Chevrolet Malibu Review

2008 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT Sedan

Since its debut back when the Beatles sang about holding hands, the Chevrolet Malibu has gone through several iterations. The initial lineup consisted of rear-drive midsizers that included coupes, sedans, wagons and the legendary, high-horsepower SS-badged muscle car. After a downsizing in the late 1970s and a quiet death in the early '80s, the Malibu was reincarnated as a smaller, anonymous, front-wheel-drive favorite of rental fleets.

A fresh redesign, however, has brought the Chevy Malibu back into good graces and it's well deserving of some "Love Me Do." It now boasts a level of refinement and overall competence that puts it head and shoulders above its past generations and on par with other top midsize family sedans. Traits such as a comfortable and quiet ride, a roomy cabin, satisfying performance, handsome styling and value pricing make Chevrolet's latest Malibu a strong choice.

Current Chevrolet Malibu

After receiving an extreme makeover for 2008, the current Chevrolet Malibu looks more like a luxury sedan than a fleet car. And along with the upscale styling is a much-improved cabin in terms of materials and build quality. Two-tone interior schemes, even on base models, further the effect. The Malibu is based on the long-wheelbase version of GM's front-drive Epsilon platform and offers competitive power with a choice of a 169-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter 252-hp V6. The inline-4 comes paired to a four-speed automatic, while the V6 boasts a six-speed automatic. The six-speed debuted later for the smaller engine.

Four trims are offered: base LS, midlevel 1LT and 2LT and luxury LTZ. Even the LS comes with full power features, air-conditioning, satellite radio, side curtain airbags, traction control and OnStar. The LT versions upgrade with stability control, alloy wheels and (on the 2LT) heated seats and more power features. Highlights of the LTZ include foglamps, 18-inch alloys, leather seating and an upgraded audio system.

Our staff has been impressed with the newest Malibu. Priced considerably less than a comparably equipped Accord or Camry, the Malibu's combination of handsome looks, a spacious and well-finished cabin, competent performance and a quiet ride finally gives Chevy a serious player in this tough segment.

Past Chevrolet Malibu Models

The previous-generation Chevy Malibu was sold from 2004-'08. (To distinguish the final year of this generation's car from the current model, Chevy called this one the "Malibu Classic.") This Malibu was based on the then-new, standard-wheelbase Epsilon platform, though the Malibu Maxx hatchback model rode a longer version. Compared to earlier Malibus, this one came with more powerful engines, a roomier layout and state-of-the-art safety features like available side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals. We noted balanced, predictable ride and handling characteristics, plenty of passenger and cargo space, ample safety and convenience features and an innovative new remote start feature for preliminary warm-up/cool-down.

Base LS and midlevel LT models made up the bulk of the Malibu's production. The lack of style and performance was addressed in 2006 when the lineup was freshened with a couple of new models: the leather-trimmed LTZ and high-performance SS. For power, that generation offered a 2.2-liter four-cylinder rated at 144 hp (LS and LT models), a 217-hp 3.5-liter V6 (standard on the LTZ and optional on LT) and a top-dog 3.9-liter V6 with 240 ponies for the SS.

All were hooked up to a proven four-speed automatic transmission, and the SS featured a manual-shift mode. Unless you're especially economy-conscious, we advise you to stick with one of the V6 engines, which provided an agreeable combination of performance and fuel economy. In reviews at the time, we commented favorably about the car's smooth ride quality, fuel economy, roomy interior and top safety scores. Noted downsides included a lackluster interior design and subpar braking and handling.

Used Chevrolet Malibu shoppers will also find lots of models from the earlier generation that spanned 1997-2003. Following its introduction, this midsize Malibu went upscale with optional leather trim and a sunroof in 1998. In 2000, the front styling was modified to be more Impala-like and the 3.1-liter V6 was improved with more power. Minor detail changes like exterior/interior trim revisions, automatic headlamp control, new audio systems with a CD player and new colors carried the Malibu through its next few years. In general, late-model, low-mileage examples in excellent condition should serve as useful second cars or for commuting duty.

SELECT A SPECIFIC CHEVROLET MALIBU MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.