Engine: 3.5-liter ohv 12-valve V6

Engine Options: 144-hp 2.2-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 200-hp 3.5-liter ohv 12-valve V6

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage frontal airbags; LATCH universal child seats anchors; seatbelt pretensioners

Optional Safety Equipment: seat-mounted side-impact and side curtain airbags; ABS; traction control

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Kansas City, Kansas

Model Tested: Chevrolet Malibu LT ($23,855)

Standard Equipment: automatic climate control; leather seats; heated front seats; 6-way power driver's seat; lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat; seat cushion storage pockets for outboard seating positions; leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; leather-wrapped shift knob; front and rear reading lights; remote keyless entry; remote vehicle starter; two illuminated vanity mirrors in front; fog lamps; power and heated outside rearview mirrors; body-color rocker moldings; rear spoiler; 16-inch tires and wheels; cruise control; front-reading lights; map pockets in the backs of the fronts seats; power adjustable pedals; six-speaker stereo with RDS; cargo net; illuminated driver-side vanity mirror; vanity passenger-side mirror; body-color moldings; power windows, door locks and outside mirrors; tilt/telescoping steering column; seat-mounted side-impact and side curtain airbags

Options as Tested: 1SB package ($905) includes power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink, XM Satellite Radio; AM/FM/6CD ($300); OnStar ($695) includes 1-year Safe & Sound subscription

Destination Charge: 625

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 200 @ 5400

Torque: 220 @ 3200

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 23/32

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 188.3/69.9/57.5 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.0/59.3 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.0 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.6/53.2/41.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.6/52.4/38.5 inches

Trunk Volume: 15.4 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 6.1 inches

Curb Weight: 3476 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: P215/60R16

Brakes: vented discs/discs w ABS, Dynamic Rear Proportioning (EBD)

Fuel Capacity: 16.3 Gallons