Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu First Look, First Drive, and Full Test

106 messages, Last post on Mar 30, 2008 at 2:11 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Sedan

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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#4 of 106 Re: Nice try GM, try again. [bbechtel16] by bmark Oct 10, 2007 (11:23 am)
Replying to: bbechtel16 (Oct 10, 2007 6:33 am) What the hell are you talking about, have you seen the car in person. Very good looking, what is ugly is the new Accord, and of course the Bland Camry. I guarntee this car well sell very well. Every Automotive magazine is giving it high praises. Also why don't you tak a look at the Section on Toyota Camry transmission problems.
#5 of 106 Arrival Date in Showroom by katmando90 Oct 11, 2007 (4:14 pm)
When will the new Malibu be available? Replies to this message: waiting4camaro (Oct 16, 2007 11:24 am)
#6 of 106 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu First Look [malexbu] by csandste Oct 11, 2007 (6:37 pm)
Replying to: malexbu (Oct 09, 2007 5:58 pm) You can't compare 2008 fuel economy with earlier years. Haven't seen the car yet so can't comment with authority, I just don't like the c-pillar and rear lights. Can someone say 95 Diamante? I recently rented an HHR and was pleasantly surprised with the engine, especially because I was putting regular in a car designed for premium. I think the 4-cylinder will do just fine, and this from a happy Maxx 3.5 owner. I'll still miss the Maxx, but plan on driving mine into the ground. If I had to replace it in the next year or so, I might just take the 09 Hyundai Elantra hatch.
#7 of 106 Winner by albook Oct 14, 2007 (10:35 am)
I have to say good job GM. This Malibu is a Huge improvement over the ugly old one. Styling is subjective, But I say it beats the bland Accord and the ugly Camry hands down. It finally competes. 2 gripes I have: What idiots decided not to have a navigation system? All it's competitors have them! It's must have. And I don't like the engine numbers. No doubt it will outrun Accord, and Camry, but they know 270 hp would look so much better on paper to auto testers also testing the Accord, CAmry, and in my oppinion the second best styled sedan, the Altima. GM is finally getting it. This, the Aura, their lambdas. Cadillacs. The Pontiac G8. Competition taking notice. Replies to this message: bristol2 (Oct 16, 2007 1:56 pm) clace (Oct 18, 2007 3:54 am) mickeyrom (Nov 29, 2007 12:57 pm)
#10 of 106 Re: Arrival Date in Showroom [katmando90] by waiting4camaro Oct 16, 2007 (11:24 am)
Replying to: katmando90 (Oct 11, 2007 4:14 pm) Word is, GM has started assembly of the Malibu Today, October 16, and will hit dealers 4-6 weeks later (Mid- to Late-November) Good Luck.
#11 of 106 Re: Winner [albook] by bristol2 Oct 16, 2007 (1:56 pm)
Replying to: albook (Oct 14, 2007 10:35 am) No doubt it will outrun Accord, and Camry, but they know 270 hp would look so much better on paper It's heavier with less horsepower than Accord or Camry. How does that translate to 'no doubt it will outrun'?? Replies to this message: clace (Oct 18, 2007 3:54 am)
#12 of 106 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu First Look [KarenS] by escambiaguy Oct 17, 2007 (9:52 am)
Replying to: KarenS (Oct 09, 2007 9:12 am) I think they done a good job with this one. It's a shame the hybrid can't do better than 24/32mpg though, it's almost not worth the extra cost just for two more mpg. I think GM borrowed some styling ques from Acura. The whole car looks similar to the Acura TL, and the rearend looks very similar to the old NSX.
#13 of 106 2008 Malibu is for midgets? by orbit9090 Oct 17, 2007 (6:19 pm)
The new 2008 Malibu is so low slung, it will generally appeal only to midgets and trailer-park-teens. Come-on GM, give us an affordable mid-size sedan we can get in-and-out of without wrenching our necks and backs! Replies to this message: csandste (Oct 17, 2007 8:14 pm)