1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu: Road Test

Acceleration is good with the 4-cylinder engine--more than sufficient for most owners. On the downside, the four gets loud when accelerating hard. A Malibu with the substantially smoother V6 is stronger off the line and around town, but does not feel markedly more energetic at highway speeds. The automatic transmission shifts without jarring, but does not always downshift promptly to furnish suitable passing power. A 4-cylinder Malibu averaged 22.5 mpg in a mix of city and expressway driving. A Malibu V6 returned about 19 mpg. Malibu feels agile, maneuverable, and secure, but charging down a freeway off-ramp produces substantial body lean, as well as tire scrubbing. Malibus ride comfortably and stably on the highway. But there's a lot of suspension and tire thumping over ruts and potholes. Wind noise is tolerable, but the level of engine and tire noise yields less-than-serene cruising. Braking power is adequate, with good pedal modulation and moderate nosedive in hard braking. Malibu is spacious for its size. Front head room is generous. Leg room is more than adequate all around. Rear head room is sufficient for folks under 6 feet tall. Front bucket seats are firm and nicely contoured, but the rear bench is harder and flatter than it should be. Malibu's dashboard is a gently curved model of efficiency. A tasteful blend of fabrics, plastics, and padded surfaces gives Malibu the feel of a more-expensive automobile. Interior storage space ranks above average and trunk space is generous, helped by a flat floor, huge opening, and near-bumper-level sill to ease loading. Thin roof pillars and large outside mirrors offer good visibility. However, the rear parcel shelf is high enough to block the driver's view of the trunk while backing up.

Value for the Money
Offering an admirable blend of utility, driving fun, and features, Malibu is an intermediate-sized sedan that warrants serious consideration.