2010 Chevrolet Malibu Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Chevrolet Malibu overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Malibu, and includes Chevy Malibu safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

As the bow-tie brand enters a new decade, its midsize Malibu sedan undergoes a few tweaks. For 2010, all Malibus feature a power lumbar adjustment for the driver and the color palette has been updated to include White Diamond Tricoat, Mocha Steel Metallic and Taupe Gray Metallic. With the exception of the LS, every 2010 Malibu is delivered with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the four-cylinder engine is now E85 compatible. The pointless Malibu Hybrid has been discontinued after a brief two-year run.

With the demise of the Hybrid variant, the number of Malibu trim levels is now down to three. Buyers with an eye on the bottom line may be interested in the LS, which despite its entry-level status delivers standard amenities like a stereo with a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack, and satellite radio. OnStar telematics is also standard, with one year of free service. Other standard features include power windows, power mirrors, power door locks with keyless entry, a power driver’s seat height adjuster, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and stability control. Bluetooth is among the few options offered on the Malibu LS.

The mid-level Malibu LT represents a subtle upgrade over the LS. The main reason to select the LT model is to gain access to a variety of options, including alloy wheels, a power sunroof, remote engine starting, nicer upholstery, a Bose audio system, a USB port and rear-seat power point, and numerous cosmetic upgrades inside and out.

At the top of the Malibu lineup sits the luxurious LTZ model, which includes leather seats that are heated in front, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, remote engine starting, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a six-way power front passenger’s seat, power adjustable pedals, a HomeLink universal remote, 18-inch alloy wheels, and fog lights. A power sunroof is one of the few options available on the Malibu LTZ.

Power for the 2010 Chevy Malibu comes from an E85-compatible, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing, boasting 169 ponies saddled up alongside 158 lb-ft of torque. LS models are the last of the Malibus to feature a four-speed automatic transmission; all other variants now use a more modern and efficient six-speed automatic. In fact, with its 33-mpg highway rating, the latter beats the former by three miles per gallon. Regardless of the transmission chosen, city fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg.

Adding a lot more punch is the Malibu’s available 3.6-liter V6, an engine that’s good for 252 horsepower, 251 lb-ft of torque, and EPA estimates of 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. V6-powered Malibus are only available with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Over the past several years, the Chevrolet Malibu has earned a reputation for average to above-average dependability based on studies done by J.D. Power and Associates. For 2010, the market research firm is saying that the Malibu will return dependability that is better than average. Consumer Reports is not quite as optimistic, giving the Malibu an average prediction for reliability.

If long-term durability is a mixed bag, it’s clear that crashworthiness is a Malibu strong point. In fact, it doesn’t get much better than what the Malibu provides. In all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, the Malibu receives a 5-Star rating. In the resistance to rollover assessment, the car gets an admirable 4-Star rating.

Additional accolades come courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2010 Chevy Malibu has been named a Top Safety Pick, not surprising given the Malibu’s top-notch crash-test scores. Note, however, that the IIHS rates the Malibu as Good for protecting front seat occupants in a rear crash only for models built after November of 2009.

It’s become increasingly evident that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have real competition in the Chevrolet Malibu. Offering comparable predicted reliability as well as top safety scores, Chevy’s stylish midsize sedan makes a strong case for itself, even if it doesn’t offer buyers best-in-class fuel efficiency.

By Thom Blackett