The
2011 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan with an Epsilon front-wheel-drive platform that is flexible. Equipped with either a 2.4-liter I-4 or a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, coupled to a six-speed automatic, the Chevy Malibu comes in three trim levels. The Chevy Malibu has a body that's narrower and lower than similar models in its class, but ultimately the biggest complaint is the back seat area is somewhat crowded.
While the cabin of the Malibu is well executed, the interior has some inexpensive, hard plastics that are annoying. However, the Malibu's exterior is definitely handsome, and the car has aged well despite the lack of extensive upgrades. The Malibu's safety systems are excellent, and it gets a very respectable 22 mpg city / 33 mpg highway in fuel economy.
New for 2011
For 2011, Chevy ditched the four-speed automatic for a six-speed automatics with TAP shift manual control operated by a rocker switch on the shift knob. With the 1LT package, you get standard 17-inch ultra bright aluminum wheels, while the 2LT V-6 package gets 18-inch Chrome Tech aluminum wheels. Improved voice recognition technology and six months of Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn navigation now come with the OnStar 9.0 hardware.
Essentials
Engines: 2.4L I-4, 3.6L V-6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: LS Sedan, LT Sedan, LTZ Sedan
On the Outside
No major external changes distinguish the 2011 Malibu. Exterior details separate the trim packages, with the LT and LTZ models adding bright exterior accents over the LS model. A sunroof is optional on the LTZ.
From the Inside
The Malibu 1LT adds steering wheel audio and cruise controls, six-way power driver's seat, and remote start. 2LT adds UltraLux seats with six-way passenger adjuster. LTZ adds leather, USB, MP3, Bose audio, and automatic climate control.
Driving Performance
The Chevy Malibu exhibits good steering and handling. It is a front-wheel drive car that can be coaxed into rotating with gentle StabiliTrak intervention. The 169-horsepower four-cylinder engine, however, is grainy and unrefined, although the 252-horsepower V-6 engine is an improvement.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features for the Chevy Malibu include dual-stage driver and front passenger bags, anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak stability control with traction control and panic braking assist, front seat thorax bags, LATCH child seat anchors, tire pressure monitoring and OnStar crash response.
Gas Mileage
LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ (2.4L): 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ (3.6L): 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Plusses
- Cool Styling
- Interior design
- Good steering response
- Nice handling
Minuses
- Cramped rear-seat space
- Some interior plastics
- Fuel-efficient tires
- Lack of rear center armrest
Rating
Handsome sedan needs an update
People Who Like the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu Also Like
- Toyota Camry
- Ford Fusion
- Hyundai Sonata
- Honda Accord
- Subaru Legacy