New Car Overview of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Mid-Size Sedan

Description: Mid-Size Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $19,085 - $24,495
Invoice Price Range: $17,463 - $21,910
Where built: USA

Chevrolet's affordable mid-size sedan emerged last year as an entirely new car cast on GM's Epsilon platform with contemporary body styling and innovative features in the five-seat cabin.

There's a fold-flat seatback for the front right bucket and a rear split bench that folds down for flexibility when arranging passengers and cargo.

Engine options include the EcoTec 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder worth 140-hp, or a 3.5-liter, V6 racked at 200-hp. Each plant connects strictly to a 4-speed Hydra-Matic, 4T45-E automatic transmission with clever shift-it-yourself button on the side of the shifter stalk.

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, along with curtain-style air bags. For 2005, new side-impact air bags for front seats are standard for Malibu LS, while a sport appearance package adds alloy wheels and body-color side moldings.