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2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

To prepare this review of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic, the experts at TheCarConnection.com searched many different review sources to bring you the best information. TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Malibu Classic and interweave their own experiences with the vehicle.

Likes:

  • Supple, well-controlled ride
  • Torquey and fuel-efficient engine
  • Spacious trunk

Dislikes:

  • Dated exterior styling
  • Interior materials feel dull next to the newest models
  • Seats aren't very supportive for long hauls
  • Uninspired steering

Buying Tips:


Expect a knockout deal on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, if you can find one. Most of them are going straight to rental fleets, but the dealerships that get them will likely be eager to clear them from the lot.

A completely redesigned Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan was introduced for 2008, but the old version of the Malibu soldiers on, as the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The Classic comes in one streamlined trim, with the 219-horsepower, 3.5-liter pushrod V-6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission. The so-called Maxx model, a hatchback or wagon version of the Malibu Classic, has been discontinued.

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic's design, when it was originally introduced in 2003, stood out for its quiet and refinement inside, and for a commendable combination of a supple ride and decent handling--though the electric power steering can be uninspiring at times. The 3.5-liter V-6 can be coarse but provides plenty of power, and the four-speed automatic handles it well; what's more, the combination returns excellent fuel economy, with estimates of 18 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and near the upper end of that in real-world driving.

The Malibu Classic's packaging allows decent comfort for front occupants, though the seats could be more supportive; in back, most adults will be able to fit without a wedge, and entry and exit are easy. The trunk of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic is especially roomy. The instrument panel keeps it neat and simple in design, but the execution is rather dull, with unexciting finishes and some materials that feel cheap.

Value is the primary reason to look at the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, as opposed to the updated Malibu. The single V-6 model comes quite well equipped, with standard keyless entry, power accessories, cruise control, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Options include a remote start system, a sunroof, and an XM Satellite Radio tuner. A screen-based navigation system isn't on the options list.

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic has done quite well in crash tests, with top five-star results in the federal government's frontal tests and four- and five-star results in the side tests. The insurance-affiliated IIHS gave the former Malibu design "good" ratings for both frontal and side protection, with an "acceptable" rating in the rear-impact test, which estimates the likelihood of whiplash and other injuries. The Classic comes with head-curtain side airbags, but side airbags aren't offered, nor is electronic stability control. Anti-lock brakes are standard, however.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Malibu Classic competes with value-priced sedans such as the base models of the new Chevrolet Malibu, G6, and Fusion, and with the top-of-the-line Kia Optima. Each of these models drives and handles a bit better than the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, and the new Malibu especially has impressive refinement and a stunning interior that feels elegant and upscale. The Fusion's interior is quite stark, but with great handling, it's the choice for driving enthusiasts. At the Malibu Classic's price, most competing vehicles come with less standard equipment, but they all offer something that the Malibu Classic does not: an economical four-cylinder engine. Perhaps closest to the Malibu Classic's package is the Kia Optima V-6, which in top-of-the-line trim poses a similar value.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic is a good car, offered at a slight discount, but the new, redesigned '08 Malibu is much better.

To prepare this review of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic, the experts at TheCarConnection.com searched many different review sources to bring you the best information. TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Malibu Classic and interweave their own experiences with the vehicle. Likes:Supple, well-controlled rideTorquey and fuel-efficient engineSpacious trunkDislikes:Dated exterior stylingInterior materials feel dull next to the newest modelsSeats aren't very supportive for long haulsUninspired steeringBuying Tips: Expect a knockout deal on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, if you can find one. Most of them are going straight to rental fleets, but the dealerships that get them will likely be eager to clear them from the lot. A completely redesigned Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan was introduced for 2008, but the old version of the Malibu soldiers on, as the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic. The Classic comes in one streamlined trim, with the 219-horsepower, 3.5-liter pushrod V-6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission. The so-called Maxx model, a hatchback or wagon version of the Malibu Classic, has been discontinued. The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic's design, when it was originally introduced in 2003, stood out for its quiet and refinement inside, and for a commendable combination of a supple ride and decent handling--though the electric power steering can be uninspiring at times. The 3.5-liter V-6 can be coarse but provides plenty of power, and the four-speed automatic handles it well; what's more, the combination returns excellent fuel economy, with estimates of 18 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and near the upper end of that in real-world driving. The Malibu Classic's packaging allows decent comfort for front occupants, though the seats could be more supportive; in back, most adults will be able to fit without a wedge, and entry and exit are easy. The trunk of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic is especially roomy. The instrument panel keeps it neat and simple in design, but the execution is rather dull, with unexciting finishes and some materials that feel cheap. Value is the primary reason to look at the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, as opposed to the updated Malibu. The single V-6 model comes quite well equipped, with standard keyless entry, power accessories, cruise control, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Options include a remote start system, a sunroof, and an XM Satellite Radio tuner. A screen-based navigation system isn't on the options list. The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic has done quite well in crash tests, with top five-star results in the federal government's frontal tests and four- and five-star results in the side tests. The insurance-affiliated IIHS gave the former Malibu design "good" ratings for both frontal and side protection, with an "acceptable" rating in the rear-impact test, which estimates the likelihood of whiplash and other injuries. The Classic comes with head-curtain side airbags, but side airbags aren't offered, nor is electronic stability control. Anti-lock brakes are standard, however. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, also consider:Chevrolet MalibuPontiac G6Ford FusionKia OptimaReason Why:The Malibu Classic competes with value-priced sedans such as the base models of the new Chevrolet Malibu, G6, and Fusion, and with the top-of-the-line Kia Optima. Each of these models drives and handles a bit better than the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, and the new Malibu especially has impressive refinement and a stunning interior that feels elegant and upscale. The Fusion's interior is quite stark, but with great handling, it's the choice for driving enthusiasts. At the Malibu Classic's price, most competing vehicles come with less standard equipment, but they all offer something that the Malibu Classic does not: an economical four-cylinder engine. Perhaps closest to the Malibu Classic's package is the Kia Optima V-6, which in top-of-the-line trim poses a similar value. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic is a good car, offered at a slight discount, but the new, redesigned '08 Malibu is much better. To prepare this review of the Chevrolet Malibu Classic, the experts at TheCarConnection.com searched many different review sources to bring you the best information. TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Malibu Classic and interweave their own experiences with the vehicle. Likes ...

Other Choices:

The Malibu Classic competes with value-priced sedans such as the base models of the new Chevrolet Malibu, G6, and Fusion, and with the top-of-the-line Kia Optima. Each of these models drives and handles a bit better than the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic, and the new Malibu especially has impressive refinement and a stunning interior that feels elegant and upscale. The Fusion's interior is quite stark, but with great handling, it's the choice for driving enthusiasts. At the Malibu Classic's price, most competing vehicles come with less standard equipment, but they all offer something that the Malibu Classic does not: an economical four-cylinder engine. Perhaps closest to the Malibu Classic's package is the Kia Optima V-6, which in top-of-the-line trim poses a similar value.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic near you

See the Chevrolet Malibu Classic in Other Years:

2008

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