Customer Video Review
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, available at your Manchester Chevrolet dealer, remains a popular, well-equipped entry in the hotly contested segment of midsize
family sedans. The seventh-generation Chevrolet Malibu bolted smartly out of the starting gate in 2008, one of the stars of GM’s product renaissance over the last several years and one of the first Chevy cars to feel modern rather than retro. As a result it was acknowledged as the 2009 North American Car of the Year and earned a fair amount of positive praise. Four years on, the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu in Manchester continues to be a very desirable car.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is available at Carter Chevrolet in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. Standard equipment on the Malibu LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, On Star and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack.
Next up is the 1LT that adds 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome and color-keyed body accents, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and access to various optional features. The 2LT then adds remote engine start, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a power driver seat, heated front seats, premium upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The range-topping LTZ includes 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, heated outside mirrors, LED taillights, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, upgraded instruments, a rear window shade, a rear 110-volt power outlet and a Bose eight-speaker stereo with MP3 playback and USB audio jack. Many of these available features are grouped into packages that can be added to the lower trim levels. In addition, a sunroof is optional for all trims except the LS.
Performance
Every 2011 Malibu can be equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as standard equipment, which generates 169 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Estimated fuel economy checks in at 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined.
A 3.6-liter V6 is available for the Malibu LT and LTZ, and bumps output to 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is again standard. Fuel economy is estimated at 17/26/20 mpg. Our test of a V6-equipped Malibu resulted in a 0-60-mph sprint in just 6.7 seconds, making it one of the quicker V6 sedans in its class.
Safety
The Chevy Malibu comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, OnStar telematics, front side airbags and head curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Malibu scored a perfect five stars in all frontal and side-impact categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Malibu its highest rating of “Good” in its frontal-offset and side-impact testing. In brake performance testing, a V6 Malibu impressed us by stopping from 60 mph in a short, fade-free 122 feet.
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