Following a redesign in 2008, the Chevrolet Malibu changes little for 2009. The Malibu still competes against a fearsome foursome of midsize cars, including the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, the Nissan Altima, and the Ford Fusion. But in its favor, the Malibu rolls into 2009 with a lot of momentum, thanks to a long list of awards and acclaim garnered in 2008. It was named the North American Car of the Year, for instance, and one of Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars for 2008. It also received J.D. Power's highest quality rating for a midsize car, and excelled in frontal and side-impact crash tests. What's more, critics and drivers gave it high marks overall.
Small wonder, then, that Chevy hasn't made many changes to the Malibu for '09. Expect to see wide availability of the Malibu Hybrid, introduced in '08 and powered by an Ecotec four-cylinder, 2.4-liter Hybrid engine with a four-speed automatic Hybrid transmission. You can also expect to see Chevy pushing the non-hybrid but still fuel-efficient Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which links to a four-speed automatic transmission. Available on both the LS and LT trims, the Ecotec four-cylinder manages 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, which nears the Hybrid engine's 24 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.
For those who prefer a bit more power, the top-of-the-line Malibu LTZ again comes with a 3.6-liter V6 that links to a six-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, fuel efficiency suffers just a bit, clocking in at 17 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
The 2009 Malibu rides on the same platform as the Pontiac G6 and the new Saturn Aura, among other GM cars. Chevy has upgraded the platform to improve the Malibu's crash performance, and added insulation to make the Malibu quieter. According to drivers and reviewers, the Malibu rides and handles well, and features such as StabiliTrak with traction control and panic brake assist help ensure a safer driving experience.
The Malibu's interior swirls and curves around the driver and passengers. Features for the entry-level LS trim are sparse (remote keyless entry comes standard), but the LT2 trim adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a remote vehicle starter, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Ultralux heated front bucket seats also come standard with the LT2.
2009 Malibu LS Got in the car and it started up. Turned the air on and put in drive to drive off and car killed. Everything shut completely down. Got out of the car and checked the battery cables and they were fine and got back in the car and tried to start it and it started right up. What could have caused it to shut down like that?
Replaced radiator ,thermostat, fans working,no water in oil, car isn’t overheating but runs warm, have burped twice but didn’t run heater, need to do again, but at the bottom of coolant reservoir is like a vent? Water will come out of it , is this normal?is my tank bad?
2009 Chevy Malibu ltz 3.6 v6, new radiator,new thermostat , trying the burp thing twice, no water in oil, not overheating , sure I still have air bubbles. Need to burp but on the bottom of tank is a vent like thing water will leak I can’t find any info on the tank , is it bad? Idk I haven’t ran heater to burp I missed that step
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 110V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: touring
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: premium carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power steering: Hydraulic · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 210 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: Hydraulic · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent