The first Chevy Malibu was introduced in the 1964 as a muscle car. It was shortly afterwards that NASCAR fans fell in love with the car.  Over the years it has gone through seven generational changes.

There was downsizing in the late 1970s then a quiet death in the early ’80s. The Malibu was reincarnated as a smaller, anonymous, front-wheel-drive vehicle.  It quickly became the favorite of corporate rental fleets.

The Chevy Malibu looks more like a luxury sedan than just another rental car. It has the upscale styling with the materials and quality used to build the interior. Two-tone color schemes on all of its’ models, say luxury.

The newer front wheel drive Malibu offers several choices for engine size and power. The first being 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169-horsepower. The second is a 3.6-liter engine producing 252-hp from a V6.

It is interesting to note that the lower end models of  a four-speed automatic. The upper end model offer a powerful six-speed automatic transmission.

Over the last couple year Chevy started offering a hybrid engine. Automotive.com reports that you can expect 26 MPG city and 34 MPG highway for the hybrid. The regular gas version totes 22 MPG city and 30 MPG highway.

You can expect to pay over $25,000 for a new Chevy Malibu. The 2005 model years prices still sell for $7,000 to the $9,000 range.

Like any other complex piece of machinery, the Malibu has had it share of recalls. Most of the more recent recalls were around interior or exterior lighting issues. I could not find any really overwhelming mechanical reason not to buy the Chevy Malibu.

Bottom-line: The Chevy Malibu may never make it as a family car. If you want luxury at a good price for an American car. The Chevy Malibu goes to the head of the line.

Tags: Chevy Malibu. NASCAR, Luxury car