2010 Chevrolet Malibu,Reviews

For 2010, the Chevy Malibu gets minor changes. Most notably, the six-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all but the base LS model, thereby helping to improve fuel economy. There's also standard driver power-adjustable lumbar on all models and E85 fuel compatibility for the 2.4-liter engine.

For 2010, Chevy expanded the availability of the Malibu's six-speed automatic transmission to all trims except the base LS, providing improved performance and fuel economy.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is a five-passenger, four-door sedan available in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. The 1LT adds color-keyed side mirrors and moldings, a six-speed transmission and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The 2LT adds 17-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine start, premium faux-suede and vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat (manual back adjustment) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Rear Power package adds a 110-volt AC outlet and manual rear sunshade.

Every Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 169 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque. In performance testing, a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LS went from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, which is on the slow side for this class. A six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard. Fuel economy stands at 17/26/20.

Safety
Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Strangely, a four-cylinder 2010 Chevrolet Malibu with different 17-inch tires we tested provided a much different result -- a disappointing 140 feet.
In government crash tests, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu scored a perfect five stars in all frontal and side crash categories.

Driving Impressions
The cabin is impressively hushed at highway speeds, and seat comfort and support are superb, making the Malibu ideal for long trips.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu,Reviews

The Malibu's rear seat space is tight compared to that of some competitors, and it lacks a center armrest. The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is available in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ.

Standard equipment on the Malibu LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, OnStar and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack.

The 2LT then adds remote engine start, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power driver seat, heated front seats, premium upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Every 2011 Chevrolet Malibu can be equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as standard equipment, which generates 169 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Estimated fuel economy checks in at 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined.

Safety
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, OnStar telematics, front side airbags and head curtain airbags. In brake performance testing, a V6 Malibu impressed us by stopping from 60 mph in a short, fade-free 122 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu features a curvaceous dual-cowl dash design up front, emphasized strikingly by a couple of available two-tone interior color options. Mated to the now-standard six-speed automatic, even the fuel-efficient four-cylinder Malibu should deliver enough power and response for most buyers.