So here it is -- my review of what may well be the most significant American car to make its debut in 2008. Granted, it's not as glorious as the newly-updated 2008 Dodge Viper or the soon-to-be-revealed 2008 Dodge Challenger, but it is the domestics' best shot at taking on (and possibly taking out) the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. Has the Malibu got a chance? And will American buyers even consider it, regardless of how good it is? Check out my review for my take on it -- and if you have your own take, click the "comments" link below. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Lets call it “legacy costs”. This car as good as it is has to overcome it’s predecessors shortcomings.
Remember the first generation Malibu just a few years ago? A load of garbage. The ad slogan that sticks in my head and poisons the current generation: “Malibu, the car you knew America could build.”
I hope the Malibu turns out to be a great car. Someone has to build one. Chrysler currently doesn’t have a clue. Ford seems to be on the right track with their Fusion/Milan.
The Domestics are capable of building great cars. They just have to get over the “if we build it, they’ll buy it,” sydrome that has prevailed since WWII. Today’s buyers are savvy and well informed. Simply making “our version of theirs” is no longer good enough. We simply have to do it better.
I am sorry to say that I think it is ugly. Throw in bad steering feel and I would have to give it a pass. I would like to know how it compares to the Fusion. I really liked that car a lot.
A few months back, I rented a Malibu with the 6cyl. The engine was great, the handling was inprecise and the interior looked incredibly cheap/cheezy. Now the interior looks fabulous and I hope my test drive shows an improvement in handling.The only “cheezy” thing left is that crappy gold “bow tie” logo. Chevy! pick another color (Ruby?) or dress it up with a bit of style. It irks me every time I see it.
I think it’s very funny how people can just knock the car w/o a test drive. Why don’t you try it out first before you make a comment on the looks. I know I have said that about cars until I actually looked at them in person. The steering is also subjective. Some people have different tastes in the way they drive.
OMG, I agree with Don. The bow tie sucks and the grill looks like the face of a mini Silverado. Other than that I think the body style looks good.
I owned a 66 malibu chevelle SS396 back in the 60s and I’ve always pulled for this model. I’m looking forward to seeing one on the road.
I’m not looking forward to all the whining on the board about it not having a diesel engine.LOL
C
Hey Chuck, I know that youre a ol school guy, “Glory Days” is probabably your favorite song and Richard Nixon was just misunderstood! But the company I used to work for is just for you…go to http://www.miamikarkrazy.com, they’ve got several 396ss chevelles that you’d love…seriously, and they’re so fast that they’ll pass everything but a gas station…but they are very cool. My favorite is the lime ‘70 Hemi Cuda($99,000). But with gas at $100 a barrel they’re sure not daily drivers!
I don’t know how they can make the front and sides and interior look so nice and then goof up the back so much. Just copy the Accord or Camry if you can’t think of something original that doesn’t offend. I really dug the Ferenghi inspired cocoa interior, so I was really hoping the rest of it would live up to the hype.
I think that if this car’s quality marks end up in the plus column, it will pull buyers away from the imports for sure. How many I don’t know. Probably enough to bump up Chevy sales significantly since this is such a major segment. I like how the car looks from all sides in pictures but haven’t seen or driven one for myself. It looks promising, though. I’ve owned mostly Hondas and Toyotas but this car looks like a contender.
H. don…where can I get that $100/barrel gas you mentioned?
I recently drove a LT with 4cyl/4 speed. The built quality was superb. I noted several test drivers comments re: steering, brakes, etc. but, had no issues. The car is tight and quiet, engine noise is muted. I will wait for a drive of the V-6 and later, the 4 cyl/6 speed.
Gary, you can get it anywhere…
unfortunately it’s a 30 gal barrel!
Picked brand new 2008 Malibu from a dealer on Nov 20, 3 days later 100% dissatisfied with the new GMs 6-speed automatic, it is a piece of junk.
Nature of the problem: in the speed range between 10 – 30 mph in the slow traffic where you speed up a little, than cost, than speed up again every time I touch the gas pedal there is a distinct kick in the drivetrain, which becomes annoying after a few times. Same thing happens when you make a turn and then try to speed up. Went to the dealer and he says that it is the way it normally works. I own a 2000 Malibu as well, just took it for the ride to compare, and what a smooth ride, even my 1993 GMC Safari van, which I traded in for this new piece of junk, ran smoother. Overall I like the styling (althoug workmanship is of a typical for GM quality). GM says that it wants to compete with Camry and Accord with this new Malibu, aha, good luck.
So guys, if anyone conciders this one as a next vehicle – take it for a good test drive, or better rent it for a few days. I regret that I didn’t.