History of the Chevrolet Malibu
On September 26, 1963, General Motors produced a mid-size automobile named the Chevrolet Malibu. Its name was derived from Malibu, California. The Malibu was manufactured beginning in 1964, and they are still being produced today (2006). The market for the Malibu is not limited to the United States; it also includes Israel, Canada and Mexico.
The Malibu of yesterday
General Motors announced the Malibu in 1964 as the Chevrolet Chevelle’s new top series model. Automotive enthusiasts call it the “Chevelle Malibu.” Approximately 76,800 units were produced for the SS’s 1964 model year. In 1965, 72,500 SS units were produced. The aggressive-looking 1966 SS or SS396 was redesigned with a new roofline, bumper and dual hood scoops. There were 72,272 units manufactured for 1966. Success was due in part to the car’s style, performance and affordable price.
In 1967, new tires, front disc brakes and three-speed automatic transmission were applied. The SS was restyled for the 1968 model year. It sported a fastback appearance with a shortened rear end and a stretched front end. Sales for this model were a disappointing 57,600 units. However, 1969 sales skyrocketed to 86,300. “What goes up must come down” as they say, 1970 sales decreased to under 53,600 units. The SS model continued to be available through 1972.
In 1973, the Malibu was redesigned. Consumers had their choice of the premier series Laguna, the mid-priced Malibu, or the base-priced Chevelle Deluxe. The Deluxe was dropped from production in 1974, and the Malibu would become the starting level Chevelle. The Malibu Classic trim package replaced the Laguna trim package. The SS was replaced by the Laguna S-3 and sustained through 1976.
Beginning in 1978 the Chevelle name was replaced with the Malibu name for all mid-size Chevy cars with the exception of the Monte Carlo coupe. The Malibu and Malibu Classic were the only two trim packages available.
The sedan, coupe and station wagon were the three body styles manufactured. The two-door coupe was produced through 1981 and was patterned after the 1964 hardtop Chevelle. Chevrolet created a demo car and presented it on the auto show circuit. It was a sport coupe called the Malibu Black Sterling. The Sterling wore a bold two-toned, black over silver paint combination. It featured 15-inch tires and wheels, a rear spoiler and a 350 V-8 engine. Sadly the car never made it into production and was virtually erased from memory.
The 70s and 80s
Between 1978 and 1983 the Malibu SS was not available as an option. El Camino offered the only SS. In 1980, a very rare dealer package called Malibu M80 was manufactured for only North and South Carolina to attempt to rejuvenate the muscle car, era which had ended abruptly due to government safety regulations.
Muscle cars were considered small, lightweight vehicles with very few options, but loaded with horsepower from large engines. GM hoped to target the Darlington Raceway traffic of NASCAR fans. There are no records found to this day that indicate how many of these models were manufactured, sold or how many may exist today.
After the Chevy Nova exited production lines, the four-door Malibu took its place in mid-sized law enforcement vehicles. Malibu was equipped with the 9C1 police option. Various companies also used it as a fleet vehicle. In 1981, the Iraqi government placed a special order of Malibu sedans from GM Canada. They had to be auctioned off with a huge price reduction because Iraq cancelled their order.
The Malibu was built with a G platform rear-wheel drive unit in the 1982 series. In 1982, the Malibu Classic was no longer produced. The Malibu four-door sedan and station wagon were still available through 1983, and then the Chevrolet Celebrity replaced them. Eventually the wagons and sedans were dropped from the manufacturing line as well, but the El Camino remained throughout 1988.
1997 to 2003
In 1997, GM introduced a new front-wheel drive, mid-sized, N platform, extended wheelbase sedan. It was factory equipped with a 2.4 liter, 150-horsepower I4 or a 3.1-liter, 155-horsepower V-6. It was named "1997 Car of the Year" by Motor Trend magazine.
From 1997 to 1999, the silver Malibu emblem was centered on the front grille. Some LS models adorned special gold rear Malibu logo and lettering. The blue Chevrolet logo was displayed on the front grille of the 2000 to 2003 models.
In 2000, a 170-horsepower engine replaced the 3.1-liter V-6. The four-cylinder was dropped in 2000, but reintroduced in 2004.
The Malibu of today
The new Malibu is available in two body styles: the four-door sedan and the Malibu Maxx station wagon. It is produced in Kansas City, Kansas in the General Motors #2 Fairfax factory. The Malibu and Malibu Maxx have special SS trim and a 3.9-liter LZ9 V-6 engine.
Loaded with options Malibu is a safe, affordable, family sedan. Any American can appreciate the precision in the driving and handling of these vehicles. Today’s Malibu has extraordinary safety standards and is full of options to make for an exceptionally comfortable ride. The Malibu continues to be well liked by consumers because of its high quality standards.
The American family can count on Chevrolet’s reputation for top notch, dependable, reliable and affordable products. Malibu has been a family name for over 42 years and appears to be around for a while.
The Malibu of tomorrow
There are plans in the making for a redesigned 2010 or 2011 model. General Motors intends to drop the Malibu Maxx and add a longer-wheelbased sedan with the Epsilon platform. The Epsilon series will be focused on a Malibu, having an American style, the Aura having a European style, and the G6 being sporty and thrilling.
