Chevrolet Malibu LS V6

The last time Chevy offered a V6 engine on the Malibu LS was 2005.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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Chevrolet no longer offers a V6 option for the Malibu, and the last model year that featured a V6 engine on the
LS
trim was 2005.
Since its inception, the Chevy Malibu has been a staple at rental car counters everywhere. Every once in a while, though, Chevy tosses a peppy V6 or a spritely turbocharged engine into the mix to draw a distinct line between their fleet and street models. 2005 was one of those years, and the LS’s V6 did not disappoint.
Read on to learn more about V6 specs for the Chevy Malibu LS. 
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2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS V6

Starting price:$21,255 ($3,000, used)
Engine: 3.5 L V6
Horsepower:200 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
0 to 60: 7.8 seconds
The Chevy Malibu was never intended to be a performance car. Even when equipped with a V6 engine, Malibus have been and will always be functional family sedans. If anything, the V6 just lets you get your groceries with a bit more spirit in your step. 
In 2005, things weren’t too crazy when it comes to luxury options, but the LS featured a premium cloth interior and manual adjustable lumbar support on the driver’s seat.
Other standout features of the 2005 Malibu LS V6 include: 
  • Height adjustable driver’s seat
  • Daytime running lights
  • Traction control

How’s the fuel economy?

V6 engines aren’t really known for being fuel-sippers, and the Malibu’s V6 is no exception. The 2005 LS gets a respectable, but not admirable, 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

Which Malibu models have the V6?

Chevy has featured V6 engines on several Malibu models over the years, but they tossed out their V6 engine in favor of turbocharged 4-cylinders in the 2013 redesign. In 2005, the last year to offer the LS with a V6, Chevy also offered a V6 in their top-tier Malibu
LT
.

How fast is the Chevrolet Malibu V6? 

The Malibu’s V6 engine was never really about speed. Whether you wanted more speed for highway merging and passing, or you just didn’t want to deal with a lagging take-off at the stoplight, the V6 was a nice option to help you keep up with the proverbial pack. The Malibu’s V6, though, had trouble even with that, taking a yawn-inducing 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. 
Here’s how the Malibu’s rivals compare when it comes to acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph:
Key Takeaway Even when equipped with a V6 engine, the Chevrolet Malibu LS still performs like a respectable family sedan.
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Which model should I choose?

In 2005, buyers could choose between the mid-level LS or the top-trim LT if they wanted a V6 engine. For $3,000 more, the LT added features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and a few additional colors to choose from, but not much else. That’s why we’d recommend you stick with the LS.
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How to find affordable Chevrolet Malibu LS insurance

You might have trouble finding a 2005 Malibu LS for sale, but if you do,
car insurance
should be pretty affordable. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still try to save money on it, so shop for your Malibu’s insurance with
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FAQs

Not anymore. The 2012 model year was the last to offer a V6 on any trim, and the last year to feature an LS V6 was 2005.
Yes. J.D. Power gives the Chevrolet Malibu LS an 83/100 rating for quality and reliability.
No. All of the 2005 Malibu trims featured front-wheel drive.
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