MALIBU 5TH GEN

About the Malibu 5th Gen

GM revived the Malibu nameplate in 1997 after a decade-long hiatus, and the fifth generation was a deliberate play for the Camry and Accord crowd. The 2.4 Twin Cam four-cylinder and 3.1 V6 covered the powertrain bases, and the ride was tuned for comfort over handling. Build quality was improved but still trailed the Japanese establishment. What the fifth-gen Malibu did was remind American buyers that Chevrolet was still in the midsize sedan game. It was not winning, but it was competing — and after the Citation years, that counted for something.