Friday Fleet Notes: 11.30.07
Cars.com’s notes from our test fleet return after an extended break due to the L.A. auto show and Thanksgiving holiday. That means we had some good impressions built up on a number of recently reviewed cars and SUVs including Chevy’s all-new Malibu.
- I was wowed by the extra-large ragtop sunroof, and the airlock-like sound you get when that top closes. It opened up, letting a lot of sunlight into the car, and gave it a near-convertible feeling. That said, the driving experience left me feeling like I was hovering over the wheels, not really attached to them — just kind of bobbing up and down on the suspension. I didn’t feel directly connected to the road, and there was some pretty noticeable lean in turns. — Patrick Olsen, managing editor
- The four-cylinder LT model had surprisingly good oomph, with little of the buzzy acceleration that accompanies most four-cylinder sedans. The steering feels natural and well-weighted; it’s easy enough to turn, but it doesn’t feel overly light, as some in this class do. And the brakes are uncommonly powerful, infusing the Malibu with a sense of stopping confidence normally reserved for sportier cars. The interior is equally impressive. I dig the silver stripe that spans the dash, and the radio and climate controls have first-class build quality. Is the Malibu perfect? No. Some surfaces were cheaply shod, and a few common features were AWOL — a sunglass holder up front, a center armrest in back — but the car packs gobs of driving refinement, and its distinctive styling draws plenty of looks. — Kelsey Mays, Cars.com reviewer
- My initial reaction to the Malibu was negative. I approached the rear, the least flattering side of what I consider a decent but overrated design. After popping the trunk with the remote, the way the trunk lid turns under at the bottom, above the bumper, makes it tricky to open. Then there’s a strap on the underside of the lid, presumably emulating the recessed ones found on many European cars that help close the trunk. Problem is it doesn’t work. It’s too far forward, and the best I was able to manage by repeatedly flinging it as hard as I could was to bash my forearm and get the lid down but not latched. On the upside, what looked like black lug nuts on the chrome wheels caught my eye, and on closer inspection I was surprised by chromed plastic wheel covers. The underlying steel wheels have spokes to match, so the wheel looks like a solid alloy-style wheel. Very impressive. Most cheap steel wheels have a few holes punched in them that you can see through to a typically cheesy wheel cover. Further, I liked almost everything: the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, glowing gauges, ride quality, noise levels and drivetrain. There’s no lock on, or light inside, the glove compartment — a sign of cost cutting — but the overall feel of our LT1 was richer than its sticker price. Nicely done, GM. — Joe Wiesenfelder, senior editor
- I never really paid any attention to the previous Accord coupes. It’s not that there was anything wrong with them, but the car was never interesting enough to grab my attention. Well, Honda got my attention with the 2008. Ever since we saw the first official photos, I’ve been a fan of the trapezoidal, aggressive styling from bumper to bumper (aggressive for an Accord, at least). Even now when I see one on the streets it still gets a head turn out of me.
The model I drove had comfortable, supportive seats in tan leather that made for a soothing driving experience. The V-6’s power was smooth, predictable and adequate, but it’s not a street screamer by any means. There’s also an economy light that illuminates when you’re in cylinder deactivation mode to save fuel. It’s useful, but what annoyed me is the light goes on and off so frequently that it almost looks like an intermittent wiring problem with a dashboard light – a minor nuisance. — Joe Bruzek, Ask.cars.com
2008 Mazda RX-8
- Overall I liked this car a lot, but I like anything with a bit of pep and a manual transmission. Visibility was outstanding, and after driving enough sporty cars I can tell you that’s not always the case. The clutch and gearshift had a refreshingly light touch — no faux-macho, He-Man moves required. What didn’t work so well for me was the driver’s seat side bolstering. The upper body bolstering was great, but it felt almost as if my legs and rear end weren’t sitting all the way down in the bottom of the seat. Oh, and the clock (with a red on red-ish display) washes out in bright sunlight. Trivial, yes — until you’re trying to get back in time for a staff meeting. — William Jackson, Buying Guide editor
