Styling is the third element that elevates the Malibu above other competitors. The exterior lines are attractive and even head-turning. The sleek new bodywork marks a radical departure from the filthy congenital boredom of too many Chevrolets of the past 30 years, including the old Malibu. The latest generation, introduced for 2008, displays class and elegance in a modern package that looks more harmonious than the Camry's. It leaves no one indifferent.
As for the equally bold interior, the striking curves on the dashboard are highlighted by a tasteful two-tone color scheme -- a direct nod to the 1958 Corvette. Some models also get subtle woodgrain inlays, creating greater contrast with the various chrome pieces. Overall, the layout is refreshingly homogeneous, emphasizing fit and finish as well as material quality. This is definitely not the same Malibu as in previous years.
A little more room, please?
Unfortunately, everything is not perfect in this lowly world and, yes, the 2009 Malibu serves as confirmation. Despite a significant girth, the interior will feel tight for some or just snug for others. Whichever way you want to put it, the fact of the matter is that the Malibu offers slightly less room for the head, shoulders, legs and hips than a Camry or Accord (the segment's leader), both up front and in the back. That said, the difference can only be appreciated once you sit inside either one of these two Japanese legends.
The trunk is something I can't quite figure out, though. Sure, it boasts a 453-liter capacity, but its odd shape and narrow opening don't come in handy. Plus, it's just 40-centimeter tall. I had a lot of trouble fitting several commonly-used large-size items. For instance, Rubbermaid's 18-gallon Roughneck storage box (38-cm high) will only fit inside the trunk if you lay it down on its side, as you can see on the picture.
Even though the Camry and Accord offer a smaller cargo capacity at 425 and 397 liters, respectively, their trunks are both more convenient for the simple fact that their opening is larger and their interior height is taller. For families and traveling salespeople, this is a big argument!
2LT versus Hybrid
Chevrolet buyers mainly looking for a grand tourer will be happy to know that the 2009 Malibu 2LT comes with one unforeseen benefit: compared to the Malibu Hybrid, this gasoline-only model achieves identical fuel economy on the highway.
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| The trunk is the Malibu's Achilles' heel. The opening is not deep enough and the interior height is very limited. |
As for the equally bold interior, the striking curves on the dashboard are highlighted by a tasteful two-tone color scheme -- a direct nod to the 1958 Corvette. Some models also get subtle woodgrain inlays, creating greater contrast with the various chrome pieces. Overall, the layout is refreshingly homogeneous, emphasizing fit and finish as well as material quality. This is definitely not the same Malibu as in previous years.
A little more room, please?
Unfortunately, everything is not perfect in this lowly world and, yes, the 2009 Malibu serves as confirmation. Despite a significant girth, the interior will feel tight for some or just snug for others. Whichever way you want to put it, the fact of the matter is that the Malibu offers slightly less room for the head, shoulders, legs and hips than a Camry or Accord (the segment's leader), both up front and in the back. That said, the difference can only be appreciated once you sit inside either one of these two Japanese legends.
The trunk is something I can't quite figure out, though. Sure, it boasts a 453-liter capacity, but its odd shape and narrow opening don't come in handy. Plus, it's just 40-centimeter tall. I had a lot of trouble fitting several commonly-used large-size items. For instance, Rubbermaid's 18-gallon Roughneck storage box (38-cm high) will only fit inside the trunk if you lay it down on its side, as you can see on the picture.
Even though the Camry and Accord offer a smaller cargo capacity at 425 and 397 liters, respectively, their trunks are both more convenient for the simple fact that their opening is larger and their interior height is taller. For families and traveling salespeople, this is a big argument!
2LT versus Hybrid
Chevrolet buyers mainly looking for a grand tourer will be happy to know that the 2009 Malibu 2LT comes with one unforeseen benefit: compared to the Malibu Hybrid, this gasoline-only model achieves identical fuel economy on the highway.
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| The Malibu shares underpinnings and powertrains with the Saturn Aura. |