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Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 3.5i V6 12V (200 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Chevrolet Malibu:
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2025. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu has been marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. Malibu production in the US ended in November 2024, as the Fairfax plant is being retooled for the upcoming second-generation Chevrolet Bolt. The Malibu is now the last sedan to have been sold by Chevrolet in the US....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Maxx Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (Maxx). With 298 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1577 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Chevrolet Malibu Maxx was primarily a North American market vehicle and was not tested by Euro NCAP. For safety ratings, consumers would typically refer to NHTSA or IIHS evaluations for this model year.
3.5i V6 12V (200 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.5L V6 (LX9) engine delivers 200 Hp and 298 Nm of torque, providing adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising. While not sporty, it offers sufficient acceleration for a family hatchback of its size and era.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 9 l/100 km (approximately 26 MPG US), the 3.5L V6 offers average fuel economy for a V6 engine from the early 2000s. It's reasonable given the car's size and automatic transmission.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with sliding rear seats
- • Comfortable ride quality suitable for long trips
- • Reliable 3.5L V6 engine (LX9)
- • Ample cargo space with hatchback practicality
- • Good value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Uninspired exterior styling
- • Interior materials feel somewhat basic
- • Average fuel economy for its class
- • Handling is competent but not engaging
- • Limited aftermarket support compared to more popular models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(V: 1999 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | Maxx |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5i V6 12V (200 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 200 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.2 Hp/l [66mm less] |
| Torque: | 298 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LX9 More details about the engine LX9 |
| Engine displacement: | 3498 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 9.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6200 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 189 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1577 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1161 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 646 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4770 mm mm [66mm less] |
| Width: | 1773 mm mm [11mm more] |
| Height: | 1476 mm mm [49mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2852 mm mm [135mm more] |
| Front track: | 1524 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1529 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 154 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Hydra-Matic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Does the Chevrolet Malibu live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!