The Chevelle Chevrolet Malibu was introduced to the American public in 1964. It stood out from other cars with a full-length bright metal strip running just below the lower belt line. The following year, the interior was upgraded with, for the time, were luxurious pattern cloth and vinyl trims. The rear seats were foam-cushioned, and the floor carpeting was deep and color keyed. The Malibu line included a Sport Sedan as well as a station wagon.
Throughout the 1960s, the interior became plusher. Technical changes made the car more attractive. Early add-ons, e. g. ignition alarm system, became standard by the end of the decade.
The 1970s and 1980s
By 1970, the Chevrolet Malibu had settled in as a mid-size, mid-priced car affordable to Americans as far apart as Wichita KS and Sacramento CA. Although a few design features changed during this period, including a size and weight reduction in 1978, it stayed essentially the same. For those who wanted more room than the sedan, the Malibu station wagon provided it. Other models included the Colonnade coupe.
In the 1980s, the models were reduced to two: the four-door sport sedan and a four-door wagon. These were all to be mothballed in 1983. Other cars were being produced to replace it, including the short-lived Celebrity.
Today
The Chevrolet Malibu Wichita KS resurfaced in 1998. It remained as a mid-size sedan, building on its past strengths. For those who do not want an SUV but need a large family-friendly vehicle, the Malibu may be the perfect car.
