Roadfly.com - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu from NAIAS

[vandarye]

my wife has one of these and it's a total pile of junk. There is always something wrong with it, and it has been garage kept and very well maintained, it is just apparently designed to fail.

[mikebagio]

back is like VW passat then steering wheal is like Mazda 6 so GM is still weak asking others to make cars for their asses. Dump American asses, you should learn how to make cars by yourself.

[pipeorganist]

You know my family owned a 2002 malibu and curently own a 2006 model and they are one of the most nicest affordable cars on the market. And they made this malibu like a luxury car for the family who can only afford cheaper mid size sedan. Way to go gm !

[wtl1964]

@pipeorganist i drive 01 right now but i c=kinda hate the depreciation value they say this new one is sappose to hold its value i hope cause im gana get one

[lujohpe]

way a couple of month and the fucking head gasket will be leaking oil. 1000 usa dolars repairs.

[Brendonbosy]

Ford SUCKS! They throw a lot of fake chrome on it to make it look stylish. The Fusion's V6 is pathetic (0-60 in 8.5 seconds!). Even a baseline Civic could beat that.

As for the Malibu, its better than the Ford, but still behind Accord and Camry in almost every aspect from power to fuel efficiency. The 4-cyl Malibu STILL uses a 4-spd tranny!!! Both Camry and Accord have moved up to 5-spds for the last two generations.

[SoloDallasII]

Chevy just introduced a 4 cylinder LTZ that uses a six-speed.

[lionelb66]

i know in USA, the chevrolet is a popular cars. Here in europe the most popular car are the 4 doors cars and the sport wagon. I made a video of a peugeot 207 sw, it's a typical european car, look at it. It's a 5 seat car, nice design, very good MPG, very light. Check my video. It's our european "malibu"

[gungasdindin]

Whatever happened to car bumpers?

One rear ender and you're looking at $5000 in repairs, minimum.

[moaski]

Being a Michigander, I was hoping that GM had developed a car that would hang with the Toyotas and Hondas, but the model I sat in at NAIAS was not impressive. The exterior is the best GM has done in years for a family car, the dash looks good, but everything else on the interior isn't up to par.

[suicidehummer]

I've been in several, so I know you're lying.

[moaski]

Prior to my current car, a 2005 Subaru Impreza, all I drove was GM products (about 8 vehicles in all). I still own a 1995 Camaro Z28. You wanna buy it for $4,750? The thing is clean and has 100,000 easy miles on it, but it's electrical system is shot. My Subie has 30,000 miles on it, and I could sell it for only $2,000 less than what I payed for it. I'm all for GM, Ford and Chrysler suceeding, as Michigan's economy NEEDS them to, but the new Malibu is just an ok car at best. SORRY.

[moaski]

I've been in several and I know I'm right. Granted, I have not drove one, so perhaps the driving experience could outwieght the interior, but I doubt it. It's a big front-wheel-drive sedan, not intended for driving excitement. I'm an architect and car enthusiast, and my uncle is a Chrysler engineer, so I know a thing or two about aesthetics and cars. Read on...

[suicidehummer]

For $25,000 it beats all it's competitors' interiors.

[moaski]

Can you tell me why GM installed the same 4.3 liter, V-6 engine in my mom's 2000 Chevy Blazer that they developed way back in the late 70s? I'll tell you...the "Big 3" rested on their laurels assuming that no one would every buy Japanese, and they were right for a LONG time. They hid behind the "BUY AMERICAN" movement that swept the nation, until the consumer wised up.  Now, unfortunately they have to play catch up...not easy.

[suicidehummer]

Yes, and they've finished playing catchup as evidenced in the Enclave, Malibu, CTS, etc.

[moaski]

You wanna know what GM car impressed me the most at NAIAS? It wasn't the ZR1 or a Cadillac...it was the BUICK ENCLAVE!!! I never thought that I would like an SUV or a BUICK again after my Grand National. For a big SUV it looks pretty good and the interior is on par with the Germans.

[moaski]

I'll admit that the Japanese are the biggest copy-cats of all time. America and Europe rebuilt them. In the 60s they sent all of thier engineering students to Germany to study at Porsche, Mercedes, Volkswagen and BMW. Hence the Datsun 510 and 240Z. My Subaru has a boxter engine (like Porsche), excellent reliability (like Mercedes), all-wheel-drive (like Audi) and the every-day sportiness of a BMW. I love it!

[suicidehummer]

You must not even understand the basic idea of reliability, because it's not something that you can copy.

[moaski]

I do understand...it's called "reverse engineering." It's a process where a vehicle is dismantled and all the parts are categorized and meticulously studied as to their tolerances, assembly technique, chemical properties, manufacturing process, etc. I can tell that you are fairly uneducated so I'll help you out. Read "Car: A Drama of the American Workplace" by Mary Walton before you post any more stupid comments. Back your "arguments" up with fact.

[suicidehummer]

That's not copying reliability, it's studying the competition. And they can't figure out assembly technique by looking at the parts. And how do you know they did this? Did you work at Toyota?

[moaski]

So there is a little history lesson for you backed up with some facts, not biased or ignorant comments based on passion and lack-of-experience. HEY...I'm serious about that Camaro offer...I can't sell that damn thing for more than $2,000. You could be the insane GM fanatic that I've been looking for.

[moaski]

Do me a favor and put your money where your mouth is... I'll take cash or cashier's check. Don't you want a little piece of Americana?

[suicidehummer]

I'm not looking for a car right now, and why the fuck would I buy your car because I'm argueing with you?

[zorokakashi]

do i see a bad facelift from a Accord or Maxima.

dont take me seriously now, joking...

sometimes all cars look alike, lol.....

[suicidehummer]

Oh yeah, cause the Accord is so fucking beautiful! (Sarcasm)

[zorokakashi]

aint saying accord is beautiful.

all honda has vanilla styling,

I meant, its a bad facelift from something ordinary.

do the math.

[suicidehummer]

Ok, I got you.

I agree, they went from a boring car to an ugly one.

[yojanagonzalez]

i just got the 08 malibu ls..i love the interior the most..very elegant..its a little on the expensive side but its worth it

[SentinelSoul]

Chevy's trying to save their brand with one car. I don't think so. Especially not this one. Ya it got awards and recognitions, but it doesn't repair their image, but yet their relying on it to do so. They need better designing, and definately better marketing.

[kndrice]

Um, Silverado--Truck Of The Year. Corvette--speaks for itself. Tahoe and Suburban + GMC= 70% of the large SUV market. Chevrolet is a brand that is very strong, if you take off the blinders. With Toyota's recent quality issues, who knows?

[2thetxchick]

The Malibu is a great car. The marketplace is very competative, and limiting your choices because you don't like their image is only going to hurt your pocketbook when it's time to buy. Chevy's best products, up until the new Malibu came out, was their most expensive (corvette, suburban, tahoe). Now us normal folks have a choice other than the japanese.

[DreamBoye]

I agree. GM, Chevy's parent company, just recalled over 340,000 cars in North America compared to Toyota's 20,000 trucks. If I have to drive domestic, I'd go with the Ford Fusion. However, I'll Accord, Altima, and Camry are at the top.

[suicidehummer]

You can't compare ALL the cars GM recalled to ONLY the TRUCKS Toyota recalled. Besides, Toyota sells way less trucks, so obviously they recall less, chickenshit.

[2thetxchick]

We just got a Malibu LTZ V6 and we love it. We drove a Camry, Accord, Altima as well but ended up with the Chevy. They are all good cars really, but I prefered the Malibu. It's a hypercompetative market. I recommend everyone that is considering a Camry or Accord to look at the Malibu. Too bad there are not many to choose from in most Chevy showrooms yet.

[jayraptor2]

2thetxchick, pls tell me more about ur new Malibu. Its fuel consumption, handling, maintenance, etc. I always wanted to know how it's like owning an American car. I love Japanese car but it lacks American cars tough body

[2thetxchick]

I love the car. We drove out to Phoenix for Christmas...great highway car. It's a bit too new for a good review on durabilty. Fuel economy is good, and I expect it to get better after more miles.

We have a 2002 Silverado (our first GM product) with almost 200,000 miles on it. It's been a really good truck, so when we decided to replace my car we considered and bought a Chevrolet. I am very happy so far.

[suicidehummer]

If only the rest of America was so open minded...

[Drewtitus]

ok a ford taurus would blow that thing out of the water and i wouldnt buy either

[kens97sto171]

Motor Trend has these numbers for 0-60. Ford Taurus 7.2 sec, Honda Accord 6.6 sec, Chevy Malibu 6.4 sec, It also out brakes, and handled the Honda Accord, and taurus. I am not saying I would buy one either.. Just lettin you know... It is a serious improvement.

[jayraptor2]

kens97sto171, I would love to own an American car but too bad they don't sell it abroad. About the new Malibu, Chevy needs to redesign its front grill & rear. Front grill is too big & rear looks too much like Volks Passat. The rest r good n very nice tough body

[KennyboyGM]

GM is starting to make the best cars on the road. GO GM!!!!!

[suicidehummer]

Yeah, i'd light my arm on fire for a CTS.

[DreamBoye]

How much is GM paying you? This car isn't all that. The Fusion looks way better. I'm suprised this car isn't made in Mexico like all the other GM cars. American?? yeah right! Cunt-faced freak

[suicidehummer]

I wish GM was paying me! The Fusion is alright, but the CTS is fucking beautiful!

You really don't know crap about cars if you think GM makes cars in Mexico. Ford does, not GM. And it is made in America, so why would you say, "American, yeah right!"? And for your info, more than 1/2 of American cars are made in America, so you can't say most are.

[kndrice]

Avalanche and HHR are made in Mexico--FACT

[suicidehummer]

Whatever, that's 2 out of like 100 American cars that aren't.

[kndrice]

Impala and LaCrosse are made in Canada-96 out of 100

[suicidehummer]

You named four cars, not 96.

And my mom's VUE was made in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

And only 20% of the car's profits go to where it's built. So the important factor is where the company is from, like it or not.

[CARFANATIC552]

lol the fusion sucks. Obviously you don't have much taste!

[suicidehummer]

If you were really a car fanatic, you would realize that the Fusion is not a bad car. Although it's not the best you can get, it's a good value. There's no reason to say it "sucks."

[CARFANATIC552]

You're write. Doesn't suck. I'll actually admit it's good and that's because Mazda made it for them.

[kndrice]

I agree. The Fusion does not "suck". But compared to the competiton, Malibu included, it is definitely in the bottom of the pack.

[SoloDallasII]

Yeah, it's not the best car, but that doesn't mean it sucks.

And Mazda had nothing to do with the Fusion. Why does everyone assume that because Ford has a large stake in Mazda, Mazda designed every Ford that won an award.

[septictank32]

still slow as fuck

[jazzman1914]

Its not suppose to be fast Dumbass

[kens97sto171]

Motor Trend has these numbers for 0-60. Ford Taurus 7.2 sec, Honda Accord 6.6 sec, Chevy Malibu 6.4 sec... Not saying I would buy one.. I tend to stick to Jap stuff. But I did drive a Malibu.. and it is a great improvement.

[suicidehummer]

But why not support your country when you like the car anyway?

[Masri23]

all of u talk to much goofs i want that shit nigga i have a 2003 chevy malibu haha i made it standerd 5 speed leath int spolier body kit fat muf subs/amps/woofers/tweeters hahha ITS THE SHIT

[cocharati]

You are not telling those GM and Ford employees the right things. That is to look for another job or their neighborhood will be empty place.

[D4rKNeSs13]

Don't ya love people who actively want to put hard working American employed by American companies out of work. Oh yeah I forgot all UAW workers are big fat fry eating lazy fucks~

Hopefully YOUR job will go away~

[suicidehummer]

They lose work because YOU won't buy their fucking cars, dumbass.

[moaski]

Not true. UAWs loose their jobs because they have to make the product provided to them. It's the management, engineers and designers who sit in their comfy offices who loose manufacturing jobs by coming up with second-rate products to make. Unfortunately, it's the hard-working UAWs workers who feel the brunt of poor managerial decisions. America has the best manufacturing workforce there is.

[suicidehummer]

No, the new American cars, like the Malibu, are engineered excellently, but people won't even consider American cars because they're so ignorant nowadays. It will take a long time before Americans are acknowledged for their great new cars by the magazines and public.

[justandretti]

Downsides? The Camry demonstrates a busier ride than Accord and Malibu, the latter of which also stifles more road and wind noise. The interior, although roomy, comfortable, and straightforward, is arguably the blandest of the group with its "acres of sickly gray plastic" that come across "awfully industrial next to the stylish Malibu," per St. Antoine. Plus, similar to the Altima's, the Camry's steering feels too light and anesthetized. (motor trend comparison test)

[torrid94]

da grille looks lyk a cadillac...nice but da back of the car just puts off the cars look totally

[cocharati]

I don't need to wait for their improvment as a customer. I'll take my money somewhere else. Thanks, but no thank you.

[kndrice]

And you have that right. But to fly on blind faith alone lets you fall into the abyss of recalls and bland styling--good thing all automakers don't rely on you.

[suicidehummer]

Toyota relies on people like him.

Cocharati: This IS the improvement, no more waiting.

[cocharati]

I don't have faith in American Automaker anymore. I think they make cheap cars for autoparts stores, so they can make profits. Imported cars are meant to last longer and well engineered. In America, we don't fire those people who make bad products due to the legal U.S. system. Overseas, they police will shutdown entire plan because they don't want a bad name for their country or products.

[kndrice]

You may be partly right, but it is more than a one time mistake that Toyota has had several quality problems over the last year. I think to deny GM a chance based on past performance is to not realize that those who need improving can and will improve if for no other reason than survival.

[suicidehummer]

Why would they want parts stores to profit? They want the freaking money, dumbass, and they way to do it is to make an excellent car like the Malibu.

[yahoohotgirl111]

i think they are doing good with the interior its different, and foregin cars are not to attractive to many. I own a new chrysler sebring the interior is nice and exterior but you would have to get the upper models to have a wellrounded luxury interior. but i still like all the models but if you want leather and wood grain i would prefer you to the touring and limited. like i have i love my 07sebring. the interior of the malibu is nice when you pay extra for the upper models of course.

[coldasiice]

The asians are in trouble,The galant and the camry and the new accord are sooo... ugly.The fusion,the magnum and know the malibu are better looking cars,the averge new car goes way over 100.000 miles. The asians always had quality and realiabilty hands down,but recent deisgns are hard on the eyes. The americans might take it.

[n0130160]

I don't know if the asian car makers are in that much trouble yet. Dodge has cancelled the magnum because of slow sales. Americans are just not into station wagons. The Charger and the fusion are selling decently but no where near camry and accord levels. The malibu looks good but I think it is going to take a few years of good reliability from this model to convince people to look away from the asian models.

[FireOFK]

I can see Chevy is now learning to understand how important interior quality is. for me if a car has best engine in the world does not matter if the interior of the car is cheap plastic shit and huge gaps all over the place like many preview Chevy models. they have done a great job with the CTS so will see how will it be for the other models for 08 and 09

[mrpower328]

I agree with Uncouthedsilence, the back looks to much like the impala. Cop car. I perfer the Maxima 08

[6shottah]

it's big again. the 2000-2001 chevy was a nice size compared to the ones beyond that. i really want one of these. plus it's rear-wheel. skiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttt­tttt

[Uncouthedsilence]

i dont like the rear end

looks too much like the 2000-05 chevy impala

needs more length and not so round taillights

[Airox180]

The rear end is definitely a weak spot on the cars design. It looks like it has been cut off.

