miiiikeee
chevelle - cheap version malibu - more options ss- All the bells and whistles

chevyraceman_383
With Chevy the letters/numbers after the name is option packages.. SS, LT, Z28, etc Like mentioned already the Chevelle is the base line car... Chevelle maibu is an option/trim package.. Nicer looking interior, better engine, better options like radio, etc... Chevelle SS (super sport) is the performance package.. Has the best engine, nicer/better options, etc

bigoilman
Depends on the year. First Gen Malibus were just a name for the mid-level trim package on a Chevelle. In '73 the Malibu became the model and "Chevelle" became the name of a trim package on Malibu. Chevelle SS is, of course, the hi-po version of the Chevelle.