Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sedan
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chrysler Sebring
Platform Sharing:
Shared Epsilon II platform with vehicles like the Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6, indicating robust engineering and safety underpinnings.
Design Philosophy:
Shift towards a more European-influenced design for enhanced styling and driving dynamics.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust, Fuel System, Cooling System
Chassis:
Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Chassis Control Systems, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Body:
Body Exterior, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Doors, Liftgate/Trunk
Maintenance:
Routine oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, wiring diagrams, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step guides for component removal and installation
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics utilizing scan tools, live data analysis, and troubleshooting trees
Specification Detail:
Torque specifications, clearance measurements, alignment data, electrical resistance values
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission component rebuilding
Digital File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format) - Searchable, bookmarkable, printable
Image Resolution:
High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations
Physical Binding If Applicable:
Not applicable for digital format, but if printed would typically be coil-bound or perfect bound for durability.
Physical Paper Type If Applicable:
Not applicable for digital format, but original manuals use durable, glossy paper.
Engine Code:
LLC (2.4L Ecotec I4)
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2384 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 98.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
9.8:1 (typical for LLC)
Horsepower:
164 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code:
LY7 (3.6L High Feature V6 - later models)
Displacement:
3.6 Liters (3564 cc)
Configuration:
V-6, DOHC, 24-valve, Direct Injection (DI) on some variants
Horsepower:
252 hp @ 6300 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI) for 2.4L and 3.5L V6; Direct Injection (DI) on some 3.6L V6
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline, 87 Octane minimum
Fuel Tank Capacity:
17.0 gallons (approx.)
Type:
6-Speed Automatic (4T65-E HD for V6, possibly M4T for I4)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (e.g., 4T65-E for base models, less common for 2008)
Gear Ratios:
Detailed gear ratios for each transmission variant available in the manual.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset Test:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - StabiliTrak
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags (standard on most trims)
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System Options:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional MP3 compatibility, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium Bose sound system.
Navigation System:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling system (RPO code UGE/UGP depending on year/package).
Remote Start:
Optional remote vehicle start system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed, based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs typically last 100,000 miles. Refer to manual for specific type and gap.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe service intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API SN or newer)
Coolant Type:
GM-spec orange coolant (Dex-Cool)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine 2 4L Ecotec:
Oil consumption concerns, timing chain stretch (though less prevalent in 2008 than earlier generations), piston ring issues.
Transmission Automatic:
Occasional hard shifts or slipping, especially with higher mileage.
Power Steering:
Electric power steering (EPS) system issues, pump failures, or sensor problems.
HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures leading to improper temperature control.
Suspension:
Worn struts/shocks, control arm bushings, and ball joints.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history dating back to 1911, known for producing a wide range of vehicles from affordable economy cars to trucks and performance vehicles.
Malibu Lineage:
The Malibu nameplate has been used by Chevrolet intermittently since the 1960s, evolving from a full-size to a mid-size to an intermediate model over its history. The 7th generation marked a significant redesign.
Manufacturing Locations:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Production Years For 7Th Gen:
2008-2012
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Motorweek Drivers Choice:
Named 'Best Family Sedan' by MotorWeek's 2008 Driver's Choice Awards.
North American Car Of The Year Nominee:
The 7th generation Malibu was a nominee for the North American Car of the Year award.
