Mother Proof's view

I used to think of hybrid vehicles in a “Jetsons” sort of way. The earliest hybrids – the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius – fueled my perception that these cars were exclusively futuristic, small, odd designs with a mysterious electrical system under the hood. I was pretty sure they made that “Jetsons” spaceship noise, too. Now that the Prius is more commonplace and several mainstream sedans and SUVs have hybrid options, my thinking about hybrids has changed.

By now, my hybrid IQ has grown so much I can tell you why the Chevy Malibu Hybrid isn’t exactly what most people think of when they imagine a hybrid car. I think the average consumer thinks a hybrid is a hybrid is a hybrid, but that’s not the case. There are different levels of hybrids, and I would venture to propose that the Malibu is the George Jetson of this type of car.

The Malibu Hybrid uses a system referred to as a mild hybrid system. Basically, a mild hybrid turns off the engine at stoplights and uses a battery pack and generator to turn the car back on when the gas pedal is depressed. Unlike a full hybrid, this type of hybrid cannot be driven solely on battery power. The main advantages of a mild hybrid system are that it is less expensive and it requires a much smaller battery. Essentially, it’s got good intentions and works reasonably well, but it seems kind of lackadaisical. You know – like George Jetson, getting just enough work done at Spacely Space Sprockets to not get fired. Or to get fired and then hired back.

The Malibu’s mild hybrid system increases fuel economy by about 2 mpg over the non-hybrid Malibu. Even though the mileage increase is modest, the price is very reasonable at $23,640. At that price I don’t expect divine luxury, but I would like decent comfort, which it delivers. I don’t expect it to dress me in the morning like the Jetsons’ nifty conveyer belt did, but it does come with all the requisite power items standard: power windows, door locks and remote trunk release. The steering-wheel-mounted radio and cruise controls almost made up for the fact that leather seats aren’t even optional on the Malibu Hybrid. Arghhh. Even Jane Jetson knew that leather seats are easier to clean after Elroy spills his ice cream or Astro jumps in the car with muddy feet.

One of the best things about this car is the accessibility of the Latch connectors. While they’re not the pretty Judy Jetsons of the Latch world, they are clearly visible where the seat cushion meets the seatback, and there are three of them! I tested three booster seats across the back. It was a tight squeeze, so I’m not sure you could realistically get three Latch-connected car seats to fit back there, but I love having the option to put one in any of the three backseat positions. Usually car-seat installation leaves me feeling less like the put-together Jane Jetson and more like the slave-driven Rosie the Robot, but the Malibu was quite simple to deal with. My kids appreciated the easy-to-buckle seat belts, and their booster seats sat comfortably on the backseat.

The cargo space was also a highlight. It was easy to fit folding chairs, baseball gear and snacks for the game in there, and I’m sure I could have even fit a pair of skis with one of the 50/50-split seatbacks folded. The battery is in the trunk, but it’s relatively small and wasn’t obtrusive or space-compromising in any way.

Like George, the Malibu’s looks were just OK – better than some, but kind of boring. I thought it drove nicely when not under duress, but when I needed lots of power (say, to merge onto the highway) it was seriously underpowered. It was almost to the point where I felt it was dangerous – rut-roh! Partly because of that, while the Malibu had a reasonable set of features, it did absolutely nothing for me. It failed to impress just as much as it failed to disappoint. I was left wanting just a little bit more. I am reminded of Mr. Spacely: Happy with the vehicle under average driving conditions, but when I asked it to perform … “JETSON!”

*For more information on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 3

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Some

Specs

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Base price: $23,640

Price as tested: $23,640

Engine: 164-hp, 2.4-liter I-4

Fuel: 24/32 mpg

Length: 191.8″

Width: 70.3″

Ground Clearance: n/a

Turning Radius: 20.2′

Cargo space: 15.1 cu. ft.

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

Frontal Impact

Driver’s side: 5 Stars

Passenger’s side: 5 Stars

Side Impact

Front occupant: 5 Stars

Rear occupant: 5 Stars

Rollover resistance: 4 Stars