By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National July 3, 2008Vehicle Overview
Available in LS, LT and top-of-the-line LTZ trim, the five-seat Malibu continues with a few upgrades, as it was redesigned for 2008. Competitors to this midsize sedan include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.
(Skip to details on the: Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid)
New for 2009
The Malibu gets a standard electronic stability system and standard side curtain and side-impact airbags.
Exterior
A glass sunroof with four movable panes that p the front and rear seats is optional. At 70.3 inches wide and 57.1 inches tall, the Malibu is the narrowest as well as shortest in height of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. At 191.8 inches in length, it's longer than the Altima and Camry but 2.3 inches shorter than the Accord.
- Standard 17-inch wheels
- V-6 models get dual chrome exhaust outlets
- Optional 18-inch wheels on uplevel models
Interior
A variety of two-tone interior themes are available as a means of accenting the dash, center stack, door trim and seats. The instruments have blue backlighting, and a 110-volt power outlet is available. Base models have an optional upgrade to a premium 210-watt, eight-speaker system.
- Laminated glass to reduce cabin noise
- Metallic or wood-grain accents
- Standard XM Satellite Radio
- Bluetooth phone capability with OnStar 8.0
- 60/40-split folding rear seat in all models
Under the Hood
Engine options include a four-cylinder or V-6, both of which use variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The Malibu's base four-cylinder teams with a four-speed automatic transmission in LS and LT trim levels but drives a six-speed automatic in the LTZ. The six-speed transmission is optional with the LT trim. Buyers get a significant horsepower gain by stepping up to the optional V-6, which drives a six-speed automatic.
- 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 160 pounds-feet of torque
- 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with 251 pounds-feet of torque
- Six-speed automatic has manual mode with steering-wheel paddle shifters
- Four-cylinder uses variable electric power-assist steering
Safety
GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability system with brake assist is standard on all Malibu models. OnStar 8.0, now standard, features advanced automatic crash notification, remote diagnostics, a monthly status report and Turn-By-Turn Navigation.
- Standard side curtain airbags and side-impact airbags
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Latch child-seat anchors
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
For the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid's second year on the market, GM has recalibrated the energy management system to get better gas mileage. The Malibu Hybrid comes in one trim level, and its competitors include the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Nissan Altima Hybrid.
New for 2009
The Malibu Hybrid gets new 17-inch wheels standard; last year's were 16-inchers. Chevy also tweaked software and mechanical calibrations involving the energy management and regenerative braking systems, resulting in a gain of 2 mpg in both city and highway driving.
Exterior
The hybrid gets the same split grille and Corvette-inspired rear that other Malibus get. In fact, there's nothing to distinguish the hybrid from the regular model except for three GM "Hybrid" badges — two on the front doors and one on the trunklid. At 70.3 inches wide and 57.1 inches tall, the Malibu is marginally narrower and shorter than competing hybrids. Its 191.8-inch length, however, is longer than the others.
- Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels
- Standard automatic headlamps
- Standard power mirrors
- Single chrome exhaust tip
- Optional sunroof
Interior
The hybrid gets a unique instrument cluster that includes a battery charge/assist gauge, a special "Eco" light and other gauges that help drivers achieve the best fuel economy. The hybrid gets the same interior treatment as the regular Malibu. The vehicle is available in two, two-tone interior themes: Cocoa/Cashmere accents the cabin in beige, dark brown and wood trim, and Titanium is a two-tone using grays. Passenger volume is smaller than the other two midsize hybrids, at 97.7 cubic feet. There's a standard 60/40-split bench for hauling large items, and the trunk has 15.1 cubic feet of volume — which is significantly larger than the others.
- Standard power windows, locks and keyless entry
- Standard automatic climate control
- Standard cruise control with steering-wheel controls
- Standard XM Satellite Radio
Under the Hood
GM's mild hybrid system replaces a conventional alternator with an electric motor/generator unit capable of producing 110 pounds-feet of torque. The generator, along with the battery, allows for seamless starting and stopping of the powertrain.
- 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 159 pounds-feet of torque
- Variable electric power-assisted steering
Safety
The Malibu Hybrid gets OnStar standard, featuring advanced automatic crash notification, remote diagnostics, a monthly status report and Turn-By-Turn Navigation.
- Standard side-impact airbags
- Standard side curtain airbags
- Standard antilock braking system
- Standard electronic stability control
- Standard traction control
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Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| David Thomas | Cars.com National | November 17, 2008 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | July 3, 2008 |
Affiliate Reviews
| G. Chambers Williams III | Star-Telegram.com | January 24, 2009 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | July 20, 2008 |
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