2008 Chevrolet Malibu

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By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
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To put together this comprehensive review on the new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, the car pros at TheCarConnection.com read a wide range of review information. TheCarConnection.com’s editors have also driven the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and have added their own firsthand experience to produce this conclusive review.

Likes:
- Smooth responsive engines and transmissions
- Good fuel efficiency from four-cylinder models
- Surprisingly elegant interior styling and materials
- Relaxed on the highway, with good roadholding
- Feels different than follow-the-crowd competitors

Dislikes:
- Doesn’t feel very sporty
- No Bluetooth hands-free interface
- No screen-based nav system

The mid-size Chevrolet Malibu sedan has been completely redesigned for 2008. New proportions and very handsome, attractive styling inside and out give the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu a more upscale appearance, while a newly available 252-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic--optional on the top LTZ model--brings newfound refinement.

The more popular engine choice for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu lineup is the economical 169-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which is rated at a frugal 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and comes only with a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good enough with the four-cylinder, but if you plan to haul full loads or take on mountain passes, you may be wishing for the V-6, which is very responsive and much more refined than the V-6 in the previous Malibu.

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has a very smooth, well-controlled ride and handles securely, though without much performance flair. If equipped with the four-cylinder engine, the Malibu has a fuel-saving electric power steering system, but V-6 versions come with a hydraulic power steering that gives a bit more road feel. The cabin is very well designed, with an attractive instrument panel and materials that are pleasing to the touch. Front seats were among the most comfortable in the mid-size sedan class, and the backseat is quite roomy.

Three models grace the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu lineup: the base LS, midrange LT, and luxury-laden LTZ. The LS includes power accessories, keyless entry, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, while LTZ models get plenty of noteworthy features such as remote start, automatic climate control, a universal remote, and power-adjustable pedals, plus a number of appearance extras like LED taillamps and interior ambient lighting. An integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling interface isn't offered; there's no screen-based satellite navigation system available, either. But OnStar turn-by-turn navigation is included in addition to the other emergency and concierge services OnStar provides. The Malibu comes with a one-year subscription, but after that the owner must pay a fee.

Safety is a strong point for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu; it's earned the top five-star rating in all of the federal government's crash tests, along with top Good ratings from the insurance industry in frontal offset and side tests. Front side thorax airbags and side curtain bags that cover front and rear occupants are standard, plus anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control is standard on all but the base Malibu LS.

The Bottom Line:
After years of being a second-stage alternative, the Malibu is a legitimate contender for best-in-class.

Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, also consider:

- Ford Fusion
- Honda Accord
- Hyundai Sonata
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry

All these mid-size sedan models are priced very closely to each other, so that shouldn't be a factor. These five sedans all have a very different feel and different styling, though. The Fusion has by far the boldest, most aggressive styling, while the Accord arguably looks the most elegant. The Sonata is more comfort-oriented, but its interior isn't quite up to the standards of the Malibu or Accord, and it's not as quiet inside. The Fusion and the Altima are more fun to drive than the Malibu, but neither of them is as roomy and comfortable inside. Backseat room is another big differentiator; the Malibu and Camry both have very roomy backseats, as does the Accord, but the Altima's is especially tight. And the Malibu's interior puts Toyota to shame; its attractive interior is well styled and has better-looking and better-feeling materials than much of the class.

Buying Tip:
If you're buying a top-of-the-line four-cylinder Malibu LTZ, you might want to hold out for a few months. General Motors is phasing in the more economical six-speed automatic with the four-cylinder on the LTZ, and they won't start arriving to dealerships until later in the model year.