2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu: Road Test

Acceleration with the four-cylinder is adequate around town, but it feels weak in highway passing. The 3.5-liter V6 is more robust. However, neither engine is as powerful or refined as those of most Japanese-brand rivals. Chevrolet's strong 3.9-liter V6 has more than ample power, but makes SS versions prone to torque steer--pulling to the side during full-throttle takeoffs. Automatic transmissions are smooth, but must shift frequently to keep the four-cylinder in its optimum power band. Test V6 sedans averaged 20.9 to 23.7 mpg, depending on driving conditions. A Maxx LT averaged 21.2 mp in mixed city/highway driving, while a 3.5-liter Maxx got 21.2 to 25.2 mpg in similar duty. A Maxx SS averaged 19 to 21.4 mpg in a mix of city and highway travel. Chevrolet recommends regular fuel for all engines. Well isolated from bumps, Malibus suffer little wallow or float on wavy roads--but more than an Accord or Camry. Rear tires occasionally thump over expansion joints. Despite its sport suspension, an SS Maxx gives up little in comfort. Rigid body construction and a taut suspension help Malibus corner with agility and confidence. Larger wheels on the Maxx and LT sedan provide impressive grip in tight corners, where the base and LS sedan's smaller tires complain loudly. SS models are best overall on their 18-inch tires. Electrically-assisted steering delivers good road feel. SS models use conventional hydraulic assist. Brakes are adequate, but ABS should be standard on all models. Engines are nearly silent at cruise, but the four-cylinder sounds strained when passing. That engine and the 3.5-liter V6 drone loudly at full throttle and lack overall refinement. The SS's 3.9-liter V6 is relatively hushed and sounds more refined while accelerating. Wind and road noises are moderate at highway speeds. Large, clear instruments greet the driver. Conveniently located and clearly marked audio and climate controls highlight the well-designed interior. Most materials are impressive enough, but the center armrest lid is flimsy. Workmanship is good, but overall, materials are visibly below Honda/Toyota level. The optional remote-start feature works as advertised and is integrated with a standard antitheft system. Front head and leg room are acceptable for large adults, but not outstanding. Standard power height adjustment and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel afford an excellent driving position, potentially augmented by optional power-adjustable pedals. Outward visibility is good, enhanced by large outside mirrors. Maxx rear pillars partially obscure views to the back corners. Sedan passengers have adequate leg room in back, but a low seat bottom makes them ride knees-up, and taller adults may want more head room. Maxx offers outstanding leg space that rivals full-size sedans, as well as reclining seatbacks and easy entry/exit through large doors. It's also among few passenger cars to offer rear-seat entertainment. Back seats are comfortable if a bit soft. The sedan's trunk is adequate for its class with low liftover. All Malibus have a split folding rear seat. The Maxx's back seats slide forward to expand cargo room. Both body styles have a fold-flat front passenger seat, to accommodate long items. Interior storage is unexceptional.

Value for the Money
Chevrolet aims the Malibu at Honda Accord and Toyota Camry buyers. While the sedan is a bit smaller than those rivals, the versatile Maxx offers more rear-seat room than either. The four-cylinder engine disappoints, but in V6 form, Malibu combines good pep with competent road manners, and an impressive list of standard or available features. New-car prices were reasonable, and Malibus tend to be moderately priced secondhand as well.