2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
Worth
a Second Look
 |
SPECS
|
On sale
in November of 2007, the Malibu has made its presence known as the Toyota
Camry fighter. This is one nice
sedan and until you've gotten in one and driven it, you won't believe it.
The pricing is attractive and in today's automotive maze it's sure to satisfy
those looking to get into a great car for a reasonable price.
A host
of standard equipment on the Malibu LTZ, including several safety features:
air bags, dual frontal, passenger sensing system, head curtain side air bags,
front/outboard rear, side impact air bags, driver and front passenger; anti-lock
brake system, 4-wheel disc; Stabilitrak-stability control traction control
system. Also included is a one-year OnStar Generation 7 directions/turn-by-turn
navigation.
As expected
all the upscale features such as power windows/driver express down and up
window; power trunk release; Automatic air conditioning and power door locks
are standard, as are 8-way power driver's seat and 6-way power passenger seat,
heated leather front seats, floor mats, tilt and telescopic leather wrapped
steering wheel with cruise control, remote keyless entry and remote vehicle
start, adjustable pedals, universal home remote and inside rearview mirror,
auto dimming and compass.
Other
standard equipment includes fog lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, power heated
outside mirrors with driver-side auto dimming and tapshift manual shift control.
We liked
the Malibu even more the second time around. It's amazingly quiet and smooth
even when navigating Chicago's multitude of pothole-filled roads. The seats are very comfortable and fit
the torso well, and the 8-way power driver's seat will adjust to just about
all body types and shapes.
Rear legroom
was less than expected. My 6-foot passenger had a little difficulty with leg
room. He also couldn't get himself out of the backseat as the rear passenger
door was locked. After some examination we couldn't find any reason for it
(no child lock on) so we chalked it up to a small glitch in the new model.
When backing
up two or three different times, a loud noise emitted from the front end,
much like a stabilizer bar creak. Not sure what caused that but another annoyance
attributed to a new model.
The Malibu
drew raves from passengers for its quiet ride and smooth navigating of all
roads. It handles well and effortlessly and we hated to give it up. It would
be a pleasure driving it on a road trip.
Our test
car came equipped with AM/FM Stereo with 6-disc CD changer, premium audio
system and our favorite, XM Satellite radio (first 3 months free service).
I have to admit, I'm hopelessly addicted to Groove, a great station playing
all the R&B oldies.
Options
on our test Malibu LTZ included Rear power package (rear power center, 110V
AC; rear window sunshade, manual, $250); LTZ Springs Special (Engine, 2.4-liter
DOHC MFI, 17-inch wheels, chrometech-replaces standard/optional wheels; single
chrome exhaust; Red Jewel tintcoat, $295.
The standard
engine on the Malibu is a 2.4-liter DOHC on both the LS and LT versions. One
can opt for the 3.6-liter DOHC (standard in the LTZ model) on the LT. Competition
for the Malibu includes the Toyota Camry (the benchmark Chevy chased after),
Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda Accord.
The Malibu
is available in four models: LS, LT, LTZ and Hybrid. The LTZ adds 18-inch
aluminum ultra-bright finish wheels, front fog lamps and clear lense LED taillamps.
The Hybrid adds uplevel LT trim features, specific 16-inch aluminum
wheels, Eco mode for HVAC system which maximizes fuel economy, Hybrid Propulsion
Electric System (36 volt NiMH battery, tray) and Belt Alternator System.
Buyers
have a lot of choices in the Malibu and all are competitive in today's automotive
market. If I had a choice, I'd choose the Malibu over its competitors for
looks, fit and finish, performance and ride. GM has really come to the party,
offering something the public wants.
Susan Frissell.
Womenwithwheels.com. All rights reserved.2008