General Motors will stop making the Chevrolet Malibu this autumn, as reported by The Detroit News on Wednesday. This decision follows years of uncertainty about GM’s future in the four-door car market. The production of the Cruze ended in 2019, and the Impala stopped being made in 2020. Even smaller cars like the Sonic and Spark faced a similar fate.
But the Malibu lasted longer than expected, despite doubts. It was a popular choice for families in 2023, only being outsold by the Equinox CUV and the Silverado. Although many Malibus were probably sold to businesses, selling 130,000 units each year is impressive.
The Malibu has been a part of Chevy’s lineup since 1964, though it took a break from 1984 to 1996. During that time, cars like the Chevy Celebrity and later the Lumina filled its spot. The Lumina was around for a few years alongside the revived Malibu before it was discontinued in 2001.
Now, the Malibu’s departure opens the door for a new vehicle, likely another small one. The Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas will be changed to make the new Chevrolet Bolt. Production of the Cadillac XT4, also made in Fairfax, will pause during this change but will start again once the upgrade is done, confirmed a GM spokesperson to The Detroit News.
