2007 Chevrolet Malibu: Affordable midsize sedan offered value, style

Cars

By Neal White, Motor News Media Corporation

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 12:03 PM

Finding a good deal on a used car may not be as difficult as you think. The first step is to equip yourself with the right information that will help you narrow down the choices in the vehicle segment that best meets your needs and budget. For consumers in the market for an affordable midsize sedan, one model worthy of consideration is the five-passenger, front-wheel-drive 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, which was produced in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ.

Produced at General Motors' Kansas City, Kan., assembly plant, the Malibu was designed and produced to go head-to-head against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Mazda 6.

For the 2007 model year, the base LS and LT Malibu trim levels were powered by a 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine. A 3.5-liter V-6 was available as an option on LT Malibu models and standard on the Malibu LTZ. Both engines connected to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Standard safety features included dual-stage front airbags for the driver and front passenger with GM's passenger sensing system; anti-lock brakes with traction control (on V-6 Malibu models, option on I-4 models); and available OnStar with Turn-By-Turn Navigation.

The LS was equipped with:15-inch wheels, an instrument panel with chrome trim around gauges, radio and climate control knobs and shifter plate, titanium and cashmere trim colors and cruise control. The LT adds: head curtain front, rear and side-impact airbags; body-color outside mirrors; body-color side molding with chrome insert; body-color rocker panels; 16-inch wheels; uplevel cloth seats; steering wheel radio controls; ebony interior along with titanium and cashmere.

A luxury and convenience package was also offered for Malibu LT models, which added bright chrome wheels, front fog lights, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter knob, electrochromic inside mirror with compass, rear reading lights, six-way power adjustable driver seat, heated front seat and lighted passenger vanity mirror.

The top-of-the-line Malibu LTZ featured the V-6 engine, front seat-mounted thorax side-impact airbags, front fog lights, chrome exhaust tip, automatic climate control system, heated outside mirrors, six-way power driver seat, heated front seats, 17-inch wheels, UltraLux and leather seating, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, illuminated passenger vanity mirror, auto-dimming inside mirror with compass, OnStar and universal home remote.

EPA fuel economy:

City: 22 to 24, Highway: 32 to 34

Kelley Blue Book:

$8,000 to $10,000 (estimated)

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