New Car Profile of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Mid-Size Sedan

Description: Sport Coupe
Base MSRP Range: $18,370-$24,100
Invoice Price Range: $16,809-$22,052

The Malibu nameplate first appeared in Chevy's lineup more than three decades ago and the Malibu Super Sport as a sporty coupe or sedan derivative of the mid-size Chevelle became a hot item, ultimately accounting for millions upon millions of sales until its demise in 1983. Then in 1997, the Malibu badge returned to Chevrolet in the format of a mid-size sedan with four doors and seats for five, two engine options and a pair of trims -- plus competitive price tags.

Now Malibu is born again as an entirely new car cast on GM's Epsilon platform that also underpins the Saab 9-3. It looks sleek and stylish and comes with a spacious five-seat cabin that has a fold-flat seatback for the front passenger bucket and a rear split bench for flexibility when arranging passengers and cargo.

Engine options include the EcoTec 2.2-liter four-cylinder worth 140 hp or a new 3.5-liter V6 zipped to 200 hp. Each plant connects strictly to a four-speed Hydra-Matic 4T45-E automatic transmission. Three trim levels - base Malibu, Malibu LS and top-grade LT -- are available, with a factory-installed remote starter package on the list of options.