Model Year | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 |
Model | Malibu | Malibu | Malibu | Malibu |
Trim | LS | LT | 2LT | LTZ |
Engines | ||||
Transmissions | ||||
Drivetrains | ||||
Tires | ||||
Audio Systems | ||||
Accessories | ||||
Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier. | ||||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | ||||
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | ||||
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in. | ||||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||||
Rear disc brakes. | ||||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||||
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | ||||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | ||||
Mandatory, in all cars. | ||||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | ||||
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | ||||
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | ||||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | ||||
Cargo Management | ||||
Climate Control | ||||
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||||
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | ||||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||||
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | ||||
Engine / Motor | ||||
Plugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold. | ||||
Exterior | ||||
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots. | ||||
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | ||||
Reduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering. | ||||
Infotainment | ||||
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | ||||
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | ||||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | ||||
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | ||||
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | ||||
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | ||||
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||||
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | ||||
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | ||||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | ||||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | ||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | ||||
Front row reading lights. | ||||
Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | ||||
Reports engine speed. | ||||
Seats and Interior Trim | ||||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | ||||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | ||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||
Seating surfaces are part cloth or vinyl, part synthetic suede. | ||||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||||
Spoked steel wheel with a plastic cover that makes it look like an alloy wheel. | ||||
Alloy wheels with a chromed plastic veneer. Replace and include value of regular alloy wheels. | ||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD