New Issue Of Con Reports Loves CTS & Malibu; CTS Beats BMW 328i In CR Ranking

[Perian]

Source: March 2008 Issue of Consumer Reports

THE COVER OF CR READS: "NEW GM MODELS SHINE"

Malibu: Tested LT and LTZ models

"The redesigned Malibu now ranks among the best family sedans, just below the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It nearly matches the Accord's handling agility and the Camry's quiet interior.

Both engines feel smooth and refined. The four cylinder is especially well isolated from noise and vibration, a big improvement over the Pontiac G6 which uses the same engines.

Despite its high test score, we don't yet have reliability data for this redesigned model, so we cannot recomment it.

CTS: Tested Base RWD

Scoring of vehicles tested in issue:

#1: Cadillac CTS

#2: BMW 328i

#3: MB C300

#4: Saab 9-3

The redesigned Cadillac CTS is a notable improvement over the model it replaces and now competes toe-to-toe with some of the best German and Japanese sport sedans. A taut suspension and excellent steering give the CTS agile handling with a firm yet comliant ride.

The interior is significantly improved, with higher quality materials. The engine and transmission deliver strong performance and refinement.

We don't yet have reliability data for this redesigned model, so we cannot recomment it.

Issue now on sale.

[BumbleBee]

I think the world is going to end....TOMORROW!

That is great news though. Slowly but surely, things are changing.

[rhvfd10]

I didn't see that coming.

I do wonder how they can't recommend them yet. They recommend new models of Toyondasan all the time because they use the same platform or some sort of thing. Oh well, all told I'm flabbergasted.

[atomicshark]

GM is building world class cars and everyone is taking notice. It was a matter of time before CR jumped on board. I have a feeling the Saturn Astra is going to be in good graces with CR as well.

[HoosierRon]

"The redesigned Malibu now ranks ... below the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It [doesn't] match the Accord's handling agility and the Camry's quiet interior."

Some compliment.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by rhvfd10

I didn't see that coming.

I do wonder how they can't recommend them yet. They recommend new models of Toyondasan all the time because they use the same platform or some sort of thing. Oh well, all told I'm flabbergasted.

CR stopped recommending new Toyotas last year because they are not as perfect as CR assumed.

[CrunkedRL]

Wow the CTS trumped the 328i in performance and agility. This is great news however I thought the CTS was a 5 series competitor.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by rhvfd10

I do wonder how they can't recommend them yet.

Something to do with a little company named Toyota...

[tholland]

So the Malibu ranks just below the Camry, which they no longer recommend?

I guess it's a start though.

[jkennedy293]

I think this is just the beginning for GM. Unless all the execs go brain dead tomorrow, the cars are just going to get better and better. Which means there are going to be more awards and commendations. Eventually all of this good press is going to turn into sales, and GM may start operating in the black on a consistent basis.

[Family Man]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

"The redesigned Malibu now ranks ... below the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It [doesn't] match the Accord's handling agility and the Camry's quiet interior."

Some compliment.

I thought the exact same thing...

I'm a bit confused.

We here at GMI are supposed to hate everything from CR (you know, they are so biased)).

I wonder how many people who normally crap all over CR will now rejoice in CR's praise of these two vehicles.

The headline on the front page is nice, however.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

"The redesigned Malibu now ranks ... below the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It [doesn't] match the Accord's handling agility and the Camry's quiet interior."

Some compliment.

Yeah, faint praise. It's funny how Motor Trend thinks the Malibu feels more agile than the newly bloated Accord, yet CR thinks differently. On handling dynamics I think I would trust a dedicated car magazine over CR.

[jkennedy293]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

"The redesigned Malibu now ranks ... below the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It [doesn't] match the Accord's handling agility and the Camry's quiet interior."

Some compliment.

It's better than the uncontrollable laughter you could hear from their writers when the would introduce the Malibu as the Accord and Camry's competition.

[Chaz_23]

Wait, did you say "Consumer Reports"?

[Ambalanche]

The devil must be shivering it's so cold down there and wondering what all that white stuff flying around is!

On the other hand, for the imports, they don't wait to reccomend just because it's a new model.

Either way, I'll take it, It hopefully will make the sheep take a look at the domestics!