Chevrolet introduced the seventh generation of the Malibu in 2008 and built it on the same platform as the Pontiac G6 and the European Opel/Vauxhall Insignia.
The bow-tie brand needed a gamechanger to counteract the drop in sales. Once a respectable name on the market, Chevrolet struggled to increase its car sales via various incentives offered to the customers, and the world financial crisis was just begun.

When it started developing Malibu, the American carmaker aimed directly at the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. While it was longer by 2.6” (66 mm) than the former, it was shorter than the latter by 2.3” (58 mm). Its long wheelbase made and the cab-forward design matched the customers’ preferences, but the rental car companies still preferred it. Its elliptic, swept-back headlights created a dynamic image of the mid-size Malibu. The front grille sported a wide horizontal slat for the golden bow-tie badge and a wrapped-around plastic bumper with an integrated lower apron and side-scoops. From its profile, the Malibu revealed a wide C-pillar, resembling other luxury cars from the past. Its raked-forward windscreen and short trunk lid.

Inside, Chevrolet installed a wide dashboard that sported a three-dial instrument cluster in a binocular style, with a center-mounted speedometer flanked by the tachometer and the fuel and coolant temperature gauges. Its multi-buttons steering wheel controlled the audio system and the onboard computer functions. Thanks to the long wheelbase, the Malibu offered enough room on the rear seats for three adults.

Under the hood, depending on the trim level, Chevrolet installed either an inline-four or a V-6 powerplant paired with a four, or six-speed automatic, respectively. Unlike its European sibling, it was available exclusively with a front-wheel-drive system.