<Tr> <Th> Class </Th> <Td> Mid-size </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Layout </Th> <Td> FR layout (1964--1983) FF layout (1997--present) </Td> </Tr> <P> The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and since 1997 . The Malibu began as a trim - level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978 . Originally a rear - wheel - drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front - wheel - drive car in 1997 . </P> <P> Named after coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu was marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally . </P>

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