2010 Chevrolet Malibu Features Review

November 5, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Options are grouped into a handful of packages that allow many of the higher trims' features to be added to the lower trims.
Edmunds

The Malibu has plenty of ammunition with which to battle the entrenched segment leaders
Car and Driver

it can compete on features for the price
The Auto Channel

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu offers a decent range of features at a good price, but it lacks a few of the options that rival mid-size sedans offer.

The Malibu lineup for 2010 features three models, starting with the base LS, which is followed by the midrange LT, then luxury-packed LTZ. The LS comes with power accessories and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, while LTZ models get important features such as remote start, automatic climate control, a universal remote, and power-adjustable pedals, plus a number of stylistic extras like LED tail lamps and interior ambient lighting. Kelley Blue Book points out that “certain high-end features available on competitors, like DVD navigation, music streaming and keyless start and entry, are not offered on the Malibu.”

For 2010, driver power-adjustable lumbar replaces manual lumbar on all models, and there are three new color options. Four-cylinder LT models also get 17-inch chrome-finished wheels as standard.

Bluetooth is still offered as part of the OnStar system, and an optional premium audio package gives you access to a six-CD changer and an auxiliary MP3 jack.

Speaking of the OnStar system, its navigation offers both positives and negatives. Edmunds believes that GM made a mistake by not offering an actual navigation system. They found that the OnStar feature would not even function at first; eventually, it did, but the drivers were not impressed with the turn-by-turn navigation, which is a poor substitute for the map-based systems on most of today's vehicles.

Malibu owners get a one-year complimentary subscription to OnStar, but after that, there’s a fee for the service.

Conclusion

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has most of the features mid-size sedan buyers want, but a true nav system is missing.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Options are grouped into a handful of packages that allow many of the higher trims' features to be added to the lower trims.EdmundsThe Malibu has plenty of ammunition with which to battle the entrenched segment leadersCar and Driverit can compete on features for the priceThe Auto Channel The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu offers a decent range of features at a good price, but it lacks a few of the options that rival mid-size sedans offer. The Malibu lineup for 2010 features three models, starting with the base LS, which is followed by the midrange LT, then luxury-packed LTZ. The LS comes with power accessories and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, while LTZ models get important features such as remote start, automatic climate control, a universal remote, and power-adjustable pedals, plus a number of stylistic extras like LED tail lamps and interior ambient lighting. Kelley Blue Book points out that “certain high-end features available on competitors, like DVD navigation, music streaming and keyless start and entry, are not offered on the Malibu.” For 2010, driver power-adjustable lumbar replaces manual lumbar on all models, and there are three new color options. Four-cylinder LT models also get 17-inch chrome-finished wheels as standard. Bluetooth is still offered as part of the OnStar system, and an optional premium audio package gives you access to a six-CD changer and an auxiliary MP3 jack. Speaking of the OnStar system, its navigation offers both positives and negatives. Edmunds believes that GM made a mistake by not offering an actual navigation system. They found that the OnStar feature would not even function at first; eventually, it did, but the drivers were not impressed with the turn-by-turn navigation, which is a poor substitute for the map-based systems on most of today's vehicles. Malibu owners get a one-year complimentary subscription to OnStar, but after that, there’s a fee for the service. ConclusionThe 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has most of the features mid-size sedan buyers want, but a true nav system is missing. 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU STYLING | [9 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “bold, attractive sheet metal” Car and Driver: "sleek styling, attractive interiors" Popular Mechanics: "more expressive styling" The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is one of the best-looking cars in its segment and doesn’t seem ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

While the Fusion and the Altima will give you a more thrilling drive than the Malibu, neither of them is as roomy or comfortable inside. This is especially true in the backseat, where the Malibu, along with the Camry and Accord, is very roomy. The Malibu is further differentiated from its rivals when it comes to interior styling, putting cars like the Camry to shame with its attractive dashboard and premium-feeling materials. The Fusion and Accord, however, feature interiors that arguably are just as good as the Malibu’s. The Hyundai Sonata, though comfortable, isn’t quite up to scratch.

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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

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