2012 Chevrolet Malibu in Joliet, IL - $5,500

It seems that throughout time, the Chevrolet Malibu has always been the “go-to” in the automaker’s line-up when consumers looking to buy a solid, reliable, economical and roomy four-door sedan. For the 2016 model year, the automaker has upped the ante with an all-new Malibu.

This completely reimagined sedan is all-new from the ground up. The 2016 Malibu offers more efficiency, connectivity and advanced safety features than ever. Longer and lighter, the new Malibu also boasts more interior space. Its wheelbase has been stretched close to four inches and it is nearly 300 pounds lighter than the previous model.

Available in L, LS, LT and Premier trim levels, styling has been influenced by the 2014 Impala. The all-new Malibu advances Chevrolet’s global design language with features such as slim, sweeping headlamps and a progressive take on the brand’s characteristic dual-port grille. Three body-side creases also add drama to the design and help distinguish the Malibu as a contemporary Chevy. The hood and the cowl – the area where the windshield meets the hood – are lower than the current model and contribute to the Malibu’s greater aerodynamic performance, as do active grille shutters on upmarket trim levels.

Premium design cues are incorporated on all trim levels, with contemporary lighting technology featured across the lineup, including light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lamps on LT and Premier trim levels. The Malibu Premier also receives LED taillamps.

Standard power for the mid-size Chevy sedan is generated by an all-new, power-dense Ecotec 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with fuel-saving stop/start technology. Torque is communicated to the street through a Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic transmission. An available high-output 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to a new AWF8F45 eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside the passenger cabin, the instrument panel “center stack” is all-new, with greater delineation between the infotainment system and climate system controls for easier, at-a-glance operation. The longer wheelbase allows a more open execution of Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior. Rear legroom improves by 1.3 inches. The cabin’s open expansive feel is reinforced with a greater emphasis on comfort, convenience and connectivity.

Chevrolet MyLink with a seven-inch-diagonal color capacitive touch screen is standard on LS and LT.

Other interior highlights include: Galvano (satin) chrome accents on the instrument panel and center console; a dedicated storage slot for mobile phones, which incorporates wireless charging, if equipped; perforated leather-appointed seating surfaces available on LT and standard on Premier; and ventilated seats standard on Premier.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 111.4; overall length: 193.8; width: 73.0; height: 57.6
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: Ecotec 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged – 160 hp at 5,600 rpm and 184 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000 – 4,000 rpm; Ecotec 2.0L four-cylinder high output turbocharged – 250 hp at 5,300 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm;
Transmission: six-speed automatic, eight-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 1.5L four-cylinder turbo – 27 city/37 hwy.; 2.0L high-output turbo – 22 city/32 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 15.8 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, dual head curtain side impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, remote keyless entry, daytime running lights, engine immobilizer, OnStar communications system, automatic power door locks, hill start assist, push button engine start, road emergency tool kit, and tire pressure monitor system. LS adds rear vision camera, and automatic headlamps. 1LT adds LED daytime running lights. 2LT adds tire inflation kit. Premier adds navigation system, and remote vehicle engine start system.

Optional safety features include: universal home remote, city-speed front automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, automatic high beam headlamps, front/rear park assist, side blind zone alert with lane change alert, lane keep assist, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front automatic braking, and semi-automatic parking assist.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu sedan starts from $21,625 for the L upto $30,920 for the Premier. Destination charges add $875.