A $2,130 optional Preferred Equipment Group package adds leather seats, power sunroof, an AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system and rear spoiler to either the base or LS model. While not quite as fashionable now as it was a few years ago a $170 stand alone gold accent package is still available to dress the Malibu up even further.
Both models come standard with power rack-and-pinion steering and a fully independent suspension. The front design incorporates MacPherson struts, aluminum knuckles and a stabilizer bar while the rear suspension uses a tri-link configuration and stabilizer bar. Its 170-hp and 200 lb-ft of torque is adequate to spin the P215/60R15 all-season tires at will, but a lighter touch on the throttle will remedy this problem if attracting negative attention is something you'd rather not do. While powerful the 3.1-L OHV V6 gets fairly decent fuel economy at 9.8 L/100 km (29 mpg) combined city/highway and is rated as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV).
While roomy on the inside the Malibu seems smaller on the outside than its midsize competitors. Is it? The Ford Taurus is obviously bigger. The Chrysler Sebring, closest to its size, is only slightly larger by 8 mm (0.3 in) in length, 30 mm (1.2 in) in width and 71 kg (157 lb) in curb weight. If you're starting to think that the Malibu might fall into the compact category due to its smaller size, hold the thought. The class leading 2003 Honda Accord is 23 mm (0.9 in) shorter than the Chevy while the next in line Toyota Camry is larger than the Accord, but only slightly. That leaves the Malibu slotting neatly in the middle of the midsize sedan pack.
What about cargo capacity? With a 490 L (17.3 cu ft) trunk it beats the Accord's 399 L (14.0 cu ft) trunk volume by an impressive 91 L (3.3 cu ft). The Camry's 473 L (16.7 cu ft) of cargo volume gets closer to the Malibu while Chrysler's Sebring still lags behind at 453 L (16.0 cu ft).