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2009 Chevrolet Malibu Features Review

July 19, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

GM made a mistake by not offering an actual navigation system
Edmunds

features are all very nice
New York Times

it can compete on features for the price
The Auto Channel

Most reviewers agree that the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu offers a pretty good selection of features at a reasonable price.

Three models grace the Malibu lineup at Chevrolet: 2009 brings 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 tail lamps and interior ambient lighting. For 2009, Bluetooth is newly offered as part of the revamped OnStar system. A premium audio package gives you access to a six-CD changer and an auxiliary MP3 jack.

Speaking of the OnStar system, its navigation features brings mixed reviews. Edmunds believes that GM made a mistake by not offering an actual navigation system. Their drivers report that the OnStar feature would not even function at first; eventually, it did, but the drivers are not impressed with the turn-by-turn navigation, which is a poor substitute for the map-based systems on most of today's vehicles. The Malibu includes a one-year subscription to OnStar, but after that the owner must pay a fee for the service.

Conclusion

The addition of Bluetooth capability now means that the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has everything most shoppers look for—except a screen-based nav system.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:GM made a mistake by not offering an actual navigation systemEdmundsfeatures are all very niceNew York Timesit can compete on features for the priceThe Auto Channel Most reviewers agree that the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu offers a pretty good selection of features at a reasonable price. Three models grace the Malibu lineup at Chevrolet: 2009 brings 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 tail lamps and interior ambient lighting. For 2009, Bluetooth is newly offered as part of the revamped OnStar system. A premium audio package gives you access to a six-CD changer and an auxiliary MP3 jack. Speaking of the OnStar system, its navigation features brings mixed reviews. Edmunds believes that GM made a mistake by not offering an actual navigation system. Their drivers report that the OnStar feature would not even function at first; eventually, it did, but the drivers are not impressed with the turn-by-turn navigation, which is a poor substitute for the map-based systems on most of today's vehicles. The Malibu includes a one-year subscription to OnStar, but after that the owner must pay a fee for the service. ConclusionThe addition of Bluetooth capability now means that the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has everything most shoppers look for—except a screen-based nav system. 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU STYLING | [9 out of 10] Cars.com: "interior styling is much better than anything other than the Saturn Aura in General Motors' family sedan lineup" Car and Driver: "sleek styling, attractive interiors" Popular Mechanics: "more expressive styling" The 2009 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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 spacious rear seats, 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. 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.

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See the Chevrolet Malibu in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (6 total)

  1. By  Automobile Mechanics #1, Posted: 7/22/2009

    nice post having good information.
    Thanks.

  2. By Jaxon #2, Posted: 8/4/2009

    Is the all-new Chevrolet Malibu ready to win the head-to-head competition with perennial favorites like Honda Accord and Toyota Camry? It's a tall order, but the just-introduced Malibu is poised to steal back the popularity it once enjoyed. Watch video: http://tinyurl.com/mta8x8

  3. By M Taylor #3, Posted: 9/15/2009

    We just purchased a new malibu ltz v-6 with 6 speed transmission. A major problem I have with this vehicle is that when you decelerate at any speed, the vehicle jerks and jumps simular to a miss-firing spark plug. Two dealers have told me this is normal for this transmission.

  4. By Janko H #4, Posted: 10/21/2009

    I have not driven new Malibu yet. Just one observation: Car of that size/weight built with McPherson Strut in the front CANNOT handle as good as Honda's or Toyota's fine tuned double-wishbone suspension. Sorry, chevy is once again trying to pull a quick one consumers that don't do their homework prior to purchase.

  5. By Ben #5, Posted: 10/24/2009

    We just purchased a new malibu. A major problem I have with this vehicle is that when you accelerate from a stop, the vehicle jerks and jumps ahead similar to a car which run out of gas. Two dealers have told me this is normal for this transmission. At $30,000 Canadian I am not a happy camper. No wonder their reputation slumped along with sales. I will not make this mistake again.

  6. By Lola #6, Posted: 10/26/2009

    I was in a wreck, my 08 Malibu was totalled, but my 18month old was scratch/hurt free. She was perfectly untouched. Safety is a concern of mine and Malibu performed well. I purchased another 09 Malibu. Consumers and critics should give this car much credit. If people gripe about the economy and go buy a honda, what does that fix? Support your own country and help someone keep their job. GREAT CAR inside and out and great value

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