Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima
Design:
Sleek, modern styling, European-influenced exterior design cues from its Epsilon II platform.
Comfort:
Comfortable ride quality, spacious interior for its class.
Efficiency:
Focus on fuel efficiency, especially with the 4-cylinder engine option.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling, fuel, lubrication, exhaust systems
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, shifting, fluid information
Chassis:
Braking system, steering, suspension, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, power outlets, battery, fuses
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, security system
Infotainment:
Audio system operation, radio controls, auxiliary input
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving controls, parking, fuel filling
Maintenance:
Fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire pressure, wiper blade replacement
Safety Features:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint installation
Emergency:
Jumper starting, tire changing, safe roadside stops
Depth:
Consumer-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not include diagnostic codes or detailed repair procedures.
Quality:
High-resolution text and images suitable for clear reading and potential printing.
Quality:
Professional quality printing, clear text, vibrant images.
Binding:
Perfect bound (typical for owner's manuals)
Type:
Durable, glossy paper stock to withstand regular use.
Type:
6-Speed Automatic (6T40/6T45)
Features:
Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability)
Type:
None offered for this model year.
Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) for a dry fill, refer to manual for exact service fill.
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Passenger:
5-Star
Brakes:
Front Disc / Rear Disc, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Standard
Stability Control:
StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Standard on all trims.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags (front seats), roof rail airbags (front and rear side curtain).
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input jack. Optional upgrades included premium sound systems and USB connectivity.
Display:
Center stack display for radio information and vehicle settings.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist sensors on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
Usb:
Optional USB port for media playback and device charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Refer to oil life monitoring system for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 45,000 miles (72,000 km); replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 45,000 miles (72,000 km); replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Replace every 97,500 miles (157,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L:
Replace iridium spark plugs every 97,500 miles (157,000 km).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher, GM dexos1™ approved (synthetic blend recommended).
Engine Coolant:
GM P/N 12346290 (DEX-COOL®) or equivalent silicate-free, orange ethylene glycol coolant.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent.
Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Some owners reported harsh shifting or delayed engagement; often addressed with software updates or transmission fluid service.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Certain 2.4L Ecotec engines (especially early versions) could experience higher-than-normal oil consumption; regular checks are advised.
Power Steering Pump:
Reports of occasional power steering pump noise or failure on some models.
Water Pump Leaks:
Potential for water pump leaks, particularly on the 2.4L engine, often addressed under warranty.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, founded in 1911, has a long history of producing accessible and popular vehicles, evolving from early utilitarian cars to modern mainstream sedans and trucks.
Malibu Lineage:
The Malibu nameplate has a history dating back to the 1960s as a Chevelle trim, becoming a standalone model in 1978. The 2011 model represents the eighth generation, launched in late 2007/early 2008.
2011 Model Year:
The 2011 Malibu received minor updates, including potential package adjustments and feature availability based on trim level. The V6 engine was updated to the more powerful 3.5L LLT with direct injection.
Manufacturing Plants:
Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kansas; Oshawa Car Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
