The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has made some impressive changes, but the popular features have been left alone. Some of those original features include a spacious interior, balanced handling and riding ability, a 252-horsepower V-6 engine, clean lines of the exterior, and just enough chrome to distinguish it as high-end.
The 2009 Malibu appeals to a variety of people, including families, due to the comfort and roominess, which is beneficial when taking long vacations, or when hauling the kids and their friends around with all their stuff. Teens just getting their licenses and young adults love the Malibu’s impressive, sporty look. Parents are more secure knowing their children are driving a car with good safety features and ratings.
According to consumer reviews, the 2009 Malibu has a history of low maintenance problems with minimal major mechanical problems.
The Range
Body Styles: midsize sedan
Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 3.5-liter V-6 flex-fuel, 3.6-liter V-6
Transmissions: four-speed automatic, six-speed automatic
Models: Chevrolet Malibu LS, Chevrolet Malibu 1LT, Chevrolet Malibu 2LT, Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
What's New
Several key changes have been introduced to the Malibu for 2009. These include making the four-cylinder engine standard as opposed to the V-6 on the line-topping LTZ and the standardization of stability control across the line. Bluetooth has been introduced as an option.
The Malibu is also offered as a hybrid, which is the combination of a four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor. While at a stop, the system can turn off the gas engine and it is unnecessary to plug the vehicle in, which is a delightful added feature to the hybrid.
Exterior
This midsize sedan features 17-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry. The 1LT adds color-keyed mirrors and side moldings as well as a chrome exhaust outlet. The 2LT features polished wheels, and the LTZ upgrades with silver grille inserts, fog lights, 18-inch wheels, and LED taillights.
Interior
With 39.4 inches of front headroom and 37.2 inches of rear headroom, 42.2 inches of front legroom and 37.6 inches of rear legroom, 55.9 inches of front shoulder room and 53.9 inches of rear shoulder room, the ride feels roomy and comfortable. The comfort and support of the seats is astounding, and the interior noise seems amazingly quiet. The driver’s seat has numerous adjustment options to accommodate the driver’s perfect seating position.
The Malibu has numerous convenience features, including a front console with storage, front and rear cup holders, front seatback storage, front reading lights, and dual vanity lights.
A few packages allow the consumer to combine some of the features on the higher trims with those from lower trims. In addition, there is a rear power package with a 110-volt AC outlet and a rear sunshade. Even though a navigation system is not among the options, OnStar (which comes standard) has audio navigation assistance.
Performance & Handling
All 2009 Chevrolet Malibus have a standard 2.4-liter engine that gives 169 horsepower. The LS and 1LT contain a 2.4-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, and the six-speed is optional on the 1LT. The four-cylinder has acceptable performance, going from zero to 60 mph in 10 seconds. More impressive is the six-cylinder that goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
There have been various design improvements, including an impressive dash resembling the dash of the 1960s Corvette. The quality of materials improves immensely, and the controls seem simple to use. Due to the extensive sound insulation and front windows with acoustic-lamination, the vehicle offers an astoundingly quiet ride.
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu offers an excellent balance between ride and handling, and the chassis ensures easy cornering and a smooth ride, even on rough surfaces.
Safety
Standard features on all 2009 Chevrolet Malibu trims include traction and stability control, front-seat and side-curtain airbags, child seat anchors, rear-door child safety locks, daytime running lights, an engine immobilizer, auto delay-off headlamps, dusk-sensing headlamps, a passenger airbag with occupant-sensing deactivation, interior trunk release, tire pressure monitoring, and anti-lock disc brakes.
In government crash testing, the Malibu receives the highest award of five stars in both side-impact and frontal-impact tests.
EPA Fuel Economy
Chevrolet Malibu, V-6: 17/26 mpg city/highway
Chevrolet Malibu, four-cylinder: 22/32 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- V-6 delivers strong performance
- Good ride quality
- Balanced handling
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Good crashworthiness
- Solid fit and finish
You Won't Like
- Interior uses some low-grade materials
- Lack of center armrest
- Fussy manual shift
- Lacks key luxury features
Sum Up
Well-equipped midsize sedan that is as good or better than many models in its crowded market segment.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Accord
- Mazda MAZDA6
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry