Chevy catches a wave back into the mid-size game.
by Paul A. Eisenstein November 2, 2007

Get out of the fast lane, Toyota. Move aside, Honda Accord. For the first time in a generation, General Motors is back with a game-changing mid-size sedan. And the imports better be worried, when they see the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu pull up in their rearview mirror.

There was a time when Detroit, GM, in particular, dominated the mid-size market, but that's so far back, many of today's buyers likely won't even remember anything but the more lackluster offerings that followed, like Chevy Lumina or the various Chrysler K-car variants.

We got a signal GM might be ready to get back in the game at last January's Detroit Auto Show, when the automaker revealed a new version of the Malibu. There was no denying the visual impact of its taut, dynamic exterior and unexpectedly up-market interior. But the big question was how would it drive? Would it stand up to the best of the imports - read Camry and Accord - which overwhelmingly dominate the segment's sales charts?

After spending time in the '08 Malibu, the answer is unabashedly, "yes." For the first time we can remember, there's no reason to make excuses for a mainstream Detroit, no reason to explain away the compromises. Chevy's new entry stands up solidly on its own four wheels.

Down on Beale Street

To get a feel for the new offering, we headed down to Beale St., the heart of blues country, in Memphis. We spent the day driving all the key Malibu variants that will be coming to market in the weeks and months to come, including the four-cylinder LS and six-cylinder LTZ, as well as the Malibu hybrid (which we'll cover in a separate road test).

Beauty may only be skin - or sheetmetal - deep, but it's where an automaker must make a first, and lasting, impression. And GM designers have succeeded handsomely. This is the new face of Chevy, with a chrome-wrapped, split grille, highlighted by a wide, bowtie-bearing crossbar. The creased hoodline suggests power and implies a vehicle decidedly more expensive than Malibu's starting price of $19,995.

From the side, the new Chevy sits high on its haunches, with still more luxury cues, such as the curvaceous C-pillar. "Good bone structure," is an apt description used by one of Malibu's designers. From the rear, you'll quickly recognize the twin lamps, long a Chevrolet trademark, but here done far more elegantly than in other, recent executions, such as the awkward Monte Carlo. Rounding things out, the chrome tipped exhaust (a dual pair of pipes on the LTZ) and chrome license plate surround.

For years, General Motors has, frankly, chintzed out, using lowest-common-denominator materials that may have cut costs but given its products all the style and warmth of a resale store. Particularly galling was the use of glossy, often ungrained plastics that could have come from the Kmart bargain rack.

With the Malibu, GM's design studio has crafted a two-toned, twin cockpit look that implies a sense of both sportiness and elegance. The materials are far more lavish, easily matching the feel of the Accord and far exceeding that of the Camry, which Toyota seems determined to drive down-market. The black plastic is gone, even on the base Malibu, incidentally. On the highline model, though, you can opt for two-toned, nubbly leather that might just as easily show up on the Cadillac line. And kudos for the stylish, yet easy-to-read instrument cluster, complimented by the cabin's tinted ambient lighting.

There's also a fair bit of storage, including a large bin at the top of the IP's center stack. One omission that annoyed us was the lack of door grab handles. This is a common flaw on many new GM products, including Caddy's second-generation CTS. Apparently, engineers haven't figured out how to fit those useful handles over the hidden, roof-mounted airbags.

Keep the noise down

Okay, given a choice, we'll go for the airbags - in this case, all six of them. There are also front seat thorax and chest airbags, standard on all models. The safety list also includes ABS brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitors and OnStar with its automatic crash notification system, designed to call for help in the event of a collision.

The mid-level LT and top-line LTZ models add electronic stability control and emergency brake assist to the list.
What you won't likely notice is the acoustic glass used in both the windshield and front-seat windows. That's a critical part of the Malibu's substantial NVH package. For those who don't read automotive jargon for a hobby, we're referring to noise, vibration and harshness. And in Malibu, all three elements have been trimmed back to class-leading levels.

One way that's been accomplished is through the extensive use of under-hood noise deadeners, as well as a five-element baffle in the four-cylinder's composite cover. In keeping with industry trends, Chevy expects the 2.4-liter engine to account for about 70 percent of its overall volume, especially considering current fuel price trends. That engine delivers 22 mpg city and 30 mpg on the highway cycle, among the best-in-segment.

The four-cylinder pulls its weight. It's no rocket, but it's reasonably energetic and, as we suggested earlier, it sounds good, without that rasp-and-gasp that we've often associated with Detroit's in-line fours. A complaint? Yep, the fact that GM is launching with an outdated four-speed automatic. It's a good transmission, but the competition has been moving to five-speeds and beyond.

GM will get there, however. The upgrade V-6 gets a new six-speed auto, and next year, you'll be able to order that tranny on the four-cylinder Malibu LT. By decade's end, says product strategy boss John Smith, the six-speed should be available, and probably standard, on all Malibus. Late, but not never.

The 3.6-liter V-6, by the way, makes 252 horsepower. On paper, it's not quite as powerful as Camry's sporty six, but we wonder how many owners in this market segment will notice the difference. Like the Malibu's four, the engine is much quieter than in previous incarnations, and doesn't seem to be running out of breath when pushed to wide-open throttle. It'll yield 17/26 mpg.

For those seeking maximum mileage, and perhaps some "green" bragging rights, there's the Malibu Hybrid. It's not a full hybrid, and is unable to run on battery power alone. To keep costs down, GM has opted for a Belt-Alternator-Starter, or BAS, system, basically the same found in the Saturn Vue Green Line. Come to a stoplight and it shuts the engine off, quickly restarting when you press the ignition. It won't run on electric power alone, and unlike Honda hybrid systems, it provides virtually no boost - barely an extra four to six horsepower.

But the package is only $1800, and with the current $1300 federal tax credit. That works out to a real cost of just $500. Based on our rough estimates, and Chevy's projected 24/32 mpg rating, you'd make that up in fuel savings in two to four years, depending on where, how, and how much you drive.

Predictably good

So, how does the Malibu drive? Or, should we say, Malibus, because there's a bit of a difference between each.
With the four-cylinder, the Malibu is swift enough, but no sizzler. This engine is paired with a fuel-saving electric power steering system. In earlier incarnations, we avoided GM's EPS whenever possible. This latest generation is a sizable improvement. You get a clear feel of the road, with a reasonably linear boost, depending on speed.

The V-6 models go with hydraulic power steering, and despite the improvements to EPS, this is still our preference. Here you'll find a very direct connection to the road, with steering that's predictable, precise and unexpectedly sporty for a car in this mainstream segment.

The suspension of all models has been tuned to the sporty side. Not enough to bounce and jounce you around on Detroit potholes, but the Malibu holds true in tight turns, and stays glued to the road when you're cresting hills. Overall, the feel of this car puts the Camry to shame, though someone wanting as sporty a ride as possible in a mid-market sedan might still opt for the latest version Accord.

What else matters? Well, a lot. On the plus side, Malibu is roomy, both front and back, and it boasts a large trunk.
Since we're asking questions, we need turn to the toughest of them all. Among mid-size sedan buyers, perhaps nothing matters more, acknowledges Marketing Manager Mike Weidman, than QRD. There we go with auto jargon, again. In this case, we're talking Quality, Reliability, and Dependability. And that's what has made the Camry the must-have appliance in this segment. So, will the Malibu deliver the same, er, QRD?

We'll have to wait and see, of course. There's no way to predict, unless you're willing to take the assurances of company executives, who'd quickly say, "yes." Lucky for them, a number of recent surveys, including several from J.D. Power and Associates, support that contention. GM quality has been on the rise, while Toyota's is holding or even slipping. The influential Consumer Reports magazine just downgraded the Camry V-6, though the four-cylinder model remains on its recommended list.

2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU

Base price: $19,995
Engine: 2.4-liter in-line four, 169 hp/160 lb-ft; 3.6-liter V-6, 252 hp/251 lb-ft
Transmission: Four-speed or six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 191.8 x 70.3 x 57.1 in
Wheelbase: 112.3 in
Curb weight: 3415 - 3649 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 22/30 mpg (four-cyl.); 17/26 mpg (V-6)
Major standard features:Power windows/locks/mirrors; AM/FM/CD player; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; remote keyless entry; alloy wheels; OnStar; XM satellite radio
Safety features: Anti-lock brakes and traction control; dual front, side and curtain airbags; tire pressure monitors
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU – FEATURE DETAILS

DETROIT – The redesigned Chevrolet Malibu is based on GM's global midsize platform, which serves as the foundation for a strong body structure, precise build quality and refined driving dynamics. It is more than three inches (76 mm) longer than the current model, with a six-inch-longer (162 mm) wheelbase. These proportions create a wheels-at-the-corners stance that enables a smoother, more direct driving experience.

Performance comes from a family of powerful dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine and a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V-6 and is offered with the 2.4L four-cylinder – a segment first.

Here's a look at Malibu's features in detail:

Driving experience

Malibu's long, 112.3-inch (2,852 mm) wheelbase and wheels-at-the corner stance enable sharp, responsive ride and handling characteristics that bring a trait that's rare to the segment: driving satisfaction. The balanced, four-wheel independent suspension system features a MacPherson strut front suspension design and multilink rear suspension. The front suspension uses aluminum control arms, which reduce unsprung mass impacts over bumps for a smoother ride. A direct-acting stabilizer bar provides a more immediate feel to steering inputs.

