Chevy dropped a GM 3100 V-6 engine as standard equipment in both the base and LS trim package of the 2001 Malibu. This 3.1-liter powerplant was an LG8 version of GM's 60-degree V-6 engines. Bolted to a GM Turbo Hydramatic 4T40-E transmission, the powertrain produced 170 horsepower and 190 foot-pounds of torque.
The four-speed transverse automatic transmission -- assembled at Windsor Transmission in Windsor, Ontario -- holds 9 1/2 quarts of Dexron-VI automatic transmission fluid. The 2001 Malibu owner's manual recommended Dexron-III. However, the change to Dexron-VI was announced in Technical Service Bulletin No. 04-07-30-037D issued in November 2007.
