Friday Fleet Notes: 2.29.08

This week, we have input from staffers on multiple vehicles, including the Mazda RX-8, Jeep Patriot, Subaru WRX STI and the always-coveted Chevy Malibu. Check out what our staff had to say, then take a look at our latest Expert Reviews for each vehicle for more in-depth coverage.

2008 Honda Odyssey

• Unlike many minivans, the Odyssey doesn’t forget about the driver. The V-6 engine is a smooth performer, and the van’s responsive handling is much appreciated. Cabin quality is impressive, and seat comfort is good in all three rows. If I were shopping for a minivan, I’d spend my money on this one. – Mike Hanley, Cars.com reviewer

2008 Jeep Patriot

• Given its low starting price, the Patriot is a pretty good bargain for a midsize SUV, and its boxy style will likely impress most Jeep fans. That doesn’t mean I was completely wowed by it, though. Our test model came with Chrysler’s YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats, which looked more stylish than I thought they would. The rest of the interior, however, seemed a little cheap and plasticky to me. The rear window was a little too squat for my taste, but it didn’t affect visibility behind me. Driving on the expressway, road noise was intrusive to the point that my passenger asked if there was a window open. Overall, though, the Patriot was comfortable enough to drive, and many of my issues with the SUV likely wouldn’t bother a Wrangler fan looking to graduate to a more grown-up off-roader. – Amanda Wegrzyn, Advice editor

2008 Subaru WRX STI

• Driving the STI isn’t a harsh experience for a car that’s touted as a track performer. If anything, it’s actually kind of a softy that was easy to manage in everyday suburban traffic. Wind noise was a little intrusive, and the stereo in the model I drove wasn’t anything exceptional. Stopping the STI is a little hairy, as it doesn’t have the greatest pedal feel for moderate stops. During heavy braking, though, it hauls down from speed very quickly. The real fun is going, where the power and surprising amounts of torque from the turbo four-cylinder make getting on the throttle a frequent and fulfilling experience. Oh, and the noises: Such sweet sounds of turbo whistle, gearbox whining and burly exhaust often replaced the lackluster stereo as a means of entertainment during my drive. – Joe Bruzek, Ask.cars.com

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

• Chevrolet has put together a nice overall package in its new Malibu. The sedan’s suspension effectively damps bumps in the road, but it doesn’t wallow through corners like the Toyota Camry. The base four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission make a happy pair and deliver responsive performance. Perhaps most importantly, the Malibu has an attractive new exterior design that really increases the car’s visual appeal. While there is a lot of good stuff going on with this car, the interior could use more attention. It’s interestingly designed, for sure, but it doesn’t have the same level of quality or fit and finish as the Honda Accord’s cabin does. – Mike Hanley

2008 Honda Odyssey Expert Review (Cars.com)
2008 Jeep Patriot Expert Review (Cars.com)
2008 Subaru WRX STi Expert Review (Cars.com)
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Expert Review (Cars.com)