Chevrolet Malibu V6
Chevrolet Malibus produced between 2004 and 2012 offered strong performance with a V6 engine.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Chevrolet Malibus from the early 2000s to the early 2010s don’t particularly stand out amongst other midsize family sedans of that era, but V6 engines boosted their performance, offering a smoother ride and faster 0 to 60 speeds.
If you’re looking to buy a used car in 2022, the Malibu is a great pick. It’s a long-running line—produced from 1964 to 1983, and again since 1997—so parts are plentiful and easy to source. Malibus offer the practicality of four-door sedans, and with several trim levels to choose from, it’s not hard to find one with extra features. And best of all, they’re cheap! Chevrolet Malibus can be found on the pre-owned market for under $10,000.
Chevrolet Malibu V6
V6 engines were available for the Chevy Malibu from 2004 until 2012, when they were replaced with more powerful inline engines. Malibus of that era were pleasant to look at, if somewhat nondescript, and offered a comfortable and controlled ride that made them great commuter vehicles or family cars.
If you’re looking to purchase a used Malibu but want a little extra oomph from a V6 engine, here are the models you should check out:
Chevrolet Malibu Sedan and Malibu Maxx
The first models to offer a V6 engine, the four-door Malibu Sedan and five-door Malibu Maxx
hatchback
, were produced from 2004 to 2007. These vehicles featured a newly redesigned body that made them look vaguely European compared to their predecessors. Earlier models stand out thanks to a distinctive wide grille and chrome plating, although the grille was made much smaller by 2006. The 2007 model was the first Malibu to offer remote start. If you’re looking at a Malibu Sedan or Malibu Maxx, here are the V6 engines you might find:
Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
2004 to 2006 | 3.5L LX9 V6 | 200 hp | 220 lb-ft |
2007 to 2008 | 3.5L LZ4 V6 | 217 hp | 220 lb-ft |
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Chevrolet Malibu SS
The Malibu SS—or Super Sport—was a high-end trim that was available for both the Malibu Sedan and the Malibu Maxx. It was produced in 2006 and 2007, came with a more powerful V6 engine, and had a flashier body design.
Features included a grille on the lower apron, side scoops for the fog lights, a spoiler on the trunk, and a dual chromed exhaust under the bumper. Here’s what the V6 engine looks like on a Malibu SS:
Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
2006 to 2007 | 3.5L LZ9 V6 | 240 hp | 240 lb-ft |
Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu that was produced from 2008 to 2012 was the last to offer a V6 engine. This model featured another redesign that brought its looks more in line with its primary competitors—
Toyota Camry
and Honda Accord
. The wrap-around plastic bumper, lower apron, short trunk lid, side scoops, and wide C-pillar were appealing to customers, making this model more popular than older versions of the car ever were. Upgraded interior features included a wider dashboard and binocular-style temperature gauges and speedometer. If you’re shopping for Malibus manufactured between 2008 and 2012, here are the V6 engines you may be able to choose from:
Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
2008 to 2010 | 3.5L LZ4 V6 | 217 hp | 214 lb-ft |
2009 to 2010 | 3.5L LZE V6 | 211 hp | 216 lb-ft |
2008 to 2012 | 3.6L LY7 V6 | 252 hp | 251 lb-ft |
The 3.5L V6 engines were initially only available as an upgrade on fleet vehicles—cars purchased by organizations like rental car companies—but you may find them for sale today on the pre-owned market.
Which Chevrolet Malibu V6 is the best?
While the Chevrolet Malibu Sedan, Malibu Maxx, and Malibu SS all left critics somewhat unimpressed, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu received high praise from leading automotive news sources like
Car and Driver
and Motor Trend
. It was the winner of Kelly Blue Book’s Best Redesigned Vehicle award for 2008 and named North American Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show.MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car
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FAQs
Does the Chevrolet Malibu come in V6?
You can find V6 engines on Chevy Malibu models manufactured between 2004 and 2012. Newer Malibus offer a more powerful turbo motor instead of a V6.
Are V6 Malibus expensive to repair?
Because the Malibu is a long-running model, parts are generally easy to source and find. This means that the cost of purchasing parts to repair a Malibu can be low compared to other sedans.
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