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Posted June, 2008

Road Test: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

By Kevin S. Lowery

Now that buyer’s attentions are turned away from trucks and SUVs (thank you $4 per-gallon gasoline), the spotlight is now on cars like the Chevy Malibu. Why? It has always been an affordable, reliable and competitive vehicle. Now even moreso since a hybrid version is an option.

The Malibu comes in three trim levels—the LT, LTZ and the Hybrid—and offers a variety of engines. First, there is a standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine running at 169 horsepower at 6400 rpm (160 pounds-per-feet of torque at 4500 rpm.) The LTZ, however, comes with a 252 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 (251 pounds-per-feet of torque at 3200 rpm.) The Hybrid teams a small electric motor with a more fuel-efficient version of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder.

The four-cylinder is mated with a four-speed automatic and a six-speed automatic is standard with the V6. A new six-speed automatic should be available now.

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is beautifully crafted inside. The two-tone interior features woodgrain which may not be real but I didn’t care. I was hooked. Whoever expected the use of these materials in a car like this? The "dual-cockpit" instrument panel's major gauges are backlit in blue light. The deep center console's cover opens to accommodate large items, there's a storage compartment atop the instrument panel as well as access to a 110-volt AC power outlet from the rear seats.

It’s a pleasure to drive or ride in due to its long wheelbase, wide stance and stiff structure — something you find very seldom in this class of automobile.

The Malibu hybrid, though not as fuel-efficient around town as the more expensive "full" hybrid Camry, delivers smooth performance and a two miles-per-gallon economy enhancement for about $1,800 more than a conventional 1LT four-cylinder. We tend to think hybrid automobiles are overrated but if you feel like spending more green to be green (does anybody really know where a dead hybrid battery goes?) and never getting your investment back, who am I to stop you?

Malibu's comprehensive list of standard safety features includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, front seat-belt pretensioners, "Gen 7" OnStar and six air bags: Dual-stage front, front seat-mounted thorax (side) and two-row head-curtain bags. Also standard are a four-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch painted steel wheels, XM Satellite radio and a choice of interiors that includes two-tone trim combinations. Mid-range LT models add Stabilitrak stability control with panic brake assist, remote starting (2LT) and 17-inch chrome wheels. The LTZ offers front fog lamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual chrome exhausts and clear-lens LED tail lamps.

Malibu option and equipment packages include power-adjustable pedals, uplevel interiors, leather seats, power equipment groups and a premium audio system. A GPS navigation system is not yet available but we have always preferred OnStar because of its ease of use (you call in destinations to an OnStar operator rather than program them in). Frankly, you may not miss the screen.