High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Chevrolet Malibu (named after Malibu, California) is a mid-size car produced by General Motors. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, but became its own model line beginning in the 1978 model year. Originally a rear-wheel drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel drive car for 1997.