Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Chevrolet Malibu VI (facelift 2006) 3.5i V6 12V (217 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Chevrolet Malibu:
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2025. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu has been marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. Malibu production in the US ended in November 2024, as the Fairfax plant is being retooled for the upcoming second-generation Chevrolet Bolt. The Malibu is now the last sedan to have been sold by Chevrolet in the US....(Read more on Wikipedia)
VI (facelift 2006) Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (VI (facelift 2006)). With 294 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1504 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.5i V6 12V (217 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides ample power for daily driving and highway merges, a well-balanced option that suits most users' needs.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel efficiency for a V6, offering a reasonable compromise between power and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for five passengers.
- • Range of V6 engines offering strong performance.
- • Generally reliable powertrains and components.
- • Good value on the used car market.
Cons:
- • Interior quality and design can feel dated compared to rivals.
- • Four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered for some.
- • Automatic transmission can be slow to respond at times.
- • No Euro NCAP safety rating (primarily US market focused).
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Maxx (facelift 2006): 2006 - 2007).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | VI (facelift 2006) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5i V6 12V (217 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2007 |
| End of production: | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 217 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61.8 Hp/l [13mm more] |
| Torque: | 294 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LZ4 More details about the engine LZ4 |
| Engine displacement: | 3510 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 9.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 99 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 76 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6400 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.9 kg/Hp, 144.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 195.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1504 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 436 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 61 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4783 mm [13mm more] |
| Width: | 1776 mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1461 mm [15mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm [152mm less] |
| Front track: | 1524 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1506 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 154 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Hydra-Matic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Have you ever driven an Chevrolet Malibu?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: