Autosavant: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu 2.4 LTZ Review (6-speed Automatic)

[69Firebird400]

When I received a call asking me which Malibu I wanted GM to bring over to the office for a week of road testing, I did not hesitate in responding, “the loaded 4-cylinder”.

It is not solely the current price of gasoline, and the subsequent demand for four-cylinder sedans that made me request the four-cylinder Malibu.

How did the car drive?

Very well, thank you. The four-cylinder does get a little breathless in the upper rpm range, but gives you a nice smooth torque curve and it works very well with the six-speed auto box. The car just loafs along at 60 mph in sixth gear, and fuel mileage is in the mid-30’s, which more or less begs the question of why anyone would get the mild hybrid version of this car, which gets a stated 32 mpg on the highway with a four-speed auto, but costs more and is more complicated.

the irresistible conclusion I come to after a week of the driving the four-cylinder Malibu LTZ is that this is an extremely competitive car in its segment. I’ll go even further than that; this is the car I would buy in this segment.

Props to GM on getting this one right – it’s a winner.

Read the full review: http://www.autosavant.net/2008/08/20...tz-review.html

[FenwickHockey65]

Since the Accord and Camry are amazingly dull to look at, both inside and out, and, the Malibu has a very attractive exterior and an equally attractive interior, I would buy the four-cylinder Malibu LTZ over its Japanese four-cylinder sedan competitors. Because the engine is close to the same quality, the transmission is equal, and the Chevrolet pulls away on styling and never looks back at its Japanese rivals. That sounds like a win to me. Yeah, yeah, I know, I’m crazy, I’m an idiot, blah, blah, blah. Hey, did I mention that the Camry is also having a couple of nagging quality issues the last couple of years?

Woot! Best thing I've read all day. I hope more people read this.

[69Firebird400]

The first comment in the Autosavant post accused us of being in the pocket of GM; the second comment is my rebuttal.

[megeebee]

Wow. Was that really Mr. DeLorezo's writing?


.

[69Firebird400]

Originally Posted by megeebee

Wow. Was that really Mr. DeLorezo's writing?


.

Nope - Autosavant, not Autoextremist.

Brendan Moore of Autosavant wrote it (I write for Autosavant as well, and so does Igor).

[jbernie]

I’ll go even further than that; this is the car I would buy in this segment.

How often do you read about a (regular non exotic) vehicle being a good car, a nice car, good value for money and all that type of talk? Happens a lot.

How often do you see a writer say they would be prepared to buy the car? I don't see it much at all.

Sometimes they kinda sorta say it, but rarely do you see it plain English. Things continue to look good for the Malibu. Great to see these types of reviews.

Now if only my sister in law didn't get that Camry, I felt so dirty having to be a passenger in it for a few trips. Blergh!

[Stovebolt]

You know, I don't really think the Accord is that dull. I still wouldn't buy one, but that's one of the few Japanese automakers for which I still have a grudging respect for their products - although with this whole transmission thing, not quite so much now.

[PMC the 1st]

If you go to the autosavant site, you guys will see my blog post. I'm post #9.

[megeebee]

Originally Posted by 69Firebird400

Nope - Autosavant, not Autoextremist.

Brendan Moore of Autosavant wrote it (I write for Autosavant as well, and so does Igor).

OOPS. Sorry.

[goblue1999]

Originally Posted by 69Firebird400

Read the full review: http://www.autosavant.net/2008/08/20...tz-review.html

Answer to your question: No one would buy a hybrid for highway fuel economy, or at least, no one with half a brain and a calculator. A hybrid helps in stop and go driving, that is why there is no ONE CAR that meets everyone's needs.

[robsBU08]

I love my 2008 Malibu, I wish I would have waited for the 2009 with 6-spd, but the 08 2LT I have is a VERY nice car, I work as a parts counterperson at the local Toyota dealer and bought this over a 2008 Camry, Malibu has a nicer interior, more power(4-cylinder), and better looks, and it just feels nicer

[ZvetteGuy]

Originally Posted by robsBU08

I love my 2008 Malibu, I wish I would have waited for the 2009 with 6-spd, but the 08 2LT I have is a VERY nice car, I work as a parts counterperson at the local Toyota dealer and bought this over a 2008 Camry, Malibu has a nicer interior, more power(4-cylinder), and better looks, and it just feels nicer

Wow... they must love you there right about now...

[Rocket 88]

Nice Article. I hope GM keeps the Malibu and Aura competetive and fresh. Recapturing the family sedan market is crucial to GM's health.

That said, I agree with the writer that the lack of Nav system is bad. Not everyone wants to pay OnStar every month for turn-by-turn and most folks probably prefer seeing the map anyway.

[minnfang]

Brendan, nice review.

But... Please use something other than ancient GM supplied photos - it would give your reviews more credibility.

[GMusa]

Im so glad GM did the 4 with the 6-speed! But the 6-speed should be standard!