2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Chevy's new sedan is one of the most important cars in GM's history. The Chevrolet Malibu has been completely redesigned for the 2008 model year.

When Americans go shopping for a family sedan, the two machines typically at the top of their consideration lists are the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. According to Automotive News data, these are the two best-selling passenger cars in the U.S. and their grip on those top spots has remained solid for several years.

General Motors is hoping that the new Chevrolet Malibu will put another viable choice in front of consumers, especially those who have been waiting for a domestic alternative in the midsize car market.

The Toyota Camry was the benchmark for the new Malibu, and Chevrolet designers and engineers endeavored to match or better the midsize sales leader in every way. We're not sure that the company was successful in attaining this lofty goal, but there's no question that the new Malibu is a true contender.

Great Looks, Features

A company can build a great new car, but if that car doesn't have the looks to match shoppers might not even consider it. This shouldn't be a problem for the new Malibu. The reaction we got when driving a Malibu LTZ covered in the luxe-looking shade of Red Jewel Tintcoat was extremely positive. Even diehard import buyers were impressed with the styling.

The unique grille with the jewel-like headlights catch the eye, and the lines are smoother and more rounded than the outgoing model. The use of rear marker lights made wraparound taillights unnecessary, aiding in the clean look. Short front and rear overhangs give a sleek profile while enhancing performance and interior space. The Malibu LTZ we drove sported polished 18-inch wheels surrounded by strong fender flares which add to sculpted presence.

The interior feels quite upscale, especially in LTZ trim, which features a two-tone treatment. The dual cockpit design sweeps the dashboard around both driver and passenger. Gauges are simple, with just speedometer, tachometer, fuel and oil — all nicely backlit in blue. Trip computer functions also appear in the gauge cluster, with dedicated displays for audio and temperature in the center console. Unlike many other cars in this class, the Malibu's features are easy to use.

Both the front and rear seats are very comfortable. The rear seat is roomy for two passengers, a bit tight with three, and features split-folding seatbacks. The backs of the seatbacks are durable plastic to handle wet or messy cargo. The trunk is spacious, but we found the opening to be somewhat small. Owners might find it difficult to stow large boxes or oddly shaped cargo items.

OnStar is standard on the new Malibu. This service provides automatic notification of airbag deployment, emergency services, stolen vehicle location assistance and hands-free calling. Bluetooth wireless connectivity is not available, and neither is a graphical navigation screen, though OnStar can provide turn-by-turn directions verbally, as well as in text on the display screen.

On the Road

At freeway speeds the Malibu LTZ is impressively quiet, with little road or wind noise penetrating the cabin. The smooth ride softens even the worst bumps. Handling is competent for a front-wheel-drive sedan, owed primarily to the long wheelbase and the four-wheel independent suspension.

The 3.6-liter V6 engine standard on the LTZ produces a plentiful 252 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is strong, but it can be hard to get the power down on slippery roads — a common problem for high-powered, front-wheel-drive cars. To minimize this issue, Chevrolet makes traction control standard on all Malibu trims. StabiliTrak stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

An Ecotec 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower is standard on the Malibu LS and LT. EPA figures for the four cylinder are 22/30 mpg (city/hwy), while the V6 earns a 17/26 mpg rating. Teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission, we averaged around 20 mpg with the V6 in combined city and highway driving. While the four cylinder in the LS and LT is mated to a 4-speed automatic, later in the model year the LTZ will be available with the 2.4-liter engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

On Sale Now

The new Malibu is on sale now at a starting price of $19,995 (including destination charge). For that price, buyers get a well-equipped sedan with dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, an AM/FM stereo with an audio input jack, a three-month subscription to XM Satellite Radio, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. At the other end of the scale, a fully loaded Malibu LTZ with options including rear power points and a sunroof comes in at $28,790.

With an all-new Honda Accord and the strong-selling Toyota Camry dominating the midsize sedan market, General Motors has a tough battle ahead to make a dent in this market. But it appears the company has done its research and is bringing to market an offering with the tools to get the job done.