We returned from our New England fall-foliage odyssey last Wednesday (and why I didn't mention that sooner, I'll mention in a minute). The BMW 528xi did its job well -- we averaged nearly 25 MPG with 3 adults, a fairly full trunk, and lots of changes in speed. You'll hear more when I post my 528xi test drive, which should happen... er... soon. (One of my goals on the trip was to get some writing done. Didn't happen.)
So we got home Wednesday night, and Thursday morning I was on a plane to Memphis to test drive Chevrolet's all-new 2008 Malibu. I'm finishing up my review today and will post it tomorrow.
The bottom line is that the 2008 Malibu really is on a par with its Japanese competitors, but to be honest I'm always a little hesitant to come out and say that. I mean, look at some of the other cars about which similar claims have been made by reviewers past -- cars like the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare, Pontiac 6000, and Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon spring to mind. If you really want a laugh, go to your local used-magazine place and dig up the car mags from around 1979 to see how they were raving about General Motors' "X cars" (Chevy Citation, Pontiac Phoenix, and Buick Skylark). Granted, they were revolutionary for GM, but history soon proved that it took more than front-wheel-drive and efficient interior packaging to take on Japan, Inc.
So what will history say about the new Malibu? Only time will tell, but you can see what I have to say about the new Malibu tomorrow. Meanwhile, check out the new photos in my 2008 Chevrolet Malibu photo gallery (and some insights on the car in the captions). The Malibu's interior decor is one of its best features, so I've devoted one page of the gallery to its myriad of interior color combinations. Hey, you gotta have color. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Still looks pretty blase to me. I thought GM was supposed to bring some excitement to the Malibu???? Looks like the same mundane car. This will get “noticed” more?????
Looks nice and if quality turns out good, Honda and Toyota may have some real competition from GM after all.
I see Al “I Hate GM” is back. Al, I realize that looks are subjective, so if you want to say it’s blase, fine, that’s your opinion. But what are you comparing it to? The competition in this segment is incredibly ugly. At least Chevy gave the Malibu a nice combination of European and American styling, but the Accord and Camry are nothing more than bland-mobiles from Honda and Toyota, just as they always have been. Based upon the reviews I’ve seen so far, the Malibu beats many of the imports at what they do best: refinement. You don’t have to look much further than the (same platform)Saturn Aura reviews to know that the Malibu should get the same critical response. And the Aura has been frequently praised as a better car than the Honda or Toyota by many reviewers. Sure, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but don’t write off a vehicle as a failure just because you don’t like how it looks. If that were the case, most of the Asian manufacturers would be out of business. The new Chevy will have its warts just like the imports do. The point is, the Malibu will compete in a segment where it previously hasn’t. People shouldn’t dismiss it just because it’s a GM product.
I consider myself a particularly outspoken critic of GM and even I like the Malibu. The Camry (current design) is pretty good, too. I do not like the new Accord, however. I do not like the Sebring, either (although it does look nicer in person than in photos).
I am very eager to see the Malibu up close soon.
Give it a rest “S”, if that is your real name? It’s not good looking and thats a fact. There are, at least, 4 other cars in that category that look better, inside and out, and will last longer. I’m a “hate GM” person? Man, I think you want to take one to bed you’re so in lust with them. Just give it a break…I call em as I see em. Good luck with your GM affair!
Just as I suspected from Thin Skin Al. Al – is that your real name? Enjoy your boring Camry and Accord or Nissan or whatever non-GM product you drive. The bottom line is the Malibu is the best looking midsize in the segment, or maybe tied with the Aura. Again, that’s just my opinion, but apparently your opinion trumps mine. I never said I was in love with GM, but to you, anyone who compliments a GM car is “having an affair with them”. Your narcissistic viewpoint comes through loud and clear.
Wow “S”, I had no idea you were a psychologist/psychiatrist??? I have never been diagnosed via “comments” before. You must be damn good. BTW, Al is my real name, I do not have the “qualities” you spoke of and, if anyone, you need to seek some help! This will be my last comment to you so, listen well. GM makes junk, will always make junk and, for the forseeable future, will continue to make junk. Yes, it is my opinion but based on factual evidence. I’m sorry that you are too close-minded and intellectually deficient to see that. But, my expectations weren’t that high for you anyway!
BTW, “S”, have a nice day
)
Come on Al – I know you’ll be back. And you just proved my point. Enjoy standing in front of your mirror all day, because it’s obvious you love yourself ALOT. But back to my original point that you chose to distort, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Al, you don’t have the slightest clue about the quality of this car until you drive it. Making a blanket statement that all GM cars are junk invalidates any further comment that you make. Sure, you can say a car is ugly – it’s your choice. Just as I can say it’s attractive. Doesn’t make either one of us right – beauty is always subjective. The point is, you spend your time on this message board bashing GM when I doubt you own one, or have even driven a newer model. I’m no GM apologist; I’m just an open-minded auto enthusiast who is willing to consider a new automobile based on its merits, not on hearsay or baseless comments that “all GM cars are junk”. Your arguments are weak. If you had any substance to your claims, people might pay attention.
I’m not sure who this Al is but he seems to know his stuff, as far as I can see. It looks like S has a few issues he needs to iron out. I like the way they’ve been going back and forth but I feel Al has the edge. I have owned a few GM’s and all of them have given me problems right up to my current one (2007 Impala). I also know people who feel the same way. Obviously, S, is the one who really doesn’t know the truth. I feel sorry for him. I wish Al would come back and share more! Way to go!
I’m not sure who this Al is but he seems to know his stuff, as far as I can see. I like the way he and S have been going back and forth but I feel Al has the edge. I have owned a few GM’s over the years and have been having problems with all the way up to my current one (2007 Impala). I have friends and family members having the same issues. I will not be buying another one until they can improve their quality. I could be mistaken, but I feel that S really doesn’t know what he’s talking about and does not sound that knowledgable, besides being very defensive. I wish Al would come back and add more comments. Way to go!
I’m sorry for the duplicate. I didn’t think my first one went through.
Thanks Pete!
I thought you weren’t coming back Al? Pete – my intention is not to make anyone take sides, but to make a point that generalizations are a bad idea considering the turnaround GM is making. Take Al’s side for all I care; if you have poor quality GM car, it doesn’t impact me. I have a friend with a Toyota Avalon that’s also a lemon, so it’s a moot point. I’m not here to defend all things GM. I had a GMC Jimmy that rattled more than a box of marbles. The point I’m making is that many people, including Al, make up “facts” that claim “all GM cars are junk”. Having a bad experience with one car doesn’t make all of them bad. Personal experience will tell you how to feel about a car, not gut feelings. And Al and many others like to generalize (no pun intended) about GM’s quality with no data to support it. For the record, I drive Dodge products. I’ve had both good and bad experiences. But I’m not so narrow minded as to say that “all Dodge cars are junk” just because my Dakota had a bad transmission. Spouting off a comment like “it’s ugly, and that’s a fact”, and then implying poor quality from an opinion based only on appearance is ridiculous. Anyway, I’m not here to start a war of words, but to discuss what I feel is a good quality car that’s long overdue from Chevy.
Hey Pete, I rest my case. Even that GM prognosticator “S” didn’t see that I said I would not be commenting to “him” anymore! I’m sorry you got into the middle of this. You can see now the immaturity of his words. You know the truth Pete and that’s all that matters. Most people that have problems with their vehicles are concerned. Some are just oblivious. If you’re smart, stay away from replying to him. He needs that to survive on a daily basis. I’m sorry Pete and take care!
Thanks Al, I won’t. You were right, again! Take Care!
I did want to leave one last comment to Aaron. Aaron, I apologize for what these “comments” turned into. They went a little too far and it was unnecessary. Please forgive me for the erroneous comments that filled up your page. I can’t speak for “S” but I apologize!
Sounds suspiciously like Al and Pete are the same person. Al, you’ve shown your spots. Enjoy your perfect car, whatever that may be.
So sad “S”, so sad!
Calm down boys! Yes GM is capable of making great cars. Just test drive a new Vette. Unbelievable car…unbelievable value.But having had more than my share of Camaros(68,76,79,80,83), a 85 Trans Am, a 86 Fiero, and a 79 L82 Vette, I’m an expert on GM’s of THAT era…they we’re all terrible! Now I am not so presumtuous to accuse GM of continuing to build the kind of crap that I owned, but the resale value of their cars versus Japanese/German marques kind of tells the story that there’s a lot of wary people out there. That would be because they’re probably still building inferior cars. But Toyota’s quality is sliding big time right now, so if GM can get it together, who’s to say what can happen. But as to this car…”Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Personally, I like the Accord a lot more on the outside,but the inside is very cool.
S, I don’t even know Al. You must not be too bright to think we’re the same person. I don’t share all of Al’s GM thoughts but I do agree with him on most. You really do need to get a life S. I think you’re the one that’s narcissistic. Geez man, grow up!
Sure Pete. I mean Al. Or whatever your next identity is… And thank you Hawaiian Don, for clarifying what I was trying to express. Anyway, I’ve made my point. I like the Malibu, Al doesn’t, let’s move on.
“S”…you really are sad. You actually believe Pete and I are the same guy? Wow, you really do need to seek someone professional help to clear up your dillusions. I’m ready to move on just because you’re a whacko! Based on what Pete wrote earlier, I think he agrees. Wow, man, you do need help! Sorry Aaron, once again, but some things have to be said!
Al – get over yourself. I did.
Obviously not!
Geez, I leave you guys alone for a day and a half, and look what happens!
Actually, I think what Al, S and Pete are saying illustrates exactly what the Malibu is going to face in the market. Styling aside, the Malibu is a very, very good car. But Chevrolet is launching it into a market full of buyers who are wary of domestic cars in general and GM cars in particular. There is an anti-domestic bias in the market, and whether the issues with the cars are real or perceived, that bias must be addressed. What Al and “S” are arguing about is very much like what I think will happen amongst buyers. To paraphrase the capitalast mantra, we will see what the market decides.
My favorite mid-size is the Nissan Altima. Since it debuted in 2007, I’ve always said that if I were going to buy a mid-size sedan, that’s the one I’d get, no question. Reviewing the Camry, the Mazda6, the Fusion and the 08 Honda Accord hasn’t changed that opinion — but the Malibu is the first car that has given me pause. I’d really be hard pressed to pick between the two.
One note on the styling — my photos don’t quite do the car justice. I thnk it looks goofy from the rear but awesome from the side… but not when painted battleship grey.
Aaron
Honda and Toyota may have some real competition from GM after all