Chevrolet Malibu Named 'Best Buy' and 'Top Safety Pick'

Brand's Top-Seller Has Won More Than 40 Industry Honors Since 2008

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Dec 15, 2010, 04:14 ET

DETROIT, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu sedan was recently named a 2011 Consumers Digest Automotive "Best Buy" and a Top Safety Pick for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The two awards add to Malibu's growing list of more than 40 industry honors since it was launched all-new in 2007 as a 2008 model.

"It's been a consistent winner for us," said Ron Chaudoin, general manager of Lou LaRiche Chevrolet in Plymouth, Mich. "Whether it's safety, availability, price point or lease offers, the Malibu just satisfies a majority of customers."

The Malibu is the only mid-sized car in the industry to win the Consumers Digest award for the third consecutive year. Consumers Digest "Best Buys" are based on behind-the-wheel assessment, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities. They reflect Consumers Digest's view of which vehicles offer the most value for the money. The Malibu won the award for 2009, 2010 and 2011 model year vehicles.

To determine how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. In addition, the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. The Malibu received a "good" rating in all four Institute tests.

"The Chevrolet Malibu offers consumers a tremendous value, impressive fuel economy, class-leading safety features, and an unexpected amount of standard features that separate it from the competition," said Jon Hahn, Chevrolet Malibu marketing manager.

The Malibu is Chevrolet's and General Motors best-selling car in the U.S., representing nearly 10 percent of GM total vehicle sales and about 13 percent of Chevrolet total sales this year. Over the last two years Malibu has grown in total sales from 161,568 in 2009 to 187,250 through November this year. Malibu also has increased market share within the mid-car segment over the last two years from 8 percent in 2008 to 11 percent currently.

The 2011 Malibu is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models. All models have a standard, fuel-efficient, four-cylinder 2.4L Ecotec engine mated to a fuel-saving six-speed transmission that deliver 33 mpg highway. A 252-horsepower 3.6L V-6 is available on 2LT and LTZ models. All Malibu powertrains are backed by GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the best and most comprehensive in the industry.

The Chevrolet Malibu is the only midsize sedan with standard OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation. Also standard on all models are four-wheel anti-lock brakes; StabiliTrak electronic stability control; AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback; XM Satellite Radio; OnStar 9.0 with six months of Directions and Connections service; power height driver seat adjuster with power lumbar; Remote Keyless Entry and cruise control.

Malibu is priced starting at $22,735.00, which includes a $760 destination freight charge. It is built in Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. For more information about the Chevrolet Malibu, consumers can visit www.chevrolet.com/malibu/.

About Chevrolet:

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates is centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as Chevrolet Cruze Eco with an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, and the Chevrolet Volt offering 35 miles of electric driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SOURCE General Motors