Where the Malibu especially excels is in cabin volume. If a seating position is not required, I'm certain you could get up to 8 or even 9 people in there. It's huge I tell you! Complements also to the comfortable and mildly contoured seats. Overall support is good and the coziness level would be perfect for long trips. On the subject of large areas, check out the trunk. It can hold 428 litres (15.1 cubic feet) or at least another 3 chubby or 4 skinny friends.
As far as looks go, the Malibu is handsome and most of us at the office agree, whether 25 or 45 years of age. The signature Chevy grille is well married to the Malibu's decidedly classic large sedan lines. In LTZ guise, the 18” wheels make a sporty statement as do the fog lights, whereas the chrome door handles and LED taillights bring a touch of upper class. When lined up with a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the Malibu looks right. Where it shows its age or customer of choice (i.e., the older crowd) is when it's compared to the Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion.
Some manufacturers are disposing of V6s in exchange for forced-fed, four-cylinder lumps while others are holding on to V6 engines that are putting out performance-car power numbers. The Malibu's 3.6L V6 delivers a sufficient 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, but these stats are somewhat misleading. Although they are some of the lowest in the segment, the difference lies in the fact that the 3.6L's max torque arrives at only 3,200 rpm, compared to others that plateau at 5,000 rpm. This translates into prompt throttle response and the impression that you are really moving.
However, gas-pedal mashing is not what this car likes to do nor was it conceived for it. This is a smooth operator. It starts with its long wheelbase, perfect for hovering over rough roads. The ride is cushy and comfortable and this ties in to what its target buyers want. Steering is fine if somewhat over-assisted at times.
Sure, should the driver want to put the hammer down, the Malibu will acquiesce and jut forward, but the price will be an otherwise calm transmission becoming jerky. In the city, especially, the car and its mechanicals hate to be rushed.
I still feel that the Malibu is a solid car. I may not be as excited about it as I was four years ago, but that's mainly because the car is getting on in age. But fret not, GM has a new Malibu headed our way for the 2013 model year. The shell goes from handsome to racy and the interior takes a page from the most recent GMs. It's looking very good.
As tested, my LTZ retailed for $36,790 with options. A base LS goes for $23,995. In all cases, GM's got loads or large price adjustments as these lines are being written.
As far as looks go, the Malibu is handsome and most of us at the office agree, whether 25 or 45 years of age. The signature Chevy grille is well married to the Malibu's decidedly classic large sedan lines. In LTZ guise, the 18” wheels make a sporty statement as do the fog lights, whereas the chrome door handles and LED taillights bring a touch of upper class. When lined up with a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the Malibu looks right. Where it shows its age or customer of choice (i.e., the older crowd) is when it's compared to the Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion.
Some manufacturers are disposing of V6s in exchange for forced-fed, four-cylinder lumps while others are holding on to V6 engines that are putting out performance-car power numbers. The Malibu's 3.6L V6 delivers a sufficient 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, but these stats are somewhat misleading. Although they are some of the lowest in the segment, the difference lies in the fact that the 3.6L's max torque arrives at only 3,200 rpm, compared to others that plateau at 5,000 rpm. This translates into prompt throttle response and the impression that you are really moving.
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| The Malibu's 3.6L V6 delivers a sufficient 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
However, gas-pedal mashing is not what this car likes to do nor was it conceived for it. This is a smooth operator. It starts with its long wheelbase, perfect for hovering over rough roads. The ride is cushy and comfortable and this ties in to what its target buyers want. Steering is fine if somewhat over-assisted at times.
Sure, should the driver want to put the hammer down, the Malibu will acquiesce and jut forward, but the price will be an otherwise calm transmission becoming jerky. In the city, especially, the car and its mechanicals hate to be rushed.
I still feel that the Malibu is a solid car. I may not be as excited about it as I was four years ago, but that's mainly because the car is getting on in age. But fret not, GM has a new Malibu headed our way for the 2013 model year. The shell goes from handsome to racy and the interior takes a page from the most recent GMs. It's looking very good.
As tested, my LTZ retailed for $36,790 with options. A base LS goes for $23,995. In all cases, GM's got loads or large price adjustments as these lines are being written.
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