Getting 29 Miles a Gallon: The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base
Posted: August 21, 2009 in 2003, Chevrolet, Malibu | Tags: 4-Door, Base, Chevrolet Malibu, Sedan, United States market
Those in the market for a car who buy a Chevrolet Malibu are often enthusiastic about their purchase. Since its launch the Malibu has been one of the flagships of the Chevrolet brand. This has always been a meaningful car, and the 2003 model is no different. A sedan for everyone in the family is what the Chevrolet Malibu provides.
2003 Chevrolet Malibu Base Specs
Chevrolet Malibu Engine Specs: The Malibu Base comes outfitted with a Chevrolet 3.1 liter, 6-cylinder motor that uses 12 valves. The engine, manufactured by General Motors, is mated to a four-speed transaxle by General Motors. This arrangement has demonstrated to be an effective style for Chevrolet.
Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The Malibu comes equipped with power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are drum. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.
The fuel system for the 2003 Malibu is a traditional SFI, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 14.10 gallons.
Statistics
The dimensions of the Malibu Base are 69.40 inches wide by 190.40 inches long. It sits 56.40 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 107.00 allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers.
The standard warranty period for the Malibu is 36 months, or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the sedan market.
The listed retail price in 2003 (MSRP) was $18,075, with a dealer invoice cost of $16,539. This price is in line with the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.
MPG Ratings
The Malibu Base received a miles-per-gallon rating of twenty in-city driving and twenty nine when it came to highway driving. Being a gas-powered non-hybrid car, this was within normal parameters.
In 2002 and 2003 the Malibu Base was availble in the exterior colors of Black, Dark Green Metallic, Dark Tropic Teal Metallic, Galaxy Silver Metallic, Light Driftwood Metallic, Medium Gray Metallic, Redfire Metallic, and Summit White. Additional options were available as special orders from the factory.
Parting Shots
The 2002 model began the promise of the Chevrolet Malibu. The 2003 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Chevrolet hopes that the Malibu Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.