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Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - READ ONLY

163 messages,  Last post on Dec 04, 2008 at 5:53 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, Sedan

Messages Page 7 of 17

#55 of 163 Re: It boils down to this [scortch] by nosirrahg

Oct 29, 2007 (10:22 am)

Replying to: scortch (Oct 28, 2007 11:35 pm)
The Malibu Hybrid does provide about a 10% increase in fuel economy, but by the same token the cost is about 10% greater than a base model...so somewhat of a wash there I suppose. The benefit I see for this model would be for someone like myself who will be trading in a 2000 Impala, so the gas mileage increase from my current car to the Malibu hybrid will be more like 25%.
 
I agree that the Prius, though slightly smaller in all dimensions than the 2008 Malibu, makes more sense...both dollar-wise and environmentally. However, from what I've seen the Prius models on local dealer lots tend to be optioned up to the point that their prices fall more in the $25k+ window instead of closer to $22k, which begins to erode the financial benefits of the Prius. Probably smart on Chevy's part to limit the options on the Malibu hybrid, since it's price becomes more or less static.
 
Availability of the Saturn Aura Hybrid has been limited, and I suspect the Malibu Hybrid will be the same...whether that's a marketing, production, or demand decision I don't know; but I'd guess they're offering the hybrid to have something out there, but they really won't ramp up production and push the hybrid models until they get a plug-in and/or two-mode hybrid out in a couple of years.

#56 of 163 Re: It boils down to this [nosirrahg] by scortch

Oct 29, 2007 (12:42 pm)

Replying to: nosirrahg (Oct 29, 2007 10:22 am)
10% gain is nothing. You can get a 10% increase simply by changing where you get gas or by driving differently.
 
They should have spent the money on a true hybrid that was better than what is out there from the other manufacturers.
 
Spending it to simply say "Hey look, we have a hybrid" is dumb.

#57 of 163 Re: It boils down to this [scortch] by nosirrahg

Oct 29, 2007 (3:00 pm)

Replying to: scortch (Oct 29, 2007 12:42 pm)
With CAFE standards as they are, I suspect even a gain of 10% helps. I drove a previous generation Saturn Vue hybrid with this similar setup, and I didn't notice much difference between driving it and a standard version. From what I've read the Prius/Camry hybrids draw a lot of attention to their "hybridness" in terms of performance, braking, etc. If the Malibu hybrid is more transparent in that regard, it might appeal to a more mainstream buyer. Considering there's no other domestic hybrid sedan out there other (other than the Saturn Aura), maybe GM figures having something to offer, even if it's not a "true" hybrid, is better than nothing at all.
 
From what I've read the 2008 Saturn Vue will have the same basic setup as the Aura/Malibu, but I think I read that by the next year they may offer a true dual-mode hybrid, and the year after that they may offer a plug-in hybrid version (albeit one that will only deliver about 10 miles of driving on a charge). I'm hopeful something similar is coming for sedans as well; my commute one-way to work is about 12 miles, so if I could cover almost half that with electric alone and cut my gas consumption in half that'd be pretty impressive. Still not as good as what the Volt promises, but every little bit helps.

#58 of 163 Re: It boils down to this [scortch] by nosirrahg

Oct 29, 2007 (3:04 pm)

Replying to: scortch (Oct 29, 2007 12:42 pm)
You're also right that a 10% gain could be made by driving differently, but if mild hybrids help avoid the reintroduction of a mandatory 55 MPH speed limit, I'm all for it!

#59 of 163 Re: Malibu Hybrid 32 mpg highway and 24 mpg city? [hwyhobo] by mickeyrom

Nov 10, 2007 (10:20 am)

Replying to: hwyhobo (Sep 13, 2007 5:40 pm)
I think its design is superbly functional and eschews any unnecessary "form over function" visual gadgetry. This aspect of it may attract people more that its visual uniqueness.
 
I guess you may not have seen the dash on the Prius.It reminds of a Christmas tree.Dont misunderstand,I actually like it,but I doubt it was designed with function in mind.
As to the Chevy Hybrid...it it gets an honest 24 MPG in city driving,it might be worth it,but 32 Hwy is pretty low.I get better than that on my very conventional KIA Optima with the 2.4 engine and 5 speed Auto.

#61 of 163 GM has done this before by aspesisteve

Dec 16, 2007 (10:24 pm)

GM has done this before. Coming out with a "hybrid" that really doesn't doesn't do much but allow GM to say they have a hybrid vehicle in their lineup. Remember the Chevy hybrid truck?
 
I'll give credit where credit is due; the new Malibu is a worthy competitor to the Accord and Camry and that's quite an accomplishement for GM. But putting a hybrid option out there with a 10% gain in fuel effeciency is rediculous.
 
hybrid pro: better fuel economy (not much to cheer about here)
hybrid cons: added weight and less room in vehicle. added up front cost. added maintenence down the road. added uncertainty with a technology that GM hasn't had much experience in.

#62 of 163 Re: It boils down to this [nosirrahg] by cruiser69

Dec 18, 2007 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: nosirrahg (Oct 29, 2007 3:04 pm)
I agree. Well said. Proper maintenance and slowing down all contribute to better economy. Some mild aftermarket parts and tuning can help even more so lets squeeze more out of what we have and we will end up saving more fuel than driving the same way in a hybrid, with some exceptions of course. Of course driving 55 would help hybrids and all vehicles get better mileage but the thought of crawling along in huge packs at that speed would be terrible in this day and age.
 
Although i do not agree with people doing 80 miles an hour on the Chicago toll roads in heavy traffic either. Yes, it can be done by flying down the shoulder to avoid traffic and it happens much too often! Not that i have ever done that of course, well maybe once....

#63 of 163 Re: Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid in 2007? [luvmbooty] by scortch

Jan 05, 2008 (5:12 pm)

Replying to: luvmbooty (Jun 12, 2006 10:37 pm)
Personally, I think what they should have done instead this type of hybrid junk, is to have a diesel option. Diesel seems to be a better deal than hybrid. Add bio diesel on top of that and well, I think it would be better.

#64 of 163 What is the point? by kingacres

Jan 12, 2008 (2:44 am)

A hybrid car that only gets 32 mpg (max) is completely pointless - like so much else that comes from Detroit these days.
We are probably going to be paying $5.00/gal within 2 years. Why would I buy Malibu when a Prius will best its mileage by 50% to 75% (if you are a typical urban freeway crawler).
Pointless. I wouldn't even take a first look at a Malibu.

Messages Page 7 of 17

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