Ask the Car People.SM


2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu

1510 messages,  Last post on Mar 16, 2013 at 12:47 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet, Chevrolet Malibu, Automotive News, Sedan

    
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

Messages Page 21 of 152

#196 of 1510 Re: typical cost-cutting [rvoth] by cooterbfd

Jan 20, 2007 (7:43 am)

Replying to: rvoth (Jan 12, 2007 6:53 pm)
I guess selling 245861 Malibu's in 2005 wouldn't qualify for a successful vehicle. I disagree, it was ninth on the top ten list for most sold vehicles in 2005. Honda sold 369293 Accord's in the same time, is there quailty that much better?
------------------------------------------------------------ Also, remember, that the Accord (and Camry) cover TWO price ranges ($17-23K and 23-30K),whereas the Malibu Max's(no pun) at around $24 and then the Impala takes over. When you look at Chevrolet's sales of both models, they sell far more than Toyota or Honda.

#197 of 1510 Re: typical cost-cutting [cooterbfd] by m1miata

Jan 20, 2007 (1:35 pm)

Replying to: cooterbfd (Jan 20, 2007 7:43 am)
Interesting. Must be a mid-west area for sales exclusive. Here on the coast of California, I see few Malibus, unless they are rental cars. Matter of fact, with the New Malibu being such an upgrade to the present, why they are carrying over the name is beyond me. Tell someone you bought a Malibu, and I assume they are thinking you bought a rental or lease return of some sort. The classic 1968 Malibu SS may no longer come to mind. Actually, the New Impala will be one Chevy with the most anticipation. Not to say the FWD Malibu may not prove to be a good car.
 
As far as comparisons to the Accord -- The old Malibu to Accord no way.
-Loren

#198 of 1510 Will the 2008 Chevy Malibu by iluvmysephia1

Jan 21, 2007 (8:08 am)

come available with a 5-speed manual transmission? That is the 'Bu for '08 that I would choose. The stick shifts generally cost around $1,000 less than the autmatic transmission model, which is good, but that's not why I would want a stick. Ever since I traded an automatic '97 Ford Escort sedan in on a '99 Kia Sephia with a stick I've enjoyed driving 5-speed sticks much more and would want the same on a 2008 Malibu. Who's gone to the '08 Malibu website already and researched this?
 
I have several cars on my futures list and two of them are the '08 Malibu(if a manual transmission is offered, if not it's axed from my list)and the 2007 Kia Optima base model like csandste's, except I would go with the stick. I know that with new college grad discounts and loyalty rebates, etc., whatever other discount I could find, including just offering less than sticker, I could pop my fanny into a '07 5-speed Kia Optima base model(BTW, the Optima offers a lot of feature content on it's base model)in Ruby Red shiny paint for around $14,500 to $15,000 plus T&L. For the amount of midsize car I would get that deal is pert-near unbeatable. Oh, the HyunKia Long-Haul Warranty? It works and Kia will stand behind it. Just don't look to burn them, they'll want documentation of maintenance records, etc. I know I'll get a good rig with a Kia. I've bought two new ones in a row and the Optima is getting great marks for safety and quality.
 
Who of you think that a nearby Chevy dealer would offer an '08 'Bu(if 5-speed manual tranny is built)for anywhere near $14 or $15,000 grand? Tell ya what, this is the first new Chevy I've liked since I've mildly looked at Aveo's. The Malibu I'm considering taking a second look and maybe even taking a fun test drive in one.
 
I think Chevy's done a great job on the front of the 2008 Malibu and the rear is OK, but not ugly by any means and no deal killer. In fact, it brings up visions of Mitsu Diamante's from the early 2000's from back there. That's not a negatory, really. Just different. Different is not bad, not by any stretch.
 
I've got two main questions about the '08 'Bu I need answered. How much will the 4 cyl cost and will Chev offer a 5-speed stick shift with it. Some of you's may already know the answer to at least one of these burning questions.
 
I'm guessing $17,995 for a base model '08 Malibu with automatic transmission. If Chev offered a 5-speed manual transmission base model for $16,999 I'd perk up my ears a tad. This new 'Bu is a looker!

#199 of 1510 Re: Will the 2008 Chevy Malibu [iluvmysephia1] by e2helper

Jan 21, 2007 (5:57 pm)

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Jan 21, 2007 8:08 am)
No manual

#200 of 1510 Indeed...there's no manual transmission by iluvmysephia1

Jan 21, 2007 (7:30 pm)

offered on the 2008 Chevy Malibu at all.
 
Enjoy your 'Bu's if you get 'em, that eliminates me from the competition.

#201 of 1510 No manual by vanman1

Jan 21, 2007 (8:31 pm)

No demand, no surprise. Why add it?

#202 of 1510 Re: typical cost-cutting [m1miata] by 1487

Jan 22, 2007 (7:45 am)

Replying to: m1miata (Jan 20, 2007 1:35 pm)
I'm not sure why people from the Left Coast have trouble understanding that the entire country doesn't share their automotive tastes. Its been well documented that people out there dont like American cars and many models with domestic nameplates are not frequently seen out there outside of the airport rental lots. Believe it or not many retail customers buy the Malibu and Impala. I see Malibus every single day here and most are not from Enterprise. It makes perfect sense to name this car Malibu, why would you change the name just because the redesigned Malibu is much better? GM did this with the G6 and most people jumped all over them for dumping the Grand Am name. Now some people are saying name changes are good. They cant win.

#203 of 1510 Re: typical cost-cutting [1487] by m1miata

Jan 22, 2007 (2:29 pm)

Replying to: 1487 (Jan 22, 2007 7:45 am)
Well I suppose it is hard to see what people see as good in the current Malibu design if you are from the Left Coast, as I am. Interior and exterior is a turn off. The car is blander than bland. Perhaps sells in the Mid-West. The Malibu name belongs on a car as exciting as a '68 SS, and not on some econo box. Since they let the name go, perhaps it is, or should I say was, time to retire the name.
 
As for the G6 name, just what does it stand for? Oh, what does it matter. The Grand Am was not a bad looking little car. I guess they want to change the name along with the removal of all that tupperware on the sides of the Pontiacs. Personally, I never thought they run down the looks of the Grand Am all that much. Perhaps there are big plans for a new RWD GrandAm one fine day? The RWD Impala should be a hit. Current Impala looks OK inside and out, yet seems to have lost its individuality. Overall, a good decision though to add changes needed to pull out another couple of years of sales for the aging model. Current is pleasing, not bold, which is fine for the time. Hope the new RWD has some interesting styling and some hints of heritage as well.
-Loren

#204 of 1510 Re: typical cost-cutting [1487] by jnt

Jan 22, 2007 (8:37 pm)

Replying to: 1487 (Jan 22, 2007 7:45 am)
GM or any car maker can change the names of their cars as many times as they want. The bottom line is the vehicle has to be worth something to the customers before they buy it, name is insignificant (except "LaCross" or in Canada Quebec , or "Nova" in Mexico).
 
Remember the previous generation Nissan Altima or Hyundai Sonata: these were undersized, underpowered vehicles when compared to their competitors at the time. Fast forwarding to the current generation, we are seeing big jump in sales volume on each since they are substantially bigger, more powerful and similar economy and price.
 
And who would have thought a vehicle with KIA (Kill in Action) badge could sell well in this country?
 
jt

#205 of 1510 Picture... by readerreader

Jan 22, 2007 (11:32 pm)

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
 
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
 
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Messages Page 21 of 152

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement