2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Review | Buyer Guide
Chevy Builds A Contender
The 2008 Malibu has been a big hit for Chevrolet. Sales of the new model have easily out paced that of the old, and what’s more important, many of the sales this year have gone to owners of other brands, including Toyota.
One of the reasons for the Malibu’s success has been its styling. Its nose sports the new face of Chevy, with two horizontal grilles and the Chevy emblem on the bar in between. It is simple, yet attractive. The same can be said for the rest of the car, which features a straightforward, European look.
On the inside, the cabin has even more appeal. The Chevy designers came up with a twin cockpit design, with a nicely sculpted dash that flows gracefully around into the doors. They ordered up two-tone treatment for the both the dash and the seats. Brushed silver trim on the center control panel adds an upscale touch. Soft-touch vinyl is used extensively. The steering wheel, in particular has a nice feel to it. My only complaint was that some of the surfaces still looked hard and shiny.
The Malibu rides on a long, 112.4-inch wheelbase, so legroom is generous, fore and aft. Knee room in the rear was enhanced by hollowing out the backs of the front seats. However, headroom for those in back is just adequate for tall passengers. The trunk doesn’t look big—it’s not really very deep— but it will hold 15-cu.-ft. of luggage, and has a large opening.
The Malibu comes in three levels of trim, LS, LT and LTZ. The LS is nicely equipped for a base model. It sports standard features, like AC, and power locks and windows, but it also has keyless entry, satellite radio and the OnStar communications system.
The LT adds a few goodies, like 17-inch wheels, steering wheel controls and the Stabilitrack anti-skid system. The LTZ gets a V-6 engine, a six-speed transmission, leather seats and an upgraded stereo and much more. However, the LTZ is pricey at $27,445.
Chevrolet powers the LS and LT with a standard 2.4-liter, 169-hp, four-cylinder motor. The LTZ gets a 3.6-liter, 252-hp, V-6—the same engine that powers the Cadillac CTS. (The V-6 is also optional on the LT.) Finally, there’s a gas/electric hybrid power plant, like the one in my test car.
The Malibu has what is called a “mild” hybrid. Unlike the Toyota Prius, the Malibu’s hybrid is not designed to propel the car on electric power alone. The 36-volt electric motor/generator that combines with the four-cylinder gas engine provides a boost in power when you step on the accelerator. The system also shuts off the engine at stoplights, and restarts it as soon you take your foot off the brake. When you use the brakes, or when you are coasting, power flows back into a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
The good news about the system is that it costs only $1800 more than the standard four-cylinder gas engine. The bad news is that it yields only two more miles per gallon— 24-32 mpg—than the gas-only engine. And it contributes very little to the performance of the Malibu. This is not a lively power plant.
However, where the Malibu shines is in its driving dynamics. Those who drove the old Malibu will notice a world of difference. This car feels solid, and its quiet out on the road. The ride is very smooth. Furthermore, the Malibu handles very capably. It feels much like a Honda Accord. The steering is nicely weighted and precise, and there’s a sense of balance when taking corners.
Malibu pricing starts at $19,995. My Hybrid had a bottom line of $22,790.
Snapshot Review
Smart Styling
Smooth Ride
Capable Handling
Weak Hybrid Motor
