Car of the Year for 1997: The Chevrolet Malibu LS
Posted: September 15, 2009 in 1997, Chevrolet, Malibu | Tags: 4-Door, Chevrolet Malibu, LS, Sedan, United States market
The Chevrolet Malibu is a 4-door car available at your Chevrolet dealer. The Malibu came in two configurations: LS and Base. The LS configuration is powered by the 3.1-liter six-cylinder engine, which makes 29 highway miles and 20 city. The Malibu competes in the Sedan market segment, in direct competition with Honda.
1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS Specs
The restyled Malibu LS is equipped with a 3.1-liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 12 valves. The Chevrolet engine is mated to a General Motors four-speed transaxle. This has resulted in an increase in horsepower and torque over the 1996 version.
The Malibu uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are drum. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.
For the 1997 Malibu, the fuel configuration is a electronic SFI, using gasoline for fuel. A fuel-injected MFI configuration. The gas tank holds 15.20 gallons.
Statistics
The dimensions of the Malibu LS 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.
A powertrain guarantee is provided (50,000* miles/36* months), and a 50,000* mile, 60* month guarantee also comes with the Chevrolet Malibu. This is average compared to the rest of the car market.
The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $15,470 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $14,155. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.
MPG Ratings
The 1997 Malibu gets 29 miles/gallon on the highway and only 20 in the city. This is below average for a sedan car.
In 1996 and 1997 the Malibu LS was availble in the exterior colors of several colors.
Parting Shots
There are several reasons why the Chevrolet Malibu LS sold well in 1997. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a Chevrolet, specifically a Malibu.
