Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.

Malibu is redesigned for 2008 and a summertime sales launch. The Maxx hatchback is gone, but the sedan returns with a similarly long wheelbase. Its platform is new, however, being the Episilon II global midsize-car architecture engineered by General Motors' German Opel branch. This will eventually serve redesigned versions of the Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura sedan, and Saab 9-3.

The '08 Malibu stands 6 inches longer than the 2004-2007 sedan, and boasts a 3-inch longer wheelbase than the Toyota Camry, one of several targeted rivals. The front end wears a "dual-port" grille, a new design signature for Chevrolet cars. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cyl with 164 hp. It teams with a 4-speed automatic transmission in LS and LT models or a 6-speed automatic in the top-line LTZ. Optional is a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 with the 6-speed automatic. ABS and traction control are standard for all '08s. LT and LTZ add GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system. Chevrolet says interior materials were chosen for a more-upscale look. Metallic or woodgrain trim is available.

Chevy says it will offer a gas-electric hybrid Malibu a few months after other models reach dealers. Officials hint at a starting price of about $20,000. The powertrain should be identical to that of the Aura Green Line, with a battery-powered electric motor that assists a 4-cyl gasoline engine but does not drive the vehicle independently. Final pricing and more details will be available soon, so keep checking back with us.