2005 Chevrolet Malibu | Review | Buying Guide
The Malibu sedan was the first car in its class to offer an optional factory-installed remote vehicle starter system. It allows the driver to start the car's interior heating and cooling systems from a range of about 200 feet. For people living in cold climates, this is an especially nice feature, meaning you won’t have to sit chattering and shaking inside your ice-cold car as you try and start it up.
But that is just one of many features boasted by the Malibu and its cousin, the Malibu Maxx (covered in a separate review). Though the two differ in some respects, versatility and comfort are standard across the board.
One thing the two have in common is their underskin design, which they share with the Pontiac G6 and the premium-compact 9-3 models from GM's Saab brand. In other words, they are built upon a quality foundation.
Under the Hood
There are two engines offered with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. Base models receive a 2.2-liter Ecotec inline 4-cylinder engine with 145 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Fuel ratings for this engine are 24/34 mpg (city/highway).
Uplevel LS and LT models feature a stronger 3.5-liter V6 with 200 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. Customers looking for more power but fewer amenities can upgrade the base model to this engine. Fuel ratings for the V6 engine are 23/32 mpg (city/highway).
4-speed automatic transmission is standard. For added handling and safety, LS and LT models have standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction control.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The interior of the Malibu is spacious, seating five passengers and offering 17.3 cubic feet of trunk space. Rear-seat passengers have an enhanced heating/air conditioning system to make rides pleasant. In addition to airflow to the feet, two vents on the center of the dash are designed to pour generous amounts of heated or cooled air directly into the back seat.
All models come with a power height adjustment for the driver’s seat, tilt/telescope steering column, and power windows/locks/mirrors. Among the options for 2005 are power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, OnStar assistance, satellite radio and heated cloth front seats.
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