Select another vehicle:

Chevrolet Malibu/Classic

1997-2005 models

results also apply to: 1997-99 Oldsmobile Cutlass

MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Acceptable

Structure/safety cage	Injury measures				Restraints/dummy kinematics
Structure/safety cage	Head/neck	Chest	Leg/foot, left	Leg/foot, right	Restraints/dummy kinematics

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Chevrolet Malibu and the Oldsmobile Cutlass were introduced in the 1997 model year. The Cutlass was discontinued after 1999, and the Malibu was renamed the Classic in the 2004 model year. The Classic was discontinued after 2005. Note: 2004-05 Classics were sold as new cars only to fleets.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement wasn't well controlled. During rebound, the dummy moved toward the driver door, which had bowed outward, and its head hit the inside of the door below the window sill. Then the head moved up and back and hit the B-pillar. Plus there was too much upward movement of the steering wheel.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. Head accelerations from the door and B-pillar hits were low.

Watch crash test footage for this vehicle on YouTube Tested model year and trim level only; see "Tested vehicle specifications" below

Left to right:

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well, although there was too much upward movement of the steering wheel.
Smeared greasepaint shows where the dummy's head hit the inside of the door during rebound.
Smeared greasepaint shows where the dummy's head hit the B-pillar during rebound.

Additional features:

Antilock brakes (optional on 2003-05 models, standard on 1997-2002 models)
Daytime running lights

Tested vehicle specifications:

1999 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door
Class: Midsize moderately priced car
Weight: 3,058 lbs.
Side airbags: none
Wheelbase: 107 in.
Length: 190 in.
Width: 69 in.
Engine: 3.1 L V6
EPA ratings: 20 mpg city | 29 mpg highway

See all test results for Chevrolet Malibu/Classic | Oldsmobile Cutlass

Last updated: March 29, 2006