Chevrolet Malibu

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 2004-06 Malibu models manufactured after February 2004 include front door trim panel changes to improve occupant protection in side-impact crashes. (Chevrolet reported that these door trim panel changes would not significantly affect side-impact performance in models without side airbags; therefore the overall side impact rating for all 2004 and later models without side airbags is the same.)

Two tests of a 2004 Malibu were conducted, one with an optional side airbag for the driver and rear passenger, and one without. A third test of a Malibu, a 2005 model, was conducted because the side airbags were changed beginning with 2005 models. These three Malibus are rated separately, except that the structural ratings for the three vehicles are based on all three tests.

Beginning with 2007 models, side curtain airbags designed to protect drivers' and front and rear passengers' heads became standard, but side airbags designed to protect drivers' and front passengers' torsos remained optional.

Injury measures:

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that serious skull fracture and/or brain injuries plus rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be likely in a crash of this severity. A fracture of the pelvis also would be possible.

Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that serious head injuries would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

Head protection:

Driver — The dummy's head was hit by the intruding barrier, producing high head injury measures.

Rear passenger — The dummy's head was hit by the window sill and window frame of the rear passenger door, producing moderately high head injury measures. Hitting the window areas should be prevented.