On the safety front Chevy equips the Malibu with a serious level of protection. Features include dual-stage front and optional head-curtain side-impact airbags, 3-point shoulder belts at all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners, the LATCH child safety anchor and tethering system, 4-wheel ABS equipped discs and traction control.
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| Feature for feature the Malibu seems as good as anything else in its class, but only time will tell if Chevy has built a winner. (Photo: General Motors) |
It fits just about anyone too, with a multi-adjustable driver's seat, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel plus available power adjustable foot pedals.
In the end we'll have to see if Chevy has built a winner. They've taken a chance with the styling, which is probably a good thing as it will stand out in its very crowed field. Feature for feature it seems as good as anything else in its class, but in top trim power is on the low side for such a large displacment V6 and perceived quality levels are a bit below standard.
Still, everything is relative. If you're moving up from a Cavalier you shouldn't have any complaints. Also, real quality matters more to most than perceived, and if the 2004 model follows in its predecessor's tire treads it should be class leading.
I'll have to wait for a test drive to fully comment on how it accelerates and handles, but my guess is it will perform well. While residuals are on the low side, negatively affecting monthly lease rates, the price should be reasonably low too. And with incentives ripening by the minute, without a doubt Chevy dealers will sell them day in and day out.