2009 Chevrolet Malibu V6 2LT Road Test Specs

2009 Chevrolet Maliby
(2.4L 4-cyl. 6-speed Automatic)
Vehicle
Model year2009
MakeChevrolet
ModelMalibu
Style2LT 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Base MSRP$25,425
Options on test vehicleHFV6 Engine Package ($1,795 -- includes 3.6-liter V6 DOHC engine, dual chrome exhaust tips and hydraulic power steering); Premium Audio Package ($550 -- includes premium sound system with AM/FM stereo and six-disc changer); Premium Mat Package ($185 -- includes trunk cargo net, carpeted trunk mat and premium carpeted front and rear floor mats); 18-Inch Chrome Alloy Wheels ($195).
As-tested MSRP$27,220
Drivetrain
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Engine typeTransverse V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in)3,564 cc (217cu-in)
Block/head materialCast aluminum
ValvetrainDouble overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing
Compression ratio (x:1)10.2
Redline (rpm)6,900
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)252 @ 6,300
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)251 @ 3,200
Transmission type6-speed automatic
Transmission and axle ratios (x:1)I: 4.48; II: 2.87; III: 1.84: IV: 1.41; V: 1.00; VI: 0.74: R: 2.88; Final Drive: 2.77
Chassis
Suspension, frontMacPherson strut
Suspension, rearMultilink
Steering typeRack-and-pinion with hydaulic power assist
Steering ratio (x:1)16.4
Tire brandGoodyear
Tire modelEagle
Tire typeAll-season
Tire size, frontP225/50R18
Tire size, rearP225/50R18
Wheel size18-by-7 inches front and rear
Wheel materialChromed alloy
Brakes, frontVentilated disc
Brakes, rearDisc
Track Test Results
0-45 mph (sec.)4.5
0-60 mph (sec.)6.7
0-75 mph (sec.)9.9
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph)15.0 @ 93.7
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.)6.4
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.)29
60-0 mph (ft.)122
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)63.3
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g)0.82
Test Driver Ratings & Comments
Acceleration commentsTraction on/off matters little as after initial power reduction, electronics work well. Plus, this engine's power is more difficult to modulate than some. Still, there's plenty of it.
Braking ratingAverage
Braking commentsVery soft pedal. Malibu stops well from 60, but its pedal feel is embarrassing.
Handling ratingAverage
Handling commentsMalibu is not very responsive. Still well-mannered, but not a corner carver. Too bad the engine hates this treatment. Malibu feels big in the slalom but manages respectably. There's enough info through the controls to toss it around comfortably, but this isn't a sports car.
Testing Conditions
Elevation (ft.)1,121
Temperature (°F)65.56
Wind (mph, direction)3.81
Fuel Consumption
EPA fuel economy (mpg)17 city/26 highway/20 combined
Edmunds observed (mpg)14
Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.)16
Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)3,436
Curb weight, as tested (lbs.)3,619
Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%)61.3/38.7
Length (in.)191.8
Width (in.)70.3
Height (in.)57.1
Wheelbase (in.)112.3
Track, front (in.)59.6
Track, rear (in.)60.0
Turning circle (ft.)40.4
Legroom, front (in.)42.2
Legroom, rear (in.)37.6
Headroom, front (in.)39.4
Headroom, rear (in.)37.2
Shoulder room, front (in.)55.9
Shoulder room, rear (in.)53.9
Seating capacity5
Cargo volume (cu-ft)15.1
Warranty
Bumper-to-bumper3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain5 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion6 years/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance5 years/100,000 miles
Free scheduled maintenanceNot available
Safety
Front airbagsStandard
Side airbagsStandard dual front
Head airbagsStandard front and rear
Knee airbagsNot available
Antilock brakes4-wheel ABS
Electronic brake enhancementsBraking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution
Traction controlStandard
Stability controlStandard
Tire-pressure monitoring systemTire-pressure monitoring
Emergency assistance systemNot available
NHTSA crash test, driver5 stars
NHTSA crash test, passenger5 stars
NHTSA crash test, side front5 stars
NHTSA crash test, side rear5 stars
NHTSA rollover resistance4 stars

Advertisement

Research Models

Advertisement

Advertisement

Used Car Resources

Edmunds Insurance Estimator

TCO® insurance data for this vehicle coming soon...

For an accurate quote, contact our trusted partner below.

* Explanation

Advertisement