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1998 MALIBU ROOM, COMFORT AND VALUE
ADD UP TO AMERICAN EXCELLENCE
Chevy Malibu, one of the newest cars in the midsize class and the 1997 Motor Trend Car of the Year, has received extremely positive reviews from both the automotive press and the public alike since its introduction in March 1997. And, many of the comments focus on three areas: a quality build...plenty of creature comforts…and an excellent price point. In fact, no other car in the lower middle segment has a more impressive list of standard features.
AMENITIES - Buy The Malibu Here
Items that are options on many competitors - air conditioning, wheel anti-lock brakes, a 4-speed automatic transmission, a Tilt-Wheel™ Adjustable Steering Column, power trunk opener - are standard on Malibu. And, Malibu LS adds even more features, with standard power windows and power door locks, Remote Keyless Entry, electronic speed control, an AM/FM stereo cassette sound system, split-folding rear seat and a powerful 3100 V6 engine - just to name of few. For 1998, Malibu continues to offer customers the freedom to equip their car with the features they desire most. On the inside, the LS model now offers new optional leather seating surfaces, available in Light Gray or Light Neutral, for added luxury. Supple leather seating surfaces and a leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel are included. Another new interior feature is the availability of the optional 6-way power driver seat on Malibu Sedan models. Previously, this convenience feature was available only on the LS models, where it is standard. Also new on the inside is the addition of Medium Oak as an interior color.
EXTERIOR - Buy The Malibu Here
On the outside, a stylish new 15-inch machine-surface aluminum wheel with revised center cap is standard on Malibu LS and is optional on Malibu Sedan. While Malibu provides a wide variety of features, the basic design of the car gives buyers an excellent value - what Chevrolet calls "American Excellence." The body has been designed to yield precise fits that rival quality found on import sedans. A rigid body structure gives Malibu a solid feel and serves as a stable platform so the suspension can be tuned to give Malibu reassuring, predictable handling, while still providing a smooth ride. Overall, Malibu offers an impressive driving experience reminiscent of cars costing much more. Durability is aided with the use of many long-life components. Spark plugs can go as many as 100,000 miles before they need changing, and the engine coolant will last as long as 5 years or 150,000 miles before needing replacement. (Maintenance needs vary with different uses and driving conditions; see owner's manual for more information.) Under normal use, the transmission fluid will not need to be changed. And, every exterior body panel is made of two-side-galvanized steel to fight corrosion including the roof, giving Malibu exterior corrosion protection unsurpassed by any car, no matter what the cost.
WHAT MALIBU IS - Buy The Malibu Here
The entry of Malibu into the hotly contested midsize segment in 1997 was marked by accolades from the press and consumers alike-further strengthening the comprehensive sedan lineup from Chevrolet. Positioned between the entry-level Cavalier and the larger Lumina, Malibu combines nimble, small car handling with true seating for five. Available in base-level and LS trim, this new midsize sedan is designed to achieve American excellence in a tough, competitive market. Buyers include young, successful parents who value quality, reliability and durability in their cars. Many of these buyers previously gravitated toward imports, but now, Malibu offers a serious alternative. Advanced manufacturing processes help ensure every Malibu is built to the highest quality standards. Rigorous testing has proven the reliability of all of the many Malibu components. Long-term dependability results from the Chevrolet commitment to long-life components. This includes platinum-tip spark plugs, extended-life engine coolant, extended-life automatic transmission fluid and the use of two-side-galvanized steel on all external body panels, including the roof. Naturally, a reliable, dependable vehicle provides value, but there are other parameters for measuring value. When it comes to equipment, Malibu provides big-ticket items such as air conditioning, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, Passlockā theft-deterrent system, a fold-down rear seat and 4-speed automatic transmission as standard. Among midsize cars, Malibu represents an exceptional value in its price class. And this value was "designed" by the customers through nationwide clinics and focus groups that underscored what they wanted in a car. Chevrolet designers went so far as to visit Chevy and competitive dealerships and speak with prospects on the showroom floors or sales lots. By closely listening to consumers and not chasing the competition, Chevrolet gives buyers what they said they wanted - the 1998 Malibu.
MODELS AND TRIM LEVELS - Buy The Malibu Here
THE CHEVROLET SEDAN FAMILY - Buy The Malibu Here
Every Chevrolet sedan is a quality-built car on which owners can depend to be a trusted member of their family - day in, day out and year in, year out. GM has long been a leader in powertrain performance, and Chevy sedans inherit this technology, along with a comprehensive safety package designed to add peace of mind to every mile consumers drive. Besides offering outstanding value at an affordable price, Chevrolet sedans offer unique low-maintenance features that make them easier to care for than some other cars. And, of course, all Chevrolet sedans are covered by a comprehensive owner protection program that includes a no-deductible, 3-year/36,000-mile limited Bumper to Bumper warranty, Courtesy Transportation and 24-Hour Roadside Assistance.
SAFETY - Buy The Malibu Here
With a long history of setting automotive safety milestones, GM is a world leader in automotive safety research, development and testing. All GM vehicles, including Malibu, benefit from the expertise of General Motors. Malibu provides a systematic approach to safety that emphasizes crash avoidance and minimizes the consequences of unavoidable collisions.
Crash Avoidance Features
- Daytime running lamps (DRL) with Automatic Exterior Lamp Control. Reduced-intensity headlamps come on automatically to help other drivers notice the oncoming vehicle during daylight hours. Headlamps automatically adjust to regular intensity at night.
- 4-wheel anti-lock brake system(ABS), standard on Malibu, automatically modulates brake pressure to the front and rear wheels during emergency braking situations minimizing wheel lock up and helping maintain steering control on most surfaces. All the driver has to do is hold the brake pedal down and steer the car.
- Brake/transmission shift interlock requires drivers to depress the brake pedal to shift out of park, preventing unintended acceleration
- Four way, hazard warning flashers allow hazard lamps to flash even with the brakes applied.
- Center mounted horn can be operated by pressing the center of the steering wheel-the location where most drivers expect to find the horn.
Occupant Protection Features
- Driver and front passenger air bags are designed to supplement safety belts, by helping restrain front-seat occupants in the event of a moderate to severe frontal impact.
- Three-point safety belt system helps restrain outboard passengers by distributing forces to help reduce injury.
- Adjustable, front seat shoulder safety belt guide loops offer several positions for optimum comfort.
- Rear-seat safety belt child comfort guides permit children and smaller adults to comfortably and properly wear the rear seat shoulder safety belt by gently adjusting the belt away from the face and neck.
- Child security rear door locks, when engaged, prohibit the rear doors from being opened from the inside.
- Safety-cage construction surrounds the passenger compartment with a reinforced system of structural components to help preserve the integrity of the occupant compartment during a crash. Pillars, side-door beams, roof structure and a unique front chassis are included. High-strength steel reinforcements provide rigidity and allow a narrow pillar design for good visibility. Much of the energy in a front- or rear-end collision is absorbed by the car's crush zones, which consist of the upper and lower metal rails that frame the engine and trunk compartments.
- Energy-absorbing steering column and instrument panel help reduce the chance of injury during a collision.
- Laminated windshield safety glass and tempered side and rear safety glass help reduce occupant injuries.
Theft-Deterrent Features
- Passlock® theft-deterrent system, standard on Malibu models, will not allow the vehicle to run unless the proper key is used. If an improper key is used, the vehicle will not start for as long as 10 minutes, even if the proper key is subsequently inserted.
- Remote hood release is standard on Malibu models and helps prevent unauthorized access to the engine compartment.
- Laser-etched Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate makes forgery more difficult than with stamped VIN plates.
INTERIOR FEATURES - Buy The Malibu Here
The instrument panel is ergonomically designed to provide the driver with the easiest, fastest access to necessary controls and features. Quality and convenience are key concepts behind the instrument panel design, which is based on feedback garnered from sedan customer clinics. The Malibu interior features include:
- Theatre lighting which gradually dims interior lights when doors are closed instead of turning them off abruptly
- Tilt Wheel™ Adjustable Steering Column, standard on all models, that adjusts to a comfortable position for a wide range of drivers
- CFC-free air conditioning, which is standard on both models for comfort during warm, humid conditions
- Rear-seat ventilation ducts, which route heat to back passengers for added comfort
- "A-pillar"-mounted HVAC vents, which circulate heat and air conditioning quickly throughout the passenger compartment
- Scotchgard™ Protector, which is applied to cloth seats, door panels and floor covering to resist stains and make cleanups easier
- Variable intermittent wipers, which allow the driver to adjust wiper speed to weather conditions
- Remote Keyless Entry system (standard on Malibu LS, optional on Malibu Sedan), which activates automatic locking and unlocking functions from the owner's key fob. This system also uses "rolling codes" to prevent a potential thief from monitoring and recording the signal from the transmitter and replaying it back to the vehicle to gain access
- Power windows, which include driver's Express-Down and lockout features (standard on Malibu LS, optional on Malibu Sedan). The driver's Express-Down feature lowers the window with one touch of the button - it's not necessary to continue holding the button down. The lockout feature prevents passenger windows from being operated by children
- Luggage-area convenience net, which is standard on Malibu LS (available on Malibu Sedan with optional Custom Cloth seats) and helps prevent rear cargo from shifting during driving
- Dual power remote body-color breakaway outside rearview mirrors (standard on Malibu LS, optional on Malibu Sedan), which add the convenience of power operation. Malibu Sedan features manually adjustable dual remote bodycolor outside mirrors which fold inward if struck, preventing damage.
- Auxiliary power outlet, which provides power for items such as a cellular phone and features a cover for safety, and is located in the center of the instrument panel
- A power trunk release, which conveniently opens the trunk from inside the vehicle, and is located on the left side of the instrument panel
- Dual, mirror-mounted reading lamps (standard on Malibu LS, optional on Malibu Sedan), which provide interior illumination for reading, map referral, etc.
