- sedan 109,992
- Lemmon, SD
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- autoshopper.com
- sedan 109,992 silver automatic
2004 chevrolet malibu review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. An american sedan to take on japan. introductionchevrolet has completely redesigned its highly successful malibu for the 2004 model year. The only thing that carries over from the old malibu is the name. Every screw, nut and bolt is new on the 2004 malibu. The solid body structure and supple suspension result in a quiet cabin and comfortable ride yet allow spirited driving. We were impressed with the power of the available v6. On the outside, the new malibu is not a raving beauty but it is better looking than the previous model, which sold well despite its plain appearance. The interior is a mix attractive, quality trim used in some areas and cheap plastic in others. If history is any indication, the new malibu should offer good quality construction, however. The previous malibu ranked tops in the midsize car class two consecutive years in the j. Power initial quality surveys. starting at just under $19,000 and topping out at about $25,000, malibu prices are extremely competitive with prices of the honda accord and toyota camry, which can easily top $25,000. lineupthe new malibu lineup brings far more variation in body styles, powertrains and trim levels than before. The 2004 malibu is being introduced as a midsize sedan. Early next year, a hatchback crossover version with a longer wheelbase goes on sale as the malibu maxx. the sedan comes in three trim levels: the base malibu 18,370), ls 20,370) and lt 22,870). Ls and lt versions come with a new 3. 5-liter v6. Head curtain side airbags, which we recommend highly, are optional for base and ls models 395), but come standard on the lt. the mid-level ls and top-of-the-line lt come with standard the v6 engine (and abs and traction control). A unique option available on the malibu is the remote starter 150), useful both in cold climates to warm up the car before the driver climbs in and in extremely hot climates to cool it down. chevrolet predicts the new malibu will prove to be the safest midsize car, but at press time it had not been crash tested by the government. Engineers used high-strength steel in specific areas of the body and created energy-absorbing crush zones in the front and rear. the malibu is equipped with dual-stage front airbags, three-point safety belts for all occup. walkaroundthe 2004 chevy malibu is not a gorgeous car, but its exterior appearance is vastly improved from its tupperware-bland predecessor. The new malibu has more character and class than the 2003 model. It also appears to be more substantive, giving the impression it is a more expensive car than it is. Indeed, it is slightly wider than the model it replaces. the back end of the malibu sedan resembles the upright rears of european cars. The european touch should not be a surprise since the malibu's underbody is shared with its german and swedish cousins, the opel vectra, and the saab 9-3. the front features a chrome bar across the full-width of the car, with the familiar chevy bowtie in gold in the center. The bar along with the headlamp shape are attempts to create a family resemblance with the chevrolet trucks, which have been so successful in the marketplace. The translation doesn't work as well on smaller cars. It appears as if chevy designers are still trying to come up with a consistent car and truck styling theme. interiorthe new malibu is equally substantial inside. With 101 cubic feet of interior space, it is extremely roomy for five passengers. The seats are comfortable. The front seat cleverly folds flat for carrying long objects such as skis. the rear seat is a 60/40 split folding one. It further has requisite power outlets. The interior is conservatively styled but everything is logical and easy to use. Controls on the center dash are conveniently backlit for night driving. the biggest problem with the interior is its inconsistency. Some interior parts used extremely high quality materials, such as the soft rubber door handles, which reminded us of volkswagens, the benchmark for interiors. Yet, other parts, such as the plastic surrounding the audio and climate controls, appeared cheap. The ceiling area above the visors was lumpy, the edges of the ceiling fabric where it was supposed to tuck into the trim was ragged, the handle for the lumbar support flimsy and the seat fabric puckered. Still, we didn't feel the interior materials and workmanship, in general, measured up to the craftsmanship of a honda accord or toyota camry. a neat feature is the remote starter system, useful for starting the car from inside the house when it's very cold or very hot outside. To start the malibu, press the lock button on the remote key fob, then press and hold the remote start button for one and one-half seconds. The two-step process is designed to prevent accidental activation. It also ensures the vehicle is locked (it can be unlocked by pushing the lock button again on the key fob) and the anti-theft system engages. The remote start system receives an ever-changing radio frequency code, intended to thwart thieves, from the key fob. The vehicle turn signals flash once and the parking lights turn on when the vehicle engine begins running. To drive away after a remote start, the vehicle's ignition key must be placed in the switch and rotated to the run position. The key lets the anti-theft device know it is the proper one and allows the vehicle to run normally. If the driver doesn't drive off after 10 minutes, the engine shuts off. The car can be re-started with the push of the buttons again. The engine can be stopped by remote by pressing the remote start button on the key fob, engaging the hazard switch on the malibu's dashboard or turning the ignition key to the off position. The architecture serves as the basis for the highly successful opel vectra in germany, and the swedish-made saab 9-3. S., epsilon also will.
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