Positioning:
Practical, comfortable, and reliable family sedan
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
Global Epsilon platform, European styling influences.
Platform:
GM Epsilon (shared with Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3).
Engine:
2.4L Ecotec L4, 3.5L V6 LX9, 3.6L V6 LLT (as applicable)
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (4T45-E, 4T65-E)
Brakes:
Front/Rear Disc, ABS, Traction Control
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link
Steering:
Electric Power Steering (EPS) / Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS)
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio
HVAC:
Manual and Automatic Climate Control Systems
Body:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Interior Trim, Glass
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Belt Inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnosis
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement
Component Removal Installation:
Alternator, Starter, Fuel Pump, Radiator, AC Compressor
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete Electrical Schematics for all Systems
Depth:
Complete Workshop Level - from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component rebuilds.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4L (2384cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4 (DOHC, 16-valve)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
163 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.5L (3500cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6 (OHV, 12-valve)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
214 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
3.6L (3564cc)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V6 (DOHC, 24-valve, Direct Injection)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
252 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (DI) for LLT
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Timing Drive:
Chain Driven (LE9, LLT), Belt Driven (LX9)
Variable Valve Timing:
Yes (Dual VVT for LE9, VVT for LLT)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
4T45-E (with 2.4L L4)
Transmission Model 2:
4T65-E (with 3.5L V6 and 3.6L V6)
Gear Selection:
Driver Shift Control (P, R, N, OD, D3, 2)
Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with CD Player, MP3 Playback, Auxiliary Input (Standard)
Premium Audio:
Available Bose Premium Audio System
Navigation:
Optional Factory Navigation System
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Parking Assist Sensors
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth Connectivity
Remote Start:
Optional Remote Vehicle Starter
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (or based on oil life monitoring system)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 22,500 miles, replace as needed
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 22,500 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 100,000 miles (for platinum/iridium plugs)
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect regularly, change based on driving conditions or at approx. 100,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
First change at 150,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic (GM dexos1™ Gen 2 recommended, but not specified for 2008)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L V6:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L V6:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 L)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346140 (Orange) or equivalent, Ethylene Glycol Based
Engine Issues:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, timing chain stretch (3.6L LLT), intake manifold gasket leaks (3.5L LX9).
Transmission Issues:
Erratic shifting, torque converter shudder (4T65-E).
Suspension Issues:
Premature wear of control arm bushings and ball joints.
Electrical Issues:
Power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
Recall Information:
Check for relevant recalls for the specific VIN.
Manufacturer:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM).
Generation:
Fifth Generation (2004-2012)
Platform Introduction:
Epsilon platform introduced globally for this generation, replacing previous models.
Design Changes 2008:
Minor updates including revised grille and minor interior trim refinements compared to 2007.
Production Start Year:
1964 (Original Malibu nameplate)
Production Location 2008:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada