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Chevrolet Malibu MPG-Real World Numbers

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

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Forum.

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

Messages Page 43 of 48

#412 of 470 Miles Per Gallon by djm2

Aug 02, 2011 (5:14 pm)

Hi All:
 
     As you know from my previous postings I own two vehicles. (A 2007 V6 XLE Toyota Camry, and a 2010 Chevrolet LTZ 4 cylinder Malibu, both with a six speed transmission.) ---- Today I took my Camry to Atlantic City, using the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. ---- My average speed was about 60 MPH for the entire trip. The V6 Camry averaged 33.5 MPG. My Malibu might get close to that mileage, but is DOES NOT have the performance of the Camry, and both vehicles have a 6 speed automatic transmission, and both vehicle use 87 octane fuel. -------- QUESTION: ---- While I enjoy driving both vehicles, ---- what does Toyota know about engine design that GM DOES NOT KNOW? ---- If a V6 engine can get 33.5 MPG at 60 MPH, then a 4 cylinder should be able to do much better!
 
     Best regards. -------------- Dwayne

#413 of 470 Re: Miles Per Gallon [djm2] by e_net_rider

Aug 03, 2011 (6:59 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 02, 2011 5:14 pm)
maybe, just maybe, it is because some manufacturers have gone to using what is called a modular engine. Made by a company in China where it is modified according to wants of branding. Same base engine, but then it can be modified by bolting on different heads, oil pans, turbo chargers, etc. Something about that just seems it would not be as good as an engine designed from the ground up to do a specific job. But this is the GM way to save money, buying the cheaper Chinese engine.
There have been a number of comments concerning the 3.5L versus the foreign 3.6L. The 3.5L usually coupled with AT4 seems to get better mileage than 3.6L with AT6.
You are looking at Eurotec I4 with AT6 so I really have to wonder what changes are happening there when put in different vehicles. Depending what vehicle it is in, i've noticed differences in the horsepower rating. More so with the 3.6L.
I have to wonder if EPA pollution targets are involved. But at least, these engines look to be way short of 2015 mileage requirements.

#414 of 470 Re: Miles Per Gallon [e_net_rider] by djm2

Aug 04, 2011 (5:47 am)

Replying to: e_net_rider (Aug 03, 2011 6:59 am)
Hi e_net_rider:
 
        You make some interesting points. ------ GM is sitting on a "CASH COW" with the Chevrolet Malibu, --- BUT they need to "tweek" the line. ---- The Malibu line should include a two door vehicle in the LTZ model, with a six speed manual trans, or a six speed dual manual trans, (similar to what is in the VW line), that can be shifted automatically, and / or with paddles on the steering wheel. ---- The FOUR CYLINDER engine needs to be refined. While it is adequate for the vehicle, is is NOT an automotive jewel. It DOES NOT compare to the four cylinder Honda engine. The four cylinder should have at least 200 hp and 250 hp with a turbo. ------ The exterior colors need to be improved. Black Cherry, and Dark Green should be included in the "line up." -------- They need to get rid of the Goodyear Tires. Put Michelin tires on the vehicle! The Four Cylinder Vehicle should have dual exhaust with a "slight rumble" in the two door LTZ vehicle.
 
           Best regards. --------------- Dwayne

#415 of 470 Re: Miles Per Gallon [djm2] by e_net_rider

Aug 04, 2011 (7:01 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 04, 2011 5:47 am)
Look around, 2 doors are a thing of the past except in a exclusive way. To redesign the body to meet requirements and start up a special line for 2 doors is too expensive. 2 doors are inconvenient as hell. The doors have to be so much longer to access back seat that you can not open them far enough in parking lots to easily get in or out. And because of all the extra beefing up because of the wide whole it has to fill between the pillars, it is possible the 2 door would weigh more than the four door. Doors start to sag much quicker than two doors and with small body flexing you are likely to get more rattling and poorer sealing around the door. Forget 2 doors in a vehicle of this size.
No argument in getting rid of GY tires. Any vehicle that comes with them should have a warning placard saying to expect needing changing them prematurely. GY, over the years, has been horrible about early wear, tread separation, and bad in several other ways.
Are you nuts? why the heck are some wanting a noisy exhaust. Is your mind stuck in the age of a kid when you pushed your toys around and made a noise with your mouth?
The 09 Malibu I had was very quiet and I appreciated that. The new Regals apparently have answered your wants and I find it annoying. Michelin tires too.
Gearing is sacraficing mileage. If anything, Malibu could adopt some of the nicer things of the Regal, like surface that are not so hard, a center armrest that works. And the whole GM line should adopt the speed sensitive wipers that was in the Malibu.
And they need to redesign the AC ducting so it does not blow in your face. You should be able to aim it high enough to go over your head removing the hottest air.
Paddle shifting/stick, etc., may work in some vehicles, but I've found it near worthless. First it is not like the old modification packages you could buy and install. They could bypass all the valving controls and when you commanded it slammed to the next gear. The GM systems are still computer controlled and have a big delay to make sure you will not damage tranny or engine. And to engine braking, forget it. These days gearing is such that you get little engine braking. Also with small engines there is not enough displacement to effectively brake. I infrequently cross a steep bridge high enough for the largest of container ships. Coming into the city, there is a 25mph exit. If you top the bridge and start down shifting, the engine will rev to 8000RPM and you still need quite a bit of brake to safely maneuver that off loop. With the 3.6L.
Grow up.

#416 of 470 2 Door by pao

Aug 04, 2011 (10:36 am)

concur with e net here...I have paddle shifters on an 11 outback.....we bought in Dec 10 and have never once used them...have a sportmatic shifter in my 09 CTS..used it once just to see if it really worked....why would I use it...that is why I bought an automatic!...
 
interesting comments on the engine block from China.....I love my 3.5L V6 in my 04 Malibu Maxx...with its AT4....with just under 185K on it...still getting 30-32 on the hwy and 24-26 City on good days!..BTW it came with OEM Bridgestones on it..which were the bottom of their product line....CTS has OEM michelins and the outback has continentals...but I am running Eagle GTs on the Malibu now abeit on 17 inche rims and very happy with them....
 
as far as 2 doors....he is spot on...and the malibu is targeted as a mid size entry for a family sedan....if you want two doors and a rumble in the exhaust...get a V-8 Challenger or Mustang!

#417 of 470 Re: 2 Door [pao] by e_net_rider

Aug 04, 2011 (4:21 pm)

Replying to: pao (Aug 04, 2011 10:36 am)
thanks pao
The only logical reason I can think of them putting this on vehicles is that like you, many will try it, and at least learn that using a downshift of the tranny with these newer vehicles does little braking as does the engine with especially small displacement.
The concept of not having to remove hands from wheel is nice, but better used for other features such as AC, radio, etc control.
Such mileage, I'm tempted to say liar, but i know some vehicles have done better than these newest. I just can not understand the reason if improving mileage is part of the goal.
Look at this post.
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/06/22/2012-buick-lacrosse-gets-303-hp-3-6l-v6-fue- l-economy-remains-the-same/
Fine if you are looking for more power out of an engine with poor gas mileage in my book. I find the 3.6 as it is adequately powered. Although shifting may seem odd to some and why they have come out with an update that makes mileage even worse to satisfy those who can not learn. Put it to the floor and it will go. I have not, but talked to cop who said he took one to 140MPH. I'm not sure I'd trust the stability at that speed.
And good luck with your life and those GY. There are very few that have done a good job of lasting without failure of some sort and I'd bet they are harder riding than the previous tire. But maybe because of your high mileage, they might make a fit, even if shortlived, to your well broke in suspension.

#418 of 470 Re: Miles Per Gallon [e_net_rider] by djm2

Aug 04, 2011 (7:32 pm)

Replying to: e_net_rider (Aug 04, 2011 7:01 am)
Good Evening e_net_rider:
 
         QUESTION: ---- Why do you find it necessary to personally attack me for my ideas? ----- I just shared some suggestions with regards to the Malibu Line of GM. Personally, I like the sound of a stock Mustang. I think it has a nice mellow tone! If you do not share my opinion, that is "ok" with me, but please do not tell me to "Grow UP!" ------ And I am NOT "nuts" because I like a mellow sound in the exhaust. ---- My stock V6 Camry has a slight rumble in the dual exhaust. ---- Best regards. -------- Dwayne

#419 of 470 GY by pao

Aug 05, 2011 (4:22 am)

I cant say I have had any problems with GY to be honest...had 18 inch Eagle RS-As on our 06 Solstice...many folks complained they let loose in wet weather or easily hydroplaned...I never found that the case with my driving habit....beleive most let go when the car was pushed into a corner, shifting into a corner..or just simply pushing the car beyond its limit......had 42K on them and probably could have gotten another 10K out of them when we traded it....after 5 years...
 
I upgraded the rims on the Maxx to a 17 inch aftermarket running 225/50/17s I beleive if memory serves me....have run thru a set of Avon, BFG, Michelins, and now the GY Eagles...If I had to rate them four in order would be the Michelins (65K), GY (20K so far), BFG (36K) and the Avon (30K) in order of comfort, ride, noise, and life span. I dont push the car so this is mainly a communter (100 miles daily) and weekend errand and hauler....Price wise the Michelins were 200 a tire while the others ran 130-150 each......I see another 20K on the GY at this point with normal tire rotation....usually I do it every 7500 miles or so......
 
Im still amazed at the mileage I get from my Maxx....but it gets regular maintenance and fluid changes....Im hoping to get 2 more years out of it for 10 years total..then looking to replace it with who knows what....Im sold on the hatchback.but sadly there are few options available on the market these days.....cheers!

#420 of 470 Re: Miles Per Gallon [djm2] by dispencer2

Sep 29, 2011 (5:57 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 02, 2011 5:14 pm)
My 2011 Malibu LT1 4 cyl routinely gets 35 mpg at 65-70 and it has 2800 miles on it. In contrast, the rental Cruze that everybody loves got 21 on trips around suburban NJ this summer. My Cobalt, knocked by all the magazines, gets routinely 38-41 at highway speeds. I wouldn't have a Cruze if GM gave me one. My secretary is on her 3rd recall with a 2011 Cruze.
 
I'm very happy with the Malibu's gas mileage.

#421 of 470 30 mpg - FINALLY by phil53

Sep 30, 2011 (2:39 pm)

I FINALLY saw 30 mpg with my '09 LTZ 4 cyl 6A. It was steady state cruising on the interstate with the cruise set at 75 and a tail wind. Before, I've never seen better than 28. Keep in mind, I've had this car since September of '08 and it now has 46K miles on it. Usually, driving around KC (with a fair amount of interstate), I only get around 22 mpg. This is the first GM vehicle (car or truck) I've owned where I could not get the mileage advertised on the Monroney sticker. I wish now I'd bought the V6. The mileage penalty could not have been much and I probably would be happier with the vehicle. I've been thinking about trading this car since before it was even broken in. I'll almost certainly trade it before my '04 Avalanche with 68K. And I probably won't trade it on a Chevy. That's saying something because I own 3 bow-ties and have a good relationship with my dealer.

Messages Page 43 of 48

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