacement, brake bleeding procedures
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, ball joints, control arms, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, tie rod ends, steering column
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, diagnostic connectors, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, accessories
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant handling
Body:
Exterior trim, interior panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, body repair procedures
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics, seat belt mechanisms
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Component replacement, system overhauls, assembly/disassembly procedures
Diagnostics:
Use of scan tools, sensor testing, electrical circuit testing
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Code:
3.5L V6 (LZ4)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (213 cubic inches)
Configuration:
V6, 60-degree bank angle
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Code:
3.9L V6 (L67 - High Value Package)
Displacement:
3.9 Liters (238 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
240 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
4T65-E
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 2.92:1, 1.56:1, 1.00:1, 0.70:1)
Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 11.2 quarts (pan drop/refill)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-star (driver), 5-star (front passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
5-star (front), 5-star (rear)
IIHS Moderateright Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, available front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio, available steering wheel audio controls.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Remote Start:
Available as an option on some trims.
Onstar:
Available OnStar system for telematics and emergency services.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum tipped spark plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years (if using Dex-Cool antifreeze).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
GM Original Equipment (GM 6277M) / Dex-Cool Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Engine Mounts:
Premature failure of engine mounts can lead to vibration.
Evaporative Emission Control System:
Issues with the EVAP system, such as a faulty vent solenoid or purge valve, can cause check engine lights.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional leaks or noise from the power steering pump.
Transmission Shifts:
Some owners report harsh shifting or delayed engagement, often related to solenoids or fluid condition.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III/VI or equivalent
Chevrolet Legacy:
Founded in 1911, known for affordable, reliable vehicles and motorsports involvement.
Malibu Lineage:
Originally a trim level of the Chevrolet Chevelle in the 1960s and 70s. Reintroduced in 1997 as a standalone model.
2006 Generation:
This is the first year of the 'Epsilon' platform Malibu, marking a significant upgrade in chassis and design over the previous generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Fairfax, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