- Front-door map pockets, which provide additional storage space
- The passenger-side sunvisor on Malibu LS, which features a Lighted vanity mirror and map straps for added convenience
- A microprocessor-based electromechanical instrument cluster design, which links communication between the vehicle's electronic modules (powertrain, air bag and ABS) to provide up-to-the minute system information to the driver.
- Instrument panel, which features radio and HVAC controls that are located high in the center for easy driver access. The instrument panel also contains the ignition switch for convenience, instead of having it located on the steering column
- The glove box, which features a handle close to the driver, making it easier to access than typical designs.
- Zoned electric rear defogger (standard on Malibu LS, optional on Malibu Sedan), which is designed to clear the center of the rear window first, where visibility is needed most
- Steering column stalk controls, which are simplified so each stalk controls only one function, eliminating the potential confusion caused by multi-function stalks
- Electronic speed control (standard on Malibu LS, optional on Malibu Sedan), which features steering wheel-mounted controls for easy use. The On/Off switch is located on the left side of the steering wheel, while the Resume, Set, Acceleration and Deceleration functions are located on the right
- The center console, which features an armrest which opens to reveal a storage bin. Another storage bin is located in the front of the console, along with a coin holder. The console features a cup holder which accommodates a variety of cups, cans or bottles. Dual pull-out cup holders are located in the rear of the console and can hold two cups or juice boxes for rearseat occupants
- An auxiliary cup holder, especially useful for left-handed drivers, which is located on the left side of the instrument panel
A great ride that rivals fine import sedans was a Malibu design goal from the start. As a result, sound-deadening and vibration-reducing measures have been designed into the Malibu body and chassis. For example, the solid body structure has been tested to ensure minimal vibration and intrusion of road noise.
AUDIO SYSTEMS - Buy The Malibu Here
- Electronically tuned AM/FM stereo with seek-scan, digital clock and dual front coaxial and dual rear extended-range speakers is standard on Malibu Sedan.
- Electronically tuned AM/FM stereo with cassette player, automatic tone control, TheftLock security feature, seek-scan, digital clock dual front coaxial and dual rear extended-range speakers is standard on Malibu LS (optional on base-level Malibu). Automatic tone control sets equalizer levels with one touch for rock, country, pop, jazz, classical and news programs. This system also includes speed-compensated volume which automatically adjusts volume as speed increases to compensate for road noise.
- Electronically tuned AM/FM stereo with compact disc player, automatic tone control, speed-compensated volume, TheftLock and front and rear speakers is optional on both models.
- Electronically tuned AM/FM stereo with compact disc player, remote cassette player, automatic tone control, speed compensated volume, TheftLock and front and rear speakers is optional on both models. The dual playback remote cassette player is located just below the climate controls.
Exterior Paint
Standard basecoat/clearcoat paint on Malibu resists fading and provides a high-gloss shine for long-lasting exterior beauty. The clearcoat system is formulated to minimize the effects of acid rain and other environmental damage, protecting all colors- solids and metallics. The paint process builds up six layers of protection on every new Malibu.
Paint Colors
ENGINES - Buy The Malibu Here
2.4-Liter L4 Twin Cam SFI (LD9) The 2.4-Liter Twin Cam engine is standard on Malibu Sedan. The Twin Cam's 16-valve design provides outstanding balance throughout the operating range. Noise and vibration have been minimized by mounting the air conditioner and alternator directly on the block. Other contributors to smoothness and idle stability include the use of a balance shaft, hydraulic engine mounts, Sequential Fuel Injection and electronic spark control.
Twin Cam Engine Technical Features:
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN - Buy The Malibu Here
Well, not everything, but the ignition switch on Malibu does take you back to the days when car keys were inserted in a switch on the instrument panel. As it turns out, there are solid engineering and ergonomic reasons for having the ignition switch in the instrument panel instead of on the steering column. The steering column is already crowded with switch stalks and the steering mechanism, so moving the ignition switch reduces complexity. Ergonomically, the instrument panel-mounted ignition switch is easier to locate. Instead of being hidden by steering wheel spokes, the new switch is right in the driver's line of sight. This should result in fewer scratches on the steering column and instrument panel caused by the key. This little piece of engineering proves that Chevrolet is determined to use ideas that work - whether new or old. Maybe the next feature automakers will pick up from classic cars will be roomy interiors ... wait, Malibu already has that. Tail fins, maybe?
BATTERY RUNDOWN PROTECTION - Buy The Malibu Here
A driver forgets to turn off the car's interior lights in the airport parking lot. Not a problem, so long as he or she remembers it before boarding the plane for a week long business trip - or if the car is a Malibu. When the interior lights are left on over 20 minutes, Malibu turns them off to prevent a dead battery. How does it know? Malibu has a computer that monitors how long the lights have been on and shuts them down when needed.
Copyright © 1985-2004 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993 - 2004 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 7278219779
