The sedan comes in three trim levels: base ($18,995), LS ($21,060), and LT ($23,855). The base model is powered by a 2.2-liter dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine. LS and LT versions come with a 3.5-liter overhead-valve V6. All models come with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features at all levels include: air conditioning; a power vertical height adjuster for the driver's seat; power windows, door locks and outside mirrors; tilt/telescoping steering column; four-speaker stereo with compact disc player; dual-stage front airbags; and 205/65R15 touring tires on 15-inch steel wheels. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with traction control are optional ($400). A Preferred Equipment Group ($835) for the base sedan consists of: cruise control; remote keyless entry; power adjustable pedals; driver manual lumbar seat adjuster; front seatback map pockets; a cargo net; and the audio system that is standard in the LS.

The mid-level LS comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS); traction control; cruise control; remote keyless entry; front-reading lights; map pockets in the backs of the fronts seats; power adjustable pedals; manual lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat; six-speaker stereo with Radio Data system (which displays the kind of station you are listening to); 15-inch aluminum wheels; a cargo net; illuminated driver's side vanity mirror and non-illuminated vanity mirror on the passenger side; and body color moldings. Side-impact airbags and head curtain airbags are optional for base and LS models ($690) and we recommend them highly. A package ($1,095) for the LS sedan includes: side curtain airbags; remote vehicle starter; carpeted floor mats; and six-way power driver's seat.

LT adds: automatic climate control; seat-mounted side-impact and side curtain airbags; front and rear reading lights; remote vehicle starter; leather seats; heated front seats; 6-way power driver's seat; seat cushion storage pockets for outboard seating positions; leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; leather-wrapped shift knob; two illuminated vanity mirrors in front; fog lamps; power and heated outside rearview mirrors; body-color rocker moldings; a rear spoiler; 16-inch tires and wheels. An optional package for the LT ($1,230) includes a Homelink transmitter for opening garages and security gates; a light-sensitive auto dimming rearview mirror, XM Satellite Radio and a power sunroof.

Maxx is built in the same three trim levels: base ($20,760), LS ($21,260), and LT ($24,405). But the base-level Maxx is better equipped than the base-level sedan, and comes with the V6, cruise control, traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), 16-inch steel wheels, power hatch release, and other highline features. Similar options packages are available for Maxx. A DVD entertainment center with wireless headphones and a monitor that flips up from the front console ($995) is available.

Options for Malibu sedan and Maxx include: XM Satellite Radio ($325 plus the $9.99 monthly subscription fee); GM's OnStar communications system ($695); a power sunroof ($725); and a rear spoiler for the sedan ($175) or Maxx ($300). Three levels of audio are available, from the base AM/FM stereo and CD player to the top-of-the-line system with an in-dash, six-CD changer, six speakers, and automatic volume and tone controls ($300). A unique option is the remote starter ($150), useful both in cold climates to warm up the car before the driver climbs in and in extremely hot climates to cool it down.