Target Audience:
Families, commuters seeking comfortable and reliable transportation
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima
Platform:
Shared GM Epsilon platform with Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3, offering European-influenced ride and handling
Design:
Distinctive styling for its era, often praised for its upscale appearance
Powertrain:
Engine operation, transmission control, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, audio system, HVAC controls, power accessories
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, airbags, seat belts, climate control, interior trim
Basic Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, use of controls, fuel economy tips
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic checks before driving
Emergency Procedures:
Warning lights explanation, flat tire changing, jump starting, towing information
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues
Depth:
Covers owner-level maintenance and operation, not in-depth repair procedures
Engine Code:
L61 (2.2L Ecotec I4), LD9 (3.5L High Value LV6 V6)
Displacement I4:
2.2 Liters (2198 cc)
Horsepower I4:
144 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque I4:
150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Displacement V6:
3.5 Liters (3500 cc)
Horsepower V6:
201 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque V6:
220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Induction:
Multi-port fuel injection (MPFI)
Fuel Octane Recommendation:
87 octane (Octane rating may vary by region/specific engine variant)
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2005:
5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2005:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver 2005:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger 2005:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Small Overlap 2005:
Good (for vehicles tested in this category)
IIHS Side Impact 2005:
Good (for vehicles tested in this category)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, available front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, available premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer, steering wheel audio controls on higher trims
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on LTZ trims
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional keyless entry system
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard on base models; some later units may have aftermarket auxiliary inputs or adapters available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000-45,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect annually, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-20,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.2L Ecotec: 100,000 miles ( iridium-tipped plugs); 3.5L V6: 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, refer to manual)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with filter for 2.2L I4; 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 3.5L V6
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (GM 12346794 or equivalent orange long-life coolant)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (GM P/N 88863219) or Dexron VI (GM P/N 19259006) for 4T45-E/4T65-E transmissions
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (GM P/N 12367429) or DOT 4
Ecotec Oil Consumption:
Some 2.2L Ecotec engines may experience oil consumption issues due to piston ring wear or PCV system problems. Regular checks are advised.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
The 4T45-E and 4T65-E transmissions can sometimes develop hard shifting or torque converter shudder. Fluid changes and solenoid replacement are common remedies.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks have been reported on some V6 models.
Power Steering Pump:
Power steering pump leaks or noisy operation can occur.
Chevrolet History:
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is one of America's oldest and most popular automotive brands, known for a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to performance trucks.
Malibu History Previous Generations:
The Malibu nameplate has a long history, originating as a trim level for the Chevrolet Chevelle in the 1960s and 1970s, later becoming a standalone model in the 1970s and re-introduced in 1997 as a front-wheel-drive sedan.
2004 Redesign:
The 2004 model year marked a significant redesign for the Malibu, moving to the global Epsilon platform, which it shared with European GM vehicles, aiming for improved refinement and driving dynamics.
Manufacturing Locations:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Lordstown, Ohio, USA
Jdpower Initial Quality Study:
The 2005 Malibu received positive ratings in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study for its segment, particularly for powertrain and interior design.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports typically rated the Malibu as average to above-average in its class for reliability and performance during this generation.
Epa Fuel Economy I4 Highway:
Approx. 30 mpg
Epa Fuel Economy V6 Highway:
Approx. 28 mpg