[suicidehummer]

I wasn't sure if I liked it at fist, but in person, it looks great.

[punkposer]

this car looks like a touched up Saturn Aura, so when the guy says it was a wide open design process, i find that hard to believe. i hate to say it, but exterior wise, the last Malibu had a more progressive look.. i still hated it. this car looks too safe, too big.. the interor is gorgeous though..

[suicidehummer]

Too safe? Safety is good.

Too big? More room inside.

Why would you criticise that?

[masterpsychosis]

Its about time GM is investing its time with the look of the "interior" which makes it more attractive, just like the new interior look of the 2008 CTS.

[anthonyjcassino]

A decent entry into the mid-size sedan segment. Better looking than the new Sonata errr Accord and I am sure the six speed will shift smoother and the mighty Camry's DBW POS.

[armani1326]

This piece of shit looks A LOT like the Volkswagen Passat! american cars are ALWAYS ripping off German designs! Not japanese cars they look like shit too. German Engineering the best!!

[punkposer]

engineering and design are completely different...and if you think the Malibu looks like the Passat you need glasses

[suicidehummer]

I agree that the roofline has a hint of Passat to it, but most definately not copying.

And if we always copy the Germans, tell me of 10 other cars that do.

[MusicMan0007]

can anyone day FUGLY!!!!!!! This thing already looks dated........

[tonebro]

AWESOME CAR!! I want one in late 09

[lavakava]

lol yet another pathetic american attempt to imitate japanese niches...almost every fricking car these days put out by america is copying infiniti, lexus or acura designs...shame on them!

[EvanescentFlame]

In turn, the Japanese imitates American designs...One big happy circle

[punkposer]

Japs imitated what american design?

[CarLunatic]

i totally agree with you. do you prefer American or Japaneses cars? you do know that Japanese cars have MUCH fewer problems than American cars, right?

[suicidehummer]

Just b/c that's what Consumer Reports wants you to think doesn't mean it's true.

[suicidehummer]

Lavakava, you are a fucking idiot.

If we've copied the Japs, show me where, because ever since the Japs came here, they've been copying us to gain success.

The Japs have and always will be known as excellent copiers, and nothing more.

[terminal2k7]

its shape like a TL , copy cats

[llt41260]

don't see anything original in it, very bland! And the interior is fugly

[D4rKNeSs13]

blah blah blah blah blah......blah blah blah

[Mausome]

Looks Great!

[ekoro1]

nice car, I have a Malibu 1981 ajajajaja the best

[venusfan]

what a nice car.. Miles ahead of that POS 2008 Ford Taurus

[lamborgotti]

Too bad it compares to the fusion, not the taurus.

[kndrice]

Sitting in and driving both, the Fusion is the biggest pos of any competitor--out of date, crappy ride, weak in power + bland styling.

[lamborgotti]

The biggest "pos" would be a Sebring/Avenger, G6, Galant, or Sonata/Optima. The Fusion has better quality than a Camry for crying out loud, and the styling is anything but bland, the malibu looks just like everything else.

[punkposer]

The Fusion has better quality than a Camry CE or possibly..maybe LE yes.. but i doubt it has better quality than anything above those models. plus you have to take into consideration that the Fusion is designed towards one specific demographic rather than a range..and if they were trying to design the car towards a broader demographic, then they did a bad job. don't get me wrong, i like the car....

[RickyG5555]

GM's really got their act together--hope they can keep it up!

[Joris02]

omg love it gm is doing great lately

[454boxing]

I like the 2007 chevrolet malibu better ***

[454boxing]

nice car like 2007 chevrolet malibu