Giving the Malibu's exterior a snappy new look for 2001 are the added black molded outside mirrors, black rocker moldings and optional black mudguards.Three new colors have also been added for 2001-Monterrey maroon metallic, galaxy silver metallic and light driftwood metallic. When the Malibu nameplate was revived in 1997, its styling was labeled plain-vanilla by the motoring press. But, while its styling means it may get lost in a crowd, it also means its lines will hold up better over time than some of the trendier designs. Though Chevrolet bills itself as being as American as baseball and apple pie, the Malibu's styling shares more in common with the (Japanese) Toyota Camry than it shares with the Ford Taurus. Indeed, the last-generation Taurus is a good example of the problem with a trendy design (plus it was just plain ugly). Malibu's front fascia features a center grille and emblem that takes a styling cue from the Chevy Impala. Aluminum wheels or wheel covers and the new mudguards reinforce the fresh appearance. An optional spoiler ($175) is also available. At 190.4 inches, the Malibu is a couple of inches longer than its primary Japanese competitor, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but it is more than 7 inches shorter than its main domestic rival, the Ford Taurus.
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