Fifty years of the Chevy Malibu

The Chevy Malibu is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. What started as a “premium sedan for families” is now in its eighth generation and serves as, well, a sedan for families. But, there were some interesting turns along the way.

The First-gen Chevy Malibu ran from 1964-1967.

The first 'Bu debuted in 1964 and was quickly drafted into the muscle-car wars. The Malibu SS was only available as a two-door sport coupe with bucket seats, center console and either a four-speed manual or Powerglide automatic transmission. In '64, the top-of-the-heap option was 300-hp 327-cubic-inch V8. In 1965, output grew to 350 hp, and in 1966 a big-block 396 V8 became available. The engine made 375 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Those were the glory days for the Malibu, as power decreased for the next 50 years.

The Second-gen Chevy Malibu was produced from 1968-1972.

The second-generation Malibu arrived in 1968. Each individual model in the second series had distinctive styling differences. In 1970, the most powerful 'Bu sported a 400-cubic-inch V8 making 330 hp, and the standard six-cylinder engine made just 155 hp from 4.1 liters of displacement.

The third-gen Chevy Malibu ran from 1973-1977.

In the mid-1970s, the third-generation Malibu debuted. Actually, the Malibu was just a name on the Chevelle, first as a mid-range trim and then entry level. But, it is still considered its own generation. The car above has single square headlights, other versions had stacked squares and landau tops.

The fourth-gen Chevy Malibu was produced from 1978-1983.

By 1978, the fourth-generation Malibu was upon us. All the curves had left. It shed weight from the previous versions, but also space. The fourth-gen model was offered in coupe, sedan and station wagon body styles, on the A- and G-body platforms. The sickly base engine for the fourth generation made only 95-110 hp, while top models got a 170-hp 350 V8.

After a long break, the fifth-gen Chevy Malibu ran from 1997-2003.

After a hiatus of 14 years, the fifth generation (1997-2003) began what we call the modern era of the Malibu, with rounded headlights, a bulbous front end and front-wheel drive. It also housed a four-cylinder engine for the first time, making 150 hp. Buyers could opt for a 155-hp V6. It rode on an extended version of GM's N platform -- shared with the Buick Skylark and Pontiac Grand-Am, among others. After 2003, this version was still produced for rental-car companies and fleet orders.

The sixth generation of the Malibu was produced from 2004-2008.

The biggest story of the sixth generation in 2004 was the addition of a five-door hatchback called the Malibu Maxx. The Maxx SS models were powered by a 240-hp version of Chevy's LZ9 V6. Chevy called the Maxx a “five-door extended sedan,” designed to have the utility of the station wagon without the stigma. The stigma of being awesome. It was discontinued in 2008.

The seventh generation Chevy Malibu was built from 2008-2012.

The seventh-generation Malibu arrived in 2008 to rave reviews from the public and journalists alike. The new body style was clean, brawny and spacious. It was voted the 2008 North American Car of the Year at the Detroit auto show. A decent selection of motors graced the Malibu's engine compartment, including the 169-hp Ecotec four and the company's then-new 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Four- and six-speed automatics sent power to the front wheels. This generation was the first to see a mild-hybrid version of the sedan. It used a four-cylinder engine with a small electric motor to return 24 mpg.

The current Chevy Malibu began production in 2013.

The Malibu sedans we see on dealer lots today belong to the eighth generation. The Malibu received a gentle styling massage anddebuted in North America at the 2011 New York auto show. Though we were OK with the styling changes, complaints forced GM to begin a rare mid-cycle update, bringing it in line with the Traverse and redesigned Impala. Minor changes were made inside, as well. Two four-cylinder engines and a V6 are offered, the most powerful making 260 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque.

So, in 50 years the Malibu sedan went from rear- to front-wheel drive, from a V8 to a four-cylinder, and has gained more than 500 pounds. That's … progress? But seriously, the Malibu is much safer now with airbags, antilock brakes and traction control. You could even survive a terrible head-on collision with a first-generation car.

Now if Chevy would just drop a V8 back in the thing, we'd be all set.

By Jake Lingeman