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Sedans Chevrolet Malibu Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu First Look, First Drive, and Full Test
106 messages, Last post on Mar 30, 2008 at 2:11 PM
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First Look: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu - There's more to the new Mailbu than just the sheet metal and the low-sheen plastic. Even the proportions look significantly better thanks to a wheelbase that's a whopping 6 inches longer than the outgoing Malibu (now the longest in the class). From nose to tail, the Malibu measures 3 inches longer than before, and this visually pushes the wheels to the corners of the car and gives it a stable look. These dimensions should also provide GM with the means to make tangible improvements in ride quality and handling compared to previous efforts. (more)
First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu - he new Malibu shares the same basic chassis as the well-received Saturn Aura, and this means the expected MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink independent rear. It differs from the Aura only in tuning, really. Chevrolet says it used a new tuning philosophy for the Malibu, and as far as we can tell, this means the car now slots between the mushy Camry and the sporty Accord. (here)
Full Test: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ - The new Malibu jumps smack in the middle of most consideration lists. It might even sell well to the lost generation in California. (more)
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| Interesting comments on the OnStar Navigation in the Malibu test drive article. I use mine often in my Saturn Aura and would not trade it for in-dash navigation system. At $100 a year for the Nav service compared to $2K for an in dash system, I'll sell the car long before I recoup the cost of an in dash unit. The system is also truly hands-free, and you can enter destinations or modify them while the car is in motion, unlike an in-dash system which is locked down while the car is in motion. I have run into tech heads who look down thier nose at it, but I find it safer and less distracting than using my Tom-Tom. Don't know where you're coming from, Edmunds. | |
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Replying to: stovt001 (Oct 22, 2007 5:50 am) I wonder how many Japanese engines had GM torn apart to understand the VVT technology?
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 05, 2007 6:12 pm)
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Replying to: clace (Nov 05, 2007 6:41 pm) Aura xr 6.4 sec g6 gtp 6.2 sec accord v6 7.1 sec camry v6 6.5 sec altima v6 6.6 sec altima coupe v6 6.4 sec ps, the great vq uses premium
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 05, 2007 6:12 pm) |
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 05, 2007 6:12 pm) |
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Of course this car will take sales away from a Camry, just as a new Camry may take sales away from a BMW - question is, will is be a measurable sales change? I like the interior A LOT! Exterior is a little TOO bland to me. But we'll see what front skirts etc they put on there for different packages. I had a Camry 4cyl about a year ago as a rental on a business trip, I LOVED it! I think it is basically styled, but just enough to be interesting. I like the interior. I don't like the new Accord from Online photos, and quick drive by the dealer. But I will RESERVE full judgement until I am inside one.. that's what people need to learn, drive it first.. then say you like or don't like.. I owned a 350z Convertible - so I know about a VQ engine - it's melodious (if that's how I should use that word). I loved that engine.. and btw I ONLY put regular gas in it, and it ran - and DYNOED fine! (240.xx hp) Was a joy to drive, and Nissan tunes a lot of their newer cars on the sporty side - this Malibu obviously isn't trying to get that market segment - Nissan has solid hold on the "sporty" side with Honda getting a few. Toyota and Malibu are non-existent for a sporty sedan. (Unless we see a GTP/GXP model soon). *Current owner of a VQ30 Maxima and Toyota Prius. |
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Replying to: clace (Nov 05, 2007 7:12 pm) Regardless of the extra 24hp, may be it is unfair to bring the CTS here.However when I was talking about the performance numbers, I refered to consumer guide's observation. Who is more credible than edmunds.com and consumer reports.org? I will leave that up to you. According to consumer guide though, none of GM's 3.6L V6s out perform the Japanese 3.5L V6s. The pontiac G6 has two V6s; 3.9L and 3.6L. The 3.9L doesn't belong here, and the 3.6L is not even DOHC. It is just an OHC that has a 0-60 of 8-8.4sec. Also, when comparing the new Honda's V6 you have to specify wether the engine is with VCM or without.Due to Honda's high regard to fuel economy, they've came up with a VCM technology-a technology that monitors the 0-10mph acceleration of the car. What the VCM does is that no matter how hard the driver steps on the accelerator, the car maintaines certain constant acceleration until it hits 10mph.In the mean time a second or two is lost. Talk about the CTS's V6 vs that of BMW's, Lexus's and Infinity's or even Mercedes's. Each of the above vehicle puts the CTS on their trailer. 
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| has anyone looked at the most important feature of the malibu. price!!!!! fully loaded the malibu is a runaway winner on the sticker. easily 3-5k less than the transplants. it's a no brainer | |
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Replying to: sarah12 (Nov 06, 2007 12:53 pm) gm 3.6 is a DOHC, 3.5 is a pushrod. 3.6DOHC is very capabale. with SIDI it is competitive with any BMW,LEXUS and INFINITI. 300hp is about the maximum of these engines. Honda V6 has very poor fuel economy 21/29 (old EPA standard), even impala can get better fuel economy (21/31). Honda V6 has never been a fuel economy leader. Now Honda V6 has a good fuel economy, it has poor performance. DO NOT BLEND Honda I4's economy with V6's. Regarding your comments about GM 3.6DOHC+SIDI, go read some technical description and come back talk about it. It is rediculous to make a statement like GM should tear down HONDA/TOYOTA engines to learn about VVT. That tells how much you know about engine technology.
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