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Chevrolet Malibu MPG-Real World Numbers

470 messages,  Last post on Mar 26, 2013 at 8:58 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 28 of 48

#267 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [malexbu] by phil53

Oct 21, 2009 (10:33 am)

Replying to: malexbu (Oct 20, 2009 2:20 pm)
I don't disagree with your basic premise. However, the visual appearance gets people into the showroom. I would never have considered the old model because it did not offer the style and features I wanted. If Chevrolet had not remodeled the Malibu so extensively, I probably would have gone with the Altima - or a small CUV, such as the Rogue or Forrester. So, while the things you mention are very important, style and features are part of the overall consideration. By the way, I was complimented twice on the looks of the Malibu yesterday.

#268 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [e_net_rider] by malexbu

Oct 21, 2009 (5:11 pm)

Replying to: e_net_rider (Oct 21, 2009 5:18 am)
On one vehicle, a Regal, I replaced the original GoodYears with
Michilen Weatherwise which was very similar to a Euro tread. They
improved the ride tremendously and the wet/dry traction as well
 
This is very interesting; I am honestly at a loss about the tires'
impact on the whole experience. Yes, I realize that a tire should not
be worn out -- as a matter of fact, I rotate tires on my three Malibus
myself and carefully inspect them every time I do this (done just once
on my latest, 2006 Maxx).
 
At this time, I have three kind of tires on these cars:
 
  1. (2005 Base Sedan) Sumitomo HTR T4 Ultra Premium Touring
  2. (2005 Base Sedan) The oiginal Goodyear Eagle
  3. (2006 Maxx) Front: Cooper; Rear: Continental
 
Switching between the cars often, I wouldn't be able to tell which
tires are better or worse -- from any perspective. I know which tires
are where, but only by my brain, not by my back or ear. Car #1 has been
driven in pretty bad conditions, rains and snow, and I have nothing
but praise to say for it.
 
But I would be interested in trying something else, when time comes.
Do you have a recommendation, what to try -- all season tire?
Michellin Weatherwise? Something else?

#269 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [phil53] by malexbu

Oct 21, 2009 (5:50 pm)

Replying to: phil53 (Oct 21, 2009 10:33 am)
I don't disagree with your basic premise. However, the visual
appearance gets people into the showroom.
 
Impala: looks great. Sit in it, when you have a chance (I bet you
will not like it for a moment after any Malibu). Read the owners'
forums here at Edmunds (I bet you will not regret not having Impala to
care for).
 
So, the new Impala was, in a sense, a GM killer. Not a killer model,
a killer. The car that had to be almost like a tank, bulletproof --
the new hope for GM some five years ago, is such that even I, a GM
die-hard by today's metrics, won't buy it. But I much enjoy its looks
when I see one.
 
I would never have considered the old model because it did not
offer the style and features I wanted.
 
What specific must-have features did it miss, in your opinion?
 
Say, an MP3 port. GM could have added it to the old model at
next-to-zero cost. This is something I meant when I was saying, "make
the current model flawless."
 
When you say "would never have considered the old model", you know, of
course, better, but realistically, you don't know -- it would depend
on the presentation given to the car at the time you were looking to
buy a new one.
 
You probably won't have time and/or desire to read owners' reviews for
that generation of Malibu here and at Carpoint / autos.msn.com, but I
did read them again this summer before buying my third Malibu -- and:
Wow!... And this is the car GM decided to drop?...
 
When on the road, pay attention to how the 2004-2008 Malibus look: not
to their boxy shape (the appreciation comes with time), but at the
condition of these cars. Watching many such cars in driveways, on
local roads and highways, I can't help but notice in what great shape
most of them are. Some of that is, perhaps, due to the cars' internal
properties, but plenty, I want to think, is due to the care they
receive from their owners. They all look like loved ones...
 
Hey, I didn't like the shape of 2005 Malibu until I got my first one.
Now you should see me dotting over them
 
By the way, I was complimented twice on the looks of the Malibu
yesterday.
 
I do enjoy seeing the new Malibu, and I liked its ride when I briefly
tried. But I equally enjoy seeing the old (2004-2008) Malibu. These
two seem to be cars for different buyers: the older is more
utilitarian, the new one for those who want "the other look". Should
the 2004+ model be available and legendary reliable, it would sell all
right, I think, even today. They should have worked on making it that
reliable!... They should have been replacing the flawed steering
columns free of charge for 100K miles, no questions asked. Etc. It
would be cheaper than what they ended up with. (They -- GM.)
 
I'd readily compliment you on the looks of your Malibu, though. Truly
hoping you'll be enjoying it, and if in a couple of years I'll see
owners giving it the review similar to what my generation has now,
I'll buy one, I swear

#270 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [malexbu] by e_net_rider

Oct 22, 2009 (6:14 am)

Replying to: malexbu (Oct 21, 2009 5:11 pm)
It was either Tire Rack or Tires Plus that used to have a forum that could be searched by vehicle and learn of others experience. At the time I was looking for new tires on the Aurora, 235-60R. The oem was a GoodYear Eagle and possibly a few exceptions having Michelins. No one was very happy with the GoodYear, especially after they tried a different tire. Traction was felt not good enough on wet, noisy, and a harsh ride. Michelin was a popular repacement, not sure which model anymore, and thought to be much better concerning noise and ride. After going through all of the experiences, I narrowed it down to Pirelli or Khumo. The Pirelli was quite a bit cheaper than Eagle or Michelin, but the Khumo was over a $100 less per tire and had nothing but praise. I went with the Khumo and have to say I agreed with them. I had two other vehicles at the time and researched what was relative to them. Likely a Sable and maybe the Regal. One of the two vehicles had the same opinions of using the Khumo, but on the other the experience was totally negative. So it seems you have to match the tire to the vehicle.
 
I have heard some good things about Sumitomo and Continental and the Eagles on some vehicles, but to me the Eagles seem to have a stiff sidewall and without the proper suspension the ride could be harsh. Also passing that harshness to the suspension could beat it to death.
 
I will store your info in my mind, but not sure what changes might have been done to '08 and up regarding suspension. Since GM likes to use old parts, even from other models, it is likely they made no change.

#271 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [malexbu] by e_net_rider

Oct 22, 2009 (6:22 am)

Replying to: malexbu (Oct 21, 2009 5:50 pm)
I did not have a real close look at Impala, but they did have at least one upscale to them. The Malibu usescheap plastic for door liners. The other day, I pulled the latch and pushed on the door next to it. Snap! It cracked at the seam and won't pop back out. At least the Impala uses a plastic with built in padding, much softer to touch and likely better at sound deadening.

#272 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [malexbu] by phil53

Oct 22, 2009 (8:08 am)

Replying to: malexbu (Oct 21, 2009 5:50 pm)
Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. To me, the last generation Malibu was rather plain, to put it gently. The local Chevy dealer sponsors our Corvette club, plus I have 3 Chevies (Corvette, Malibu, Avalanche) that I take to the dealer for service. So I had plenty of opportunities to view the old one.
As for features, I'll admit that I never took a close look at the feature set on the old Malibu. But I do like the mp3 port. That is not a deal killer, however. What I do require are heated leather seats with an adjustable lumbar support. The leather is just a preference. And, I'll admit I'm spoiled, but those heated seats are awfully nice on a cold midwestern morning. (BTW - I'll stipulate that the '07 Malibu was available with those - although I don't think it offered a power passenger seat.) The adjustable lumbar, though, is a necessity, as I have a bad lower back. If I do not have proper support, even the 2.5 hours from here to DesMoines can be painful.
The other feature I don't recall seeing on the old model is dual zone climate control. Again, I've become spoiled, but it does allow my wife to control the temperature on her side - especially on trips where the sun comes beaming in on one side and not the other - so that we are both comfortable.
The old model also came with only a 4 speed automatic. I know I've ragged on the 6AT in the current model, but most cars in its class have had a 5AT for a while. And, given their history, there is no excuse for GM failing to produce a transmission that is equal to or better than their competitors.
All that said, I'm not trying to denigrate your car. You obviously like it very much and it evidently fits your wants and needs. And it probably fits my needs - just not my wants.

#273 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [e_net_rider] by phil53

Oct 22, 2009 (8:10 am)

Replying to: e_net_rider (Oct 22, 2009 6:14 am)
I'm not sure about Tires Plus, but I know Tire Rack has the features you're referring to. I find it helpful in researching tires.

#274 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [e_net_rider] by malexbu

Oct 22, 2009 (2:07 pm)

Replying to: e_net_rider (Oct 22, 2009 6:22 am)
I meant both pre- and post-2005 Impalas. Like the looks of both, find the seats very uncomfortable, have read pretty scare owners' complaints here at Edmunds.com.
 
As for the plastic, I am all for improving it, so that it doesn't break, at least. But honestly, haven't had any such problems with my cars. The inside feels much better than the upscale Bonnevile 1999 and not worse than the 2002 VW Jetta, both of which I had. My wife is *very* noise-sensitive; I asked her today, "Are our cars noisy?". "No", she said. That's the definitive judgment for me Oh, and we have made several 2000-mile trips in one of the cars. Heavily loaded, often in 100F heat -- comfortably and with the up to 38.2 MPG over the trip (calculated by the fuel used). Beat this

#275 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [phil53] by malexbu

Oct 22, 2009 (2:17 pm)

Replying to: phil53 (Oct 22, 2009 8:08 am)
2004-2008 Malibus:
 
Leather -- available. Heated -- I think so, but I am too lazy to check. Lumbar support? Even my Base Sedans have it -- and it is *perfect*. The seats (cloth) are terrific (I am speaking with the experience of several 2200-miles trips.)
 
I live in cold MA -- the remote start takes care of cold mornings, frozen windows etc.
 
No dual zone climate control.
 
I love the transmission in my sedans (still getting used to Maxx's ways, though -- a different dynamics.)
 
Thank you for the informative exchange! I am looking at the new Malibu with a more interested eye for the second day now -- hope you'll be able to recommend this car in about two years -- my wants may change, too

#276 of 470 Re: Actual MPG For New 2010 Malibu [malexbu] by john178

Oct 23, 2009 (3:48 am)

Replying to: malexbu (Oct 22, 2009 2:17 pm)
Malexbu:
 
If you are considering the 2010 Malibu, let me offer several thoughts. I downsized from a Cadillac DTS to a 2010 2LT Malibu. I actually had no problems with my Caddy that had 60,000 miles on it when traded in, but wanted something with better gas mileage ( even though my Caddy got 26.6 MPG on the highway which I thought was great). I'm not going to try to compare the Malibu with my Caddy but I've got to say that I have nearly every option in the Malibu that I did in the Caddy., and cost me $20,000 less! Plus I have bluetooth and a sunroof in the new Malibu, options I didn't have in the DTS. Obviously the ride is not as smooth but it still is a wonderful riding car ( Malibu). I now wish I would have purchased an LTZ instead of 2 LT to get the leather seats and automatic climate control, which I get tired of adjusting the climate control knob- something I haven't been used to doing for some time! The 4 Cyl. 6 speed automatic gives me all the power I need, so I would stay with the 4 Cyl- and I as I said in a previous message getting 32-37 MPG on the highway. You won't go wrong with purchasing a new Malibu.

Messages Page 28 of 48

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