The rear suspension also features a direct-acting stabilizer bar, as well as monotube or twin-tube shock absorbers, depending on the model. The front and rear suspension systems are tuned for each powertrain combination, delivering tailored driving characteristics for all models. Hydraulic ride bushings and body control damping measures enhance the connected-to-the-road driving feel while supporting a comfortable ride.

GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on LT and LTZ models. It uses sophisticated vehicle sensors tied to the anti-lock braking system to help the driver maintain control during certain maneuvers. The new panic brake assistance feature provides full braking power when a panic-braking event is detected. This can reduce the braking distance, providing more control in helping to avoid a crash.

Steering response is precise and immediate, thanks to tuned steering systems designed for each model. Malibu models equipped with the 2.4L engine use a variable electric power-assist steering system, while V-6 models employ a hydraulic-assisted steering system.

A family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels is offered with Malibu, all tailored with a tight wheel-to-body relationship. LS models come with 16-inch painted trim wheels; LT models come with 17-inch chrome trim wheels and LTZ models are fitted with 18-inch aluminum ultra-bright-finish wheels.

The suspension systems are mounted to a robust chassis and integrated body structure that features a safety cage design and strategic placement of high-strength steel for outstanding structural integrity. The strong chassis and body structure enable more precise mounting of the suspension systems, a design trait that enabled engineers to focus on finer degrees of suspension tuning. A safety cage construction built into the Malibu's body structure is complemented with reinforced rocker sections, as well as a reinforced front body hinge pillar and roof pillars that were designed to improve impact protection. A magnesium cross-car beam unites the lower sections of the A-pillars. This not only helps protect passengers in side-impact crashes, but also serves as a solid foundation for the instrument panel. High-strength steel is used in strategic areas to augment overall structural integrity.

Powertrain

The 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine is rated at 164 horsepower (122 kW)* and delivers an estimated 31 mpg in highway driving, which is projected to be as good as or better than the segment's current sales leader. It also is good enough to join the exclusive ranks of vehicles rated at 30 mpg or more – a club that will be tougher to join in 2008 because of revised EPA mileage test standards. GM has more "members" in the 30-mpg club than any other manufacturer.

The 2.4L Ecotec DOHC will be offered with all trim levels. LS and LT models are backed by a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission. Malibu LTZ models with the 2.4L engine are equipped with a new Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic – the only four-cylinder/six-speed automatic combination in the segment.

The available 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated, all-aluminum DOHC engine that uses variable valve technology to produce 252 horsepower (188 kW)** while delivering an estimated 26 mpg in highway driving. It is mated with a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.

The Malibu's six-speed transmissions enable a strong balance between performance and fuel efficiency, with the six forward gears offering optimized performance at all rpm levels, as well as reduced rpm at highway cruising speeds. Lower rpm can enhance fuel economy and reduce cabin noise. The six-speed transmissions also feature Driver Shift Control (DSC), which enables the driver to shift manually with steering wheel-mounted controls.

All Malibu powertrain combinations are supported with GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Quiet, thoughtful environment

Malibu's strong structure serves as the foundation for an exceptionally quiet environment. Along with the robust chassis, which minimizes vibration and noise, the body structure uses noise-reducing materials, such as liquid spray-on sound deadener, laminated steel and composite wheel liners, to deliver one the segment's quietest, most refined driving experiences. Laminated "quiet glass" also contributes to a quiet environment.

The interior's attention to detail complements the quieting features, with an ergonomic design using materials that convey quality and value, including a cast skin material on the instrument panel. For the first time, the Malibu is offered with two-tone trim combinations, including Ebony and Brick, Cocoa and Cashmere and Titanium and Cashmere. There is also an all-Ebony combination, accented with a distinctive wood grain element that offers a unique, upscale appearance. LTZ models receive distinctive, black-chrome accents, a specific instrument layout and unique, two-tone leather seating surfaces.

Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets enhances the Malibu's inviting feel. The overhead console-mounted LED floodlights provide subdued lighting to the center console area between the front seats. A feeling of openness is enhanced with Malibu's available, panoramic sunroof, featuring four sliding panels that provide an opening that extends between the front and rear seats. The retractable glass panels tilt upward, so there is no loss of headroom inside the car.

OnStar

All 2008 Malibu models come with OnStar Gen 7, which features standard automatic crash notification service and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. It is the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live adviser, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be guided to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

*Pending SAE certification.

**SAE certified. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.