Chevrolet Malibu Generation 3 (2007–2009)

Chevrolet Malibu Generation 3 (2007–2009) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Chevrolet Malibu — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 1 1997–2003 —
Generation 2 2004–2006 —
Generation 3 2007–2009 —
Generation 4 2010–2012 —
Generation 5 2013–2015 —
Generation 6 2016–2025 —

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Malibu

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Chevrolet 2.4L 4-cylinder 1997–2014 28 models 124
Chevrolet 1.5L 4-cylinder 2016–2025 8 models 102
Chevrolet 3.5L 6-cylinder 2004–2010 10 models 80
Chevrolet 2.5L 4-cylinder 1982–2016 19 models 62
GM 3.6L V6 (High Feature) 2008–2012 36 models 33
Chevrolet 2.0L 4-cylinder 2011–2022 22 models 29
Chevrolet 3.1L 6-cylinder 1997–2003 12 models 21
Chevrolet 2.2L 4-cylinder 2004–2008 33 models 18
Chevrolet 1.8L 4-cylinder 2008–2019 24 models 15

Chevrolet Malibu fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

Used Chevrolet Malibu prices by year → · Chevrolet Malibu vs Nissan Altima · Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Corolla · Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Mustang

About this generation

The Malibu was extensively redesigned and reengineered for the 2008 model year, with styling by Bryan Nesbitt. GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz was determined to make the nameplate competitive with Japanese mid-size cars. Trim levels were LS, LT, Hybrid (2008 and 2009 only), and LTZ. The LTZ trim had clear brake light lenses with red LEDs, while all other trims retained red lenses with conventional brake lights. The seventh-generation Malibu used a variant of the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform shared with the Saturn Aura, the Opel Signum, and Pontiac G6.

It was assembled in Kansas City, Kansas. Overall, it was three inches (76 mm) longer, with a six-inch (152 mm) longer wheelbase. Interior room remains mid-size, like the previous Malibus, and has been decreased from, despite having a longer wheelbase, although front legroom has increased from. Rear legroom has decreased from. The interior design was revised, with a selection of two-tone color combinations (brick and tan two-tone), telescoping steering wheel, higher-quality materials, and a twin-cowl dash design.

Drag (Cd) is at 0.33 for the LTZ. The seventh-generation Malibu offered these engine choices: The 2.4 L I4 and 3.6 L V6 engine have aluminum blocks and heads, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, twin balance shafts, and variable valve timing. The 3.5 L V6 has aluminum heads, an iron block, overhead valves, and limited variable valve timing. The 3.5 L V6 was offered as an upgrade for special-order fleet vehicles in place of the Ecotec engine; it was only available on LS and 2009 LT models.

Partway through the 2008 model year, the 2.4 L Ecotec was offered with a six-speed automatic transmission to improve performance and fuel economy. For 2009, the six-speed transmission mated to the 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine or the 217-horsepower 3.5 L V6 mated to the four-speed automatic were made available on the 1LT; the six-speed became standard on 2LT models the same year. The LS models were equipped with the four-speed transmission only.

A manual transmission was not offered. Chevrolet dropped the Malibu Maxx station wagon model. The side marker lights were removed from the fenders. Partway through the 2010 model year, the GM badges were removed from the front doors. The trim-level badge was located from the right side of the trunk lid to the left, next to the "Malibu" badge. Four-cylinder models (except Hybrid) became available with E85 capability.

OnStar was included on all Malibu models as standard equipment (excluding fleet vehicles, where this feature was optional). Six air bags were also standard on the seventh-generation Malibu; two dual-stage front bags, two side-impact curtain air bags protecting the heads of both front and rear passengers, and two side-impact thorax bags mounted in the front seats. Traction control, electronic tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes, and daytime running lamps were standard safety features on all Malibus.

GM's StabiliTrak brand electronic stability control was standard on all models including the base LS model. For 2011, the base LS (1LS) Malibu gained more standard features such as Bluetooth technology with stereo audio playback capability, a remote USB and iPod/iPhone port, remote start, a security alarm, an upgraded OnStar system, power front driver's seat, chrome hubcap wheel covers, body-colored side mirrors with power adjustments and body-colored accents, a single faux wood dashboard accent, and a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and manual shift capabilities.

The LT (1LT) model lost its available eight-speaker Bose premium sound system. The LT (2LT) got a package that included a sunroof, power heated leather seats, and more convenience and comfort features. The four-speed automatic transmission was dropped from the Malibu powertrain lineup.

Source: Wikipedia — Chevrolet Malibu — Seventh generation (2008), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
2007 6 2,013 Steering, Electrical System, Air Bags
2008 5 2,023 Steering, Electrical System, Exterior Lighting
2009 6 3,043 Steering, Electrical System, Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

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