The Malibu comes in two trim lines, base and LS. Both come standard with a 3.1-liter V6 engine that replaces last year's 3.1-liter V6 of a different design.
The base model ($16,445) offers a respectable line of standard equipment features: air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, 4-speed automatic transmission, rear-seat child security locks, tilt steering column and tachometer.
LS ($19,215) comes with a nicer cloth interior. It also comes standard with a lot of equipment we take for granted nowadays: power windows/door locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, electronic speed control, AM/FM/CD/cassette and split, fold-down rear seats.