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.
