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Chevrolet Malibu V 3.1i V6 (170 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)
V Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (V). With 244 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1409 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Chevrolet Malibu V generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. It did receive favorable ratings in US-based crash tests (NHTSA, IIHS) for its time, indicating a reasonable level of occupant protection for a vehicle of its era.
3.1i V6 (170 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The strongest engine option, offering a noticeable improvement in acceleration and passing power. It feels more confident on the highway and provides a more relaxed driving experience.
Fuel Economy
With a combined 9.8 l/100 km, this V6 manages to be more efficient than its lower-powered V6 sibling, making it a better balance of power and fuel consumption for a V6.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase and maintenance costs
- • Comfortable and compliant ride quality
- • Spacious interior for its class
- • Reliable engine options (especially the 4-cylinder)
Cons:
- • Uninspired exterior and interior styling
- • Handling is soft and not engaging
- • Interior materials feel somewhat cheap
- • Some common GM electrical issues for the era
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(V: 1997 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | V |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.1i V6 (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 54.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 244 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LG8 More details about the engine LG8 |
| Engine displacement: | 3129 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 12.9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6000 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1409 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 438 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4836 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1762 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1427 mm mm [6mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2717 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Front track: | 1498 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1506 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 139 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.1 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 | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 15 |
| 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!