One of many longest-running nameplates in American-car historical past is being laid to relaxation. The Malibu tag was first utilized to a high trim degree of the midsize Chevelle starting in 1964, and have become a mannequin in its personal proper in 1978. However the Malibu badge will quickly be filed away within the Chevrolet unused model-name cupboard, alongside such traditional as Impala, Monza, and Camaro.
Extra Malibu information, critiques, and traditional adverts
Use of the Malibu title lapsed after 1983, when the rear-drive coupe, sedan, and wagon had been changed within the Chevy lineup by the extra fashionable and fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive Superstar (1982-1990). It wasn’t till 1997 that the Bow Tie model resurrected the Malibu mannequin title, this time for an completely sedan lineup.
Through the years the Malibu gave start to a variety of attention-grabbing spin-off fashions, together with the awkward wanting Malibu Maxx wagon factor, and the Malibu-based—although not named—El Camino pickup (1978-1987).
With the passing of the Malibu, Chevy goes for the primary time with out a sedan in its lineup. Certainly, there are however two sedans remaining within the Basic Motors portfolio, the Cadillac CT4 and CT5, and only one different automotive, the Corvette.
This writer drove two autos in driver’s ed, one a 1981 Malibu, the opposite a same-year Chevy Quotation. What I keep in mind most in regards to the Malibu was its surprisingly well-appointed cabin, and it’s horribly gutless 229-cubic-inch V6. Flooring the pedal with the intention to merge with freeway site visitors, the Malibu’s engine shrieked with hellish, malaise-era reluctance. That mentioned, the automotive rode and dealt with fairly nicely.
Through the years, obtainable Malibu engines ranged in measurement from a mighty and big 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) V8, to a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4. The unfold in engine measurement serves nicely as a metaphor for the vary of physique varieties as soon as supplied as Malibus, in addition to the automotive’s ever evolving purchaser profile.
The final of the Malibus was usually nicely regarded, however was primarily pushed into fleet service, so the automotive was hardly ever mentioned by the automotive press. You possibly can learn Client Information’s final Malibu evaluate right here. In honor of the Malibu, and my high-school relationship with one, I’ve written a modest farewell poem for the as soon as ubiquitous Chevy. Love stay the Malibu.
Chevrolet Malibu Commonplace-Gear Showdown: 1976 vs. 2016
Malibu: Final Automotive Standing (a poem)
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
You began out shiny in sixty-four,
for Chevelle customers, you supplied extra.
Luxurious for the individuals of modest means,
Malibu meant class for under just a little inexperienced.
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
You changed the Chevelle in seventy-eight,
gross sales quantity was big, purchaser response was nice.
Your boxy design was fashionable, environment friendly and lean,
however your rear home windows didn’t roll down, what did that imply?
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
You performed host to the El Camino and Caballero vehicles,
and the Malibu Maxx was one strange-looking yutz.
However customers needed SUVs, and also you went to the fleets,
and folk received used to not seeing you out on the streets.
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
There’s little revenue in rental vehicles or fleet leasing,
so, you’re going away, your lineage ceasing.
The Fairfax manufacturing facility the place you had been final made,
will quickly produce EVs, black now to fade.
Oh Malibu, oh Malibu, our hearts are heavy,
farewell to the final sedan branded as a Chevy.
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Chevrolet Malibu Gallery
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Photograph Characteristic: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Hardtop Coupe
