Introduction
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It was simple. Chevrolet didn't have a
model to compete with the Ford Contour, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan
Altima and Dodge Stratus. That's a big, lucrative market and a player the
size of Chevrolet has to be in the game. Creating a model that could make
the lineup was not an easy assignment. These are formidable competitors
with good records. Chevrolet would have to hit the proverbial home run
if it was to stay in this component of the midsize game.
Going, going, gone. The Malibu easily clears the center field fence.
The Malibu comes in two competitively priced models. The base Malibu
comes with a 150 horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. The LS uses
a 3.1-liter V6 rated at 155 horsepower. The V6 is an option for the base
car.
A comparably equipped four-cylinder Accord will be in the low $19,000
range, a V-6 Stratus around $20,000, a V-6 Contour also around $20,000,
so the Malibu is priced right.
When speaking about target audience, Chevrolet talks of people in their
mid-30s and 40s looking for quality, safety, reliability, durability, and
practicality. That's a something-for-everybody philosophy that a little
time behind the wheel reveals the Malibu does indeed offer.
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