The 1964 Malibu was considered one of the first "intermediate"-sized cars to go on sale in the United States. In an era that was intent on the full-size Impala, the Malibu was smaller, but still a size up from the Chevy II, or Nova. Today, Malibu competes in the midsized sedan market, which is currently the hottest car segment in the US today. The first generation Malibu was marketed as a premium sedan for families, and by 1967 had settled in as a top choice for suburban commuters seeking a balance between efficiency and comfort. Chevrolet played with different size wheelbases over the next few generations of Malibu, finally settling on a smaller midsized car in the fourth generation. The model took a hiatus, from 1984 until 1997, when the fifth generation Malibu made its debut as an all-new redesigned front-wheel-drive sedan with both four and six cylinder engines.
Generation six saw the Malibu move into GM's global architecture in 2004, which meant offering better performance and efficiency, including the SS package, featuring a 240 horsepower 3.9 liter V-6 engine. The seventh generation models introduced enhanced safety features, as well as even greater refinement, efficiency, and performance. The current generation Malibu was redesigned for 2013, and the 2014 version has been enhanced with still better efficiency, new connectivity features, comfort enhancements, and new front-end exterior styling. This model offers the first engine with standard stop/start technology on a midsize sedan, and an available 2 liter turbo engine with 259 horsepower. The 2014 Chevy Malibu will successfully carry on its 50 year legacy.