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Posted April, 2008

Road Test: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

By Thomas E. Bonsall

People had been raving about the new Chevy Malibu, so naturally we looked forward to testing one. In the end, we tested not one but two: a four-cylinder base version and a gussied-up V6 edition. Both delivered satisfying performance, fuel economy and refinement, wrapped in a clean, tailored design. The new Malibu is based on GM's global midsize platform, which we've seen earlier in the Saturn Aura, another car we liked a lot.

This is what Chevrolet says about the Malibu:

"The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet's midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "We know the competition is very good, and this new Malibu has the goods — both tangible and intangible — to assert a leadership position in the segment and re-affirm Chevrolet's commitment to expressive cars."

The 2008 Malibu is more than three inches longer than the previous model, with a six-inch-longer wheelbase. These proportions create a wheels-at-the-corners stance that enables a smoother, more direct driving experience. Malibu is offered in several trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ — all with standard head-curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax air bags, OnStar Gen 7 with remote diagnostics, and XM Satellite Radio. StabiliTrak stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

Performance comes from a family of dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a 2.4-liter Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 with variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V6 and will be available later in the model year with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder LTZ – a segment first.

The first Malibu we tested was the high-end LTZ. It came well-equipped and had virtually no optional equipment on it. The engine was the 3.6-liter DOHC V6. The final sticker price was $27,540.

The second test car was the entry-level LT model. Again, it had virtually no options on it and carried a final sticker of $21,470. Power was supplied by the 2.4-liter Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine.

We liked both versions, but the real surprise was the relatively low-buck LT. Our previous test car had been a much pricier vehicle from another manufacturer and we vastly preferred the Malibu. After a week in that other vehicle, we climbed into the Malibu LT and sighed with relief. Home at last!

The interior was well laid out and instrumentation easy to read. That is, if you can get inside without injuring yourself — which brings us to the one real defect in an otherwise wonderful automobile. This is a problem shared with the Saturn Aura, and after testing the Malibus we finally understand why. There is a flanged piece (see photo) that juts out from the B-pillar just enough to stab you in the upper thigh as you slide behind the wheel. This is mostly an issue for drivers or front seat passengers who are either very tall or very long-legged. Because these people move the front seats way back, they risk spearing themselves on the B-pillar every time they enter the vehicle. When we tested the Saturn, we simply couldn't understand why the B-pillar was shaped this way. Once we saw the Malibu, the cause became clear. The Aura shares the Malibu B-pillar and, on the Malibu, interior designers had the arm rests in the front door flow back into the B-pillars. The result is that you tall guys out there risk having your thighs sacrificed on the altar of style.

To the good, passenger legroom was generous front and back, the seats were comfortable, the console had two cupholders. Now, it wouldn't hold a PDA, but not many automobiles have slots for them, so we're not complaining.