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The Malibu is in the last
year of its current generation, as a much-needed redesign arrives in a few
months. The Malibu was highly competitive when it first arrived on the
market for the 2004 model year, but since then the competition has made
significant strides in terms of interior quality, refinement, and 4-cylinder
power. The current Malibu’s strengths of good ride and handling, a roomy
interior, excellent crash-test results, and a reasonable price should
continue in the 2008 model, with a few more improvements that should make
the Malibu feel less like a budget car.
The Malibu rides
comfortably, with a firm, controlled feel that rarely suffers over poor road
conditions, though it can be suddenly jolted by large bumps. The car handles
well, with controlled body lean and a nimble feel, but the vague, slow, and
uncommunicative steering prevent it from being fun to drive. The 2.2-liter
I4 is weak and noisy, and while 3.5-liter V6 is powerful enough for any
routine conditions, it’s also neither smooth nor quiet. Wind and road noise
are reasonably well-suppressed. The 4-cylinder returns very good gas
mileage, and even the V6’s fuel economy stands up well against the many
smaller engines in this group.
Inside, the Malibu’s
front seats are well-shaped, supportive, and comfortable, though the
cushioning is a bit thin. The rear seat is mounted high and shaped well, but
taller occupants would still prefer extra leg space and the hard plastic of
the front seatbacks forces passengers to keep their knees carefully placed.
The interior is bland but mostly well-assembled with solid plastic trim
pieces, though some plastic on the dash and doors looks and feels
particularly cheap. The gauges are clear, and the instruments are
conveniently placed and simple to operate. Entry/exit is easy enough, though
rear-seat occupants must navigate around the solid-plastic seatbacks.
Drivers sit quite comfortably, and have clear visibility. The trunk is
adequately roomy and well-shaped.
The Malibu 4-cylinder
reviewed here came in at $18,174, the V6 at about $1,000 more identically
equipped. Stability control is not offered, but at that price the Malibu
does include XM satellite radio, power adjustable pedals, a remote-starting
system, automatic headlights, a tire-pressure monitor, and a power height
adjustment for the driver’s seat.
Overall,
the V6 Malibu is thoroughly adequate and well-engineered, with good ride and
handling, excellent safety ratings, good interior space, good power and gas
mileage, and a reasonable price. But it is too noisy and feels too much like
the budget car that it is inside, and there are other less expensive
competitors without its flaws. And the 4-cylinder Malibu is noisier and
weaker, not worth the savings in initial price or at the pump, if you must
have a Malibu. But there are better choices.
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