Price Cuts Aim to Boost Sales for 2013 Chevy Malibu

Let’s face it: The 2013 Chevy Malibu, for all its many benefits, came into the year struggling to keep up with the segment’s sales leaders. December saw Malibu deliveries decline by 10.8 percent, and while demand rebounded slightly in January, when the car lifted its volume by 7.8 percent, that still underperformed the industry as a whole; it also left the Malibu in fifth place on the midsize bestsellers’ list—with the No. 1 car, the 2013 Toyota Camry, more than doubling the sales total of the Chevy.

But that bad news for the Bowtie brand will translate into good news for customers, since Chevy has responded by cutting prices up and down the lineup for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu family. Now, those cuts are mitigated to some extent by the fact that the brand also has raised destination charges by $50. However, the net result is that the Malibu will no longer be the most expensive midsizer on the mainstream menu, with the new MSRP rankings—exclusive of destination charges—coming in as follows:

2013 Toyota Camry—$22,235

2013 Chevy Malibu—$21,995

2013 Nissan Altima—$21,760

2013 Ford Fusion—$21,700

2013 Honda Accord—$21,680

2013 Kia Optima—$21,350

2013 Hyundai Sonata—$20,995

2013 Volkswagen Passat—$20,845

2013 Chrysler 300—$18,995

2013 Dodge Avenger—$18,995

Focusing specifically on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu itself, the pricing adjustments include:

• Malibu LS—The entry point to the Malibu team provides standard equipment such as integrated steering-wheel controls for audio and cruise functions, Bluetooth hands-free-calling technology, a six-speed automatic transmission, a six-speaker sound system with a complimentary three-month subscription to satellite radio, and six free months of Onstar service. This model opens at $21,995, which represents a net $345 decrease as compared to its original price.
• Malibu LT—The first step up the content ladder will now have an MSRP of $23,185—resulting in a significant after-destination-charge decrease of $770. Here, drivers welcome Bluetooth audio-streaming capabilities, the Chevrolet MyLink system with seven-inch color touchscreen, projector-style halogen head lamps, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, and seats upholstered in premium cloth.
• Malibu LTZ—The range-topper of the Malibu lineup welcomes a $415 net reduction in cost and now starts at $27,365. Included on the premium Malibu are features such as heated, leather-appointed front seats, 18-inch machine-spoked aluminum wheels, LED taillamps, chrome door handles, and silver and chrome grille accents.
• Malibu Eco—Yes, even the high-efficiency 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco—boasting GM’s eAssist light-electrification technology and a mark of 37 mpg on the highway—has had its MSRP lowered. Now stickered at $24,985, which reflects a post-destination-charge price reduction of $300, the Malibu Eco also sports active aero grille shutters and lightweight 17-inch aluminum wheels.

With an impressive slate of available upgrades that goes far beyond what’s listed here, the repriced 2013 Chevrolet Malibu family is at dealerships now.