Looking at the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

New to the Chevrolet Malibu this model year 2011 is the fact that it is now only available with an automatic 6 speed transmission. Between the two medium sized sedans that the Chevy had, the Malibu was the smaller one. The Malibu generally comes in three different trim levels: the LTZ, LS, and LT trim levels. The LT trim level, however, is further subdivided into 1LT and 2LT. All models share the same specs in terms of the power train. They all have a 4 cylinder 2.4 liter engine that can power up to 169 hp. As mentioned before, they also share the same automatic 6 speed transmission since the automatic 4 speed transmission is no longer available. There are versions of the 4-cylinder engine that was just mentioned that is compatible with the E85, which is an ethanol-blended type of fuel. However, this variant is only available to fleet buyers. It’s important to note, however, that the engine mentioned earlier is only a standard. This does not mean that no other options are present for some models with particular trim levels. In fact, the models with the LTZ and the 2LT trim levels have an optional 3.6 liter V6 engine. These machines can run up to 252 hp. The engine still remains with the 6 speed auto transmission. There are features which are optional to the 1LT trimmed models. These are the remote engine start, a power driver seat, and a wireless cell phone link. These optional features, however, are standard to those models with LTZ and 2LT. In addition to the features above, the LTZ also has standard leather upholstery and heated front-side seats. Except for the LS trim level, another optional lunch for all the models and trim levels is a DVD entertainment system (with dual screen). The Malibu with the LS trim level did really well in an expert’s drive test. In fact, it scored a total of 69, which was much higher than most medium sized cars would get from the same test, which, as an average, is a total score of 61.2. But the LS trim level models weren’t the only ones that were tested. The LTZ and 2LT models were also evaluated, and they also passed with flying colors. The Malibu with the 2LT trim level, specifically with a 4-cylinder engine, got a total score of 70. The LTZ with the V6 engine, on the other hand, got a 71. Out of all the criteria used to judge the Malibu, the three test subjects all rated highest in the controls, quietness, and their overall value within their class. The 2LT model with the 4 cylinder engine even scored a 10 with respect to its total value within class. That says a lot about Chevy’s Malibu.