Chevrolet Malibu
2004 models built after February 2004SIDE IMPACT TEST WITH OPTIONAL SIDE AIRBAGS
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Injury measures | Head protection | Structure/safety cage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Torso | Pelvis/leg | |||
| Driver |
|
|
|
|
|
| Rear passenger |
|
|
|
|
|
Important: Side impact crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle type and weight categories.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Chevrolet Malibu was redesigned for the 2004 model year. The earlier design remained in production through the 2005 model year, but was called the Chevrolet Classic and was sold only to fleets.
All 2004 and later Malibu models manufactured after February 2004 include front door trim panel changes to improve occupant protection in side-impact crashes in cars equipped with optional side airbags (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). A further change was made beginning with 2005 models -- side airbags designed to protect drivers' and front passengers' torsos were added to the optional side curtain airbags available in 2004.
Two tests of a 2004 Malibu were conducted, one with an optional side curtain airbag for the driver and rear passenger, and one without. A third test of a Malibu, a 2005 model, was conducted because of the side airbag change. These three Malibus are rated separately, except that the structural ratings for the three vehicles are based on all three tests, and the rear passenger injury and head protection ratings are based on the two tests with side airbags.
Injury measures:
Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that loading to the shoulder would be excessive in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.
Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummies in tests of both the 2004 and 2005 models with side airbags indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.
Head protection:
Driver — The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.
Rear passenger — In each of the two tests with side airbags, the dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof (test of 2004 model shown).
Left to right:
- View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.
- View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbag and damage to the occupant compartment.
- Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side curtain airbag.
- Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was protected by the side airbag.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags (optional)
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Daytime running lights
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 4-door
- Class: Midsize moderately priced car
- Weight: 3,250 lbs.
- Side airbags: optional front and rear head curtain airbags
- Wheelbase: 106 in.
- Length: 188 in.
- Width: 70 in.
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- EPA ratings: 23 mpg city | 32 mpg highway
