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Chevrolet Malibu Maxx (facelift 2006) SS 3.9i V6 12V (240 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 (facelift 2006) Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (Maxx (facelift 2006)). With 325 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1642 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.
SS 3.9i V6 12V (240 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers robust V6 power and strong low-end torque, making it capable for highway cruising and confident acceleration, though the 4-speed automatic can feel sluggish and dated.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is a significant drawback, especially in urban driving, typical for a large displacement V6 paired with an older 4-speed automatic transmission.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Versatile and spacious interior with sliding rear seat
- • Strong V6 engine performance for its class
- • Comfortable ride quality
- • Practical hatchback design with ample cargo space
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy, especially in city driving
- • Dated 4-speed automatic transmission
- • Interior materials can feel cheap compared to rivals
- • Exterior styling was polarizing
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VI: 2004 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | Maxx (facelift 2006) |
| Modification (Engine): | SS 3.9i V6 12V (240 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 240 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61.9 Hp/l [13mm less] |
| Torque: | 325 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LZ9 More details about the engine LZ9 |
| Engine displacement: | 3880 |
| 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: | OHV, CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 9.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 99 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6400 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.8 kg/Hp, 146.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 197.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1642 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1161 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 646 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 61 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4770 mm mm [13mm less] |
| Width: | 1773 mm mm [2mm less] |
| Height: | 1476 mm mm [16mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2852 mm mm [152mm more] |
| Front track: | 1524 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1529 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 154 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.4 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 | 225/50 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Chevrolet Malibu rank in your book?