A Brief History of the Chevy Malibu

The 2016 Chevy Malibu is expected to be one of the best models in the nameplate’s long history, but there’s no denying that it was a longtime coming for the car to reach this kind of success. In fact, when the Malibu made it’s debut 50 years ago, it essentially had a different name. It took nearly 15 years for the ‘Malibu’ to finally catch on, and even then, the car was semi-retired for more than a decade.

As you’re awaiting the release of the 2016 Chevy Malibu late this year, get caught up on the vehicle’s interesting history. Based on the car’s resiliency, it may just confirm that the Malibu is the car for you…

The Malibu made it’s debut in 1964, hitting the market as a trim-level version of the Chevrolet Chevelle. The car could be purchased in a variety of different bodystyles (including a sedan, convertible, station wagon, or Sport Coupe hardtop). Featuring a luxurious interior (highlighted by vinyl upholstery and an innovative steering wheel) and the choice of either a six-cylinder or V8 engine (which could deliver up to 300 horsepower by 1964), the Malibu quickly became one of Chevy’s most popular nameplates.

Following some drastic redesigns for the second and third generations, the Chevelle name was officially replaced by the Malibu for the fourth generation. The 1978 model was considerably shorter than it’s predecessors, and manufacturers also managed to shed 1,000 pounds from the curb weight. Offered as either a station wagon, sedan, or coupe, the Malibu helped introduce the Chevrolet 90° V6 engines, including the base 3.3-liter V6, the 3.8-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8.

The brand stopped producing Malibus from 1983 through 1997, but the vehicle was still a mighty popular choice in niche markets. It was often a popular choice of law enforcement, replacing the retired Chevrolet Nova as the go-to choice for cruisers. Furthermore, Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi government ordered 25,500 four-door Malibu sedans, with many of the vehicles ultimately being converted to taxis.

The Malibu returned to the market in 1997, and it hasn’t disappeared since. The 1997 model was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 1997, which soon translated to more than 200,000 units being sold in 2000. This number stayed pretty steady throughout the next 15 years, peaking at 210,952 in 2012. In 2014, Chevy sold 188,519 Malibus. In anticipation of the release of their 2016 model, the brand announced that they had sold 10 million Malibus worldwide since it made it’s debut more than 50 years ago.

It’s impressive that Chevy persevered and made the Malibu a smashing success. We can now appreciate the trendy vehicle as we eagerly await the release of the 2016 model. In the meantime, head down to McCluskey Chevrolet and check out their selection of vehicles!