Competitors:
Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design:
Distinctive styling, comfortable interior, European-influenced chassis
Powertrain Options:
Economical 4-cylinder and powerful V6 options
Engine:
2.2L Ecotec (L61), 3.5L High Value (LZ4), 3.9L High Value (LZ9)
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4T45-E, 4T65-E)
Brakes:
Front disc, rear disc (ABS, Traction Control)
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting, starting, charging, accessories
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link independent
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system diagnostics and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, bumpers, glass
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, exhaust system, fuel system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC code interpretation, component testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Disassembly Assembly:
Component removal and installation instructions
Specifications:
Torque specifications, alignment data, clearances
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed automatic (4T45-E)
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed automatic (4T65-E)
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, driver shift control, overdrive
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI (or equivalent specified by GM)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
5-star
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
5-star
NHTSA Side Driver Impact:
5-star
NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:
5-star
Traction Control:
Standard
Airbags Front:
Standard dual-stage frontal airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional MP3 player, auxiliary input (on some models), and premium sound systems.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Onstar:
Optional OnStar safety and communication system available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic blend oil.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.2L:
Platinum: 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L/3.9L:
Iridium: 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher) - Synthetic Blend Recommended
Coolant Spec:
GM OE specification (GMC 6277M), typically a green coolant
Power Steering Pump:
Potential for pump leaks or whine, especially on earlier Epsilon platform vehicles.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine mounts, leading to vibration and clunking under acceleration/deceleration.
Transmission Solenoids:
Transmission shift quality issues or failure can be attributed to failing solenoids.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracking of the exhaust manifold, particularly on the 3.5L and 3.9L V6 engines, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Chevrolet History:
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is known for its broad range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks, consistently aiming for value and accessibility.
Malibu Seventh Gen:
The 2007 Malibu is part of the seventh generation, which debuted for the 2004 model year (as a 2004.5 model) and represented a significant overhaul, built on the global Epsilon platform shared with the Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3. This generation moved the Malibu upscale in terms of design, interior quality, and driving dynamics.
Assembly Location:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada