2004 Chevrolet Malibu Test Drive

2004 Chevrolet Malibu SE V-6

With the 2004 Malibu LS, GM’s Chevrolet Division finally has a credible Camry-fighter. Under its still somewhat blah exterior, the new Malibu LS has the right stuff. Build quality, handling, all-round performance and value-for-dollar are all comparable to the Camry. The 2004 Malibu LS is the surest sign yet the General is serious about the car business again. Base price (for the LS V-6) US$21,395; Warranty US: 3 years, 36,000 miles.

Heritage

The Malibu has an interesting heritage, for this name graced the back end of both storied muscle cars of the early 70s and weak-kneed econo-boxes of the more recent past. While not exactly a muscle car, the new 200hp, V-6 powered Malibu is certainly no pushover in the stoplight drags. Let me revise that: The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu V-6 is very, very quick. Philip Powell, senior editor of About Cars, drove it and pronounced it "probably too quick" for the average family buyer, which is, after all, its target market. Push hard on the gas pedal and you’ll go real fast. Unlike its ancestors, though, this Malibu has the chassis to control all that go. Stopping power for the LS V-6 is supplied by a standard ABS-equipped disc/drum combo. However, you can add rear discs with both ABS and electronic traction control for under $100. All new cars today should have 4-wheel disc brakes and traction control. Of special interest, though, is the new electric steering. It works at least as well as conventional hydraulic power steering but apparently saves gas. All models come with a 4 speed automatic with overdrive; no manual transmission is offered. A de-contented base model Malibu with Chevrolet’s 2.2L 4-cylinder Ecotec engine is also available.

Coachwork

In overall appearance, the new Malibu somewhat resembles its predecessors. Unlike those ancestors, however, the build quality of the new Malibu seems just about as good as you’ll find on any Camry or Accord. Interior design also represents a definite break from GM’s forgettable past efforts. While quite different in treatment from either of its Japanese rivals, the Malibu’s interior is no less spacious, comfortable and ergonomically efficient. All four (or five) seats are surprisingly comfortable with plenty of bolstering and back support. Front seats are set high off the floor for easy entry and exit. Ditto the back seats. Large door openings simplify entry and exit further. The roofline stays (unfashionably) square behind the backseat, which allows sufficient headroom for a gent and his fedora. Visibility from that back seat is okay but not as good as the Camry. Ergonomics and attention to detail are, however, equal to any vehicle in this class. Check out the standard power-adjustable brake and gas pedals, which along with the tilt steering-wheel and 6-way power driver’s chair allow any and all body shapes to find a comfortable position. Automatic on-and-off headlights and a powerful new sound system are both standard.

On the Road

The Malibu shares the brilliant European-designed Epsilon architecture with such stars as the Saab 9-3 and the stunning new Europe-only Opel Signum 5-door. This platform provides the Malibu with handling that’s not all that far from these European sports sedans. Hard to believe, but I actually found it fun to drive. I tried it almost everywhere too – on crowded city streets, on expressways and on a twisty mountain road. Sometimes, I began to think that if I had a decent set of performance tires, I’d be ready to take on the Bimmers and the Audis. I’d be wrong, of course, but so long as the road doesn’t get too twisty or too broken, a good driver shouldn’t be left far behind. The new 3.5L V-6 puts out 200hp and 220 lb.ft. of torque at a low 3,200 rpm. With this kind of torque on tap, you can step on the gas at almost any speed and get instant action. This makes this Malibu a lot of fun to drive aggressively. While I doubt the ordinary Malibu driver will be taking his LS street racing, his teenage kid could definitely be tempted. But this is not just a car for the open road. The Malibu’s extremely tight turning radius also makes it easy to pilot around crowded mall lots and narrow city streets.

Summary

One of the big things the Malibu has going for it is that it’s neither a Camry (currently the best selling sedan in America) or an Accord. And, for the next year or two anyway, it’ll be an item for conversation for your knowledgeable car friends. Friends who are UAW members will be glad to see you driving this American icon as well. As a truism has it, "what’s good for GM is good for America." For all you get, this Malibu is quite reasonably priced. I really had fun with playing with the 200 horses and plentiful torque and you probably will, too. I found it got reasonably good (though not great) gas mileage. I’m not sure if I’d want to fill it up regularly at European gas prices but in this the land of cheap fuel, there shouldn’t be too much to concern yourself about on that count. What you’ll definitely like is the Malibu’s roomy interior with its loads of elbowroom, headroom and rear seat legroom. And the huge trunk with 60/40 fold-down rear seats will make it easy to carry home most of the stuff you’d find at a KDA furniture shop.