2003 Chevrolet Malibu: Road Test
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2003 Chevrolet Malibu ▼
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- MSRP: $18,075 -$20,575
- Invoice: $16,539 -$18,826
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Our road test for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu help you decide if a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.2 |
Strong off the line and around town, but not at highway speeds. Also not as smooth as Japanese rivals. Transmission doesn't always downshift quickly for passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.3 |
Recent test car averaged an unimpressive 19 mpg in a city/highway driving mix. GM recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
Chassis irons out most pavement well enough, but suspension and tires thump loudly over ruts and potholes.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.1 |
Feels maneuverable, secure in normal driving, but aggressive cornering brings on marked tire scrub and body lean and makes steering feel slow and vague. Stopping power adequate, pedal modulation good with ABS, but making the safety-enhancing ABS optional for the base model is an ill-advised way for Chevy to cut list price.
QUIETNESS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Wind and road noise are high enough to keep these cars from qualifying as serene long-distance cruisers.
CONTROLS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 |
Instruments unobstructed, stalks for wipers and headlamps convenient, audio and climate controls large and accessible. Tasteful blend of materials gives a surprisingly upscale feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.9 |
Generous head room and leg room. Firm, nicely contoured seats. Thin pillars, large outside mirrors provide good visibility, but high rear parcel shelf impedes vision astern. Most rivals offer front side-airbag protection that Malibu lacks.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.4 |
Good leg room with front seats less than halfway back, though cushion is flat and uncomfortable. Head room sufficient for those under 6-ft tall.
CARGO ROOM
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.7 |
Large trunk has a flat floor, large opening, near-bumper-level sill. Interior storage space is generous.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.2 |
It's no cut-rate Camry, but Malibu delivers a fine blend of utility, driving ease, and features at an attractive price.
Total Score
| LS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 58 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 58
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