Introduction
Looking back on the history of Chevrolet’s mid-sized vehicles is like walking down a memory lane of cars right out of a book of coffee table book classics.
There wouldn’t be a Chevy Malibu had it not been for its predecessor, the Chevrolet Chevelle, which also brought one of the most beloved cars on the car market, the El Camino, a Chevelle trim. All these classics brought forth the Chevy Malibu, now in its ninth generation of production and Chevrolet’s only mid-size car.
Buying a used Chevy Malibu is easy when you have a guide to show you what is available from these models over the last sixty years. Let’s look at the Chevy Malibu over the years to see why so many drivers have bought the Malibu.
Key Takeaways
- The first Chevy Malibu belonged to the Chevrolet Chevelle model family from 1964 to 1972.
- The Chevy Malibu has been a popular choice for fleet and law enforcement vehicles.
- The modern Chevy Malibu has alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, signature headlights, heated adjustable outside power mirrors, and a fully loaded interior to match.
First Generation Chevy Malibu (1964-1967)
The first Chevy Malibu belonged to the Chevrolet Chevelle model family from 1964 to 1972. These top-of-the-line Chevy Malibu models were available as four-door sedans or two-door coupes.
The interior was luxurious, with a deluxe steering wheel and more. The exterior included signature wheel covers and stylish exhaust pipes.
Second Generation Chevy Malibu (1968-1972)
For the 1968 model launch, the second-generation Chevy Malibu received a complete restyle, featuring newly designed modern instrument panels, woodgrain trim details, a floor shifter, and more.
This series of Chevy Malibu models had a V8 engine, new grilles, revised tail lights, and added front seat headrests, making for a more comfortable ride.
Third Generation Chevy Malibu (1973-1977)
The third-generation Chevy Malibu was also redesigned like previous runs, except this time, it became the base model Chevelle in 1974. Between 1974 and 1977, the Malibu evolved with modern headlights and better engines.
Fourth Generation Chevy Malibu (1978-1996)
The fourth generation of production of the Chevy Malibu was the most significant because, in 1978, the Malibu became the flagship model, replacing the Chevy Chevelle nameplate and entering the market as a model instead of a base model trim.
The two available trims were the Malibu and the Malibu Classic, which featured a two-tone exterior with V6 and V8 engine options. These were available in three body styles: station wagon, sedan, and coupe.
In the 1980s, Chevy continued to update the Chevy Malibu with better headlights and design features. The Malibu was a popular fleet and law enforcement vehicle choice.
Fifth Generation Chevy Malibu (1997-2003)
The fifth-generation Chevy Malibu was Motor Trend’s car of the year in 1997. It was sleek and comfortable inside and offered a smooth ride.
In 2000, Chevy updated the 3.1L V6 engine in the Malibu and dropped the 2.4L four-cylinder engine.
Sixth Generation Chevy Malibu (2004-2007)
The sixth-generation Chevy Malibu had a wider grille, a remote starter, and several engine options, including the 2.2 L Ecotec L61 I4, which produced 144 horsepower, a 3.5L V6, and a 3.9L V6 engine. These engine options varied by model and trim.
Seventh Generation Chevy Malibu (2008-2012)
The seventh-generation Chevy Malibu was completely redesigned and engineered for a modern look and drive appeal. The 2008 trim levels were the LS, LT, Hybrid (2008 and 2009 only), and LTZ.
Although the Malibu from this generation didn’t offer as much legroom as previous models, it was still a great daily driver and more with a comfortable interior and a power engine. It debuted with praise from car critics and received the North American Car of the Year award at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2008.
Eighth Generation Chevy Malibu (2013-2015)
The eighth-generation Chevy Malibu had a USB cable connection and modern streaming service capability. It was still the quick and powerful mid-size car it had been for decades and remained a popular fleet vehicle.
The eighth-generation Malibu had a four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
This Generation Chevy Malibu (2016- Present)
The latest Chevy Malibu is in its ninth generation and was introduced in 2016 as a larger model with a streamlined design. By the end of 2016, Chevrolet announced that it had sold more than 10 million Malibu models since 1964.
The model lineup has changed slightly between 2016 and the present day, including a paired-down lineup that includes the LS, RS, LT, and 2LT. The modern Chevy Malibu has alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, signature headlights, and heated adjustable outside power mirrors.
The interior features heated front seats, modern technology, Chevy Safety Assist features, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, built-in Alexa, and so much more.
Make Your Chevy Malibu Dreams Come True
The Chevy Malibu has been a popular mid-size car for six decades and remains a top-selling car for Chevrolet. If you’re looking for a reliable, quick, and well-equipped comfortable vehicle, check out the Chevy Malibu.
Visit Jarrett Automotive Group for a world-class car buying experience, and remember that when you leave in your dream car, you always gain a family that cares.