2008 Chevrolet Malibu Preview

Chevrolet Malibu Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Blurring the lines between midsize and full-size, the redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu gets a longer wheelbase than and almost identical head and legroom measurements as the supposedly larger Impala. Based on the same platform as the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, the new Malibu is basically a Chevy flavor of those two cars offered in LS, LT, LTZ, and, to be introduced later, Hybrid trim. Gone is the sporty SS and the funky Maxx hatchback, replaced by a sleek sedan wearing the new face of Chevrolet: a dual-port grille.

Why it Matters

This bigger and more powerful Chevy Malibu helps pave the way for a rumored size increase and switch to rear-wheel-drive for the 2009 Impala. More important, the new Malibu replaces today's dowdy rental-car-special with a dynamic, more desirable family sedan. Given its basis on the entertaining Pontiac G6 and impressive Saturn Aura foundation, Chevy loyalists will find plenty to like about the redesigned Malibu. Whether it can win Honda, Nissan and Toyota intenders remains to be seen.

What's Under the Hood

Choose between a 164-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder combined with electric assist power steering that should get 31 mpg on the highway and a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing and conventional hydraulic power steering good for 26 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic with driver shift control is standard on all but LS and LT with the four-cylinder engine; LTZ four-cylinders get the six speed. Every Malibu comes with a powertrain warranty good for five years or 100,000 miles, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, and traction control. Stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

What it looks like

Chevrolet has done a great job differentiating the appearance of the Malibu from the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura on which it's based. The resemblance is obvious only in the greenhouse, door skins, and roofline – otherwise, the Malibu looks unique. Malibu's dual-port grille design debuts the new face of Chevrolet while its twin round taillights are clear heritage cues – even if they are housed inside Infiniti knock-off surrounds. Shown here is the Malibu LT; the LTZ gets LED taillights, polished 18-inch wheels replacing the chromed 17s, and fog lights. All V6 versions have twin chrome exhaust outlets, and a panoramic four-panel sunroof is optional on the Malibu.

What's Inside

Chevrolet is trying to take the new Malibu upscale, especially in LTZ trim. It reports that premium materials are used throughout, and that great strides have been made toward making the Malibu one of the quietest cars in its class. Two-tone interior décor and leather are available, while all Malibus have blue-backlit gauges and ambient cabin lighting. Metallic or woodgrain trim decorates the interior and LTZ versions stand out with unique black chrome accents. Safety equipment includes standard side-impact front airbags and two-row side curtain airbags, as well as one year of free OnStar Generation 7 telematics with automatic crash notification.

What Chevrolet Says

"The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet's midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors," says Ed Peper, Chevrolet's general manager. "We know the competition is very good, and this new Malibu has the goods to assert a leadership position in the segment."

What We Think

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu's competition is great rather than very good, and midsize sedan shoppers buy as much for brand prestige as they do safety, reliability, style, and value. It's not enough to simply stack up against the competition – the Malibu needs to drill a right hook upside the jaws of Honda, Nissan and Toyota, and then get the media and Malibu owners to overwhelmingly praise the car. A test drive, preferably not behind the wheel of a thrashed rental while on vacation, will determine whether this redesigned Chevy really does have "the goods to assert a leadership position in the segment."

Photos courtesy of General Motors