2008 Chevrolet Malibu: Tester's Comments
2008 Chevrolet Malibu ▼
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- MSRP: $19,900 - $27,095
- Invoice: $18,806 - $25,605
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. See if the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | LS |
| Arrival Date: | 12/13/2007 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 19,345 |
| Price as Tested: | 20,075 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 2169 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2457 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 288 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 12.405 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 23.22 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Floor Mats
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
Some shoppers might wish for a bit more power, but it's hard to fault the Malibu LS's pleasant road manners and interior accommodations--especially at its bargain price.
Ed Piotrowski
While 2008 Malibus with the V6 engine are very good, it's in 4-cylinder form where these cars really shine. Sure, a bit more oomph would be nice, but GM has at long last exorcised the demons of noise, vibration, and harshness that have plagued the Ecotec series of four-bangers since their debut. This midsize sedan is proof that GM is on the right track in its turnaround of the Chevrolet division. Buyers would be remiss not to put Malibu on their shopping lists.
Sikora Don
The Malibu LS really shines against the Accord LX. Especially in base form, Malibu is agruably quieter and smoother than Accord is on the road, and the two-tone beige interior with chrome and satin silver accents that our test car sported is much more inviting than the monotone charcoal cabin that is the only choice in Accord LX.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | LTZ |
| Arrival Date: | 05/30/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 26,795 |
| Price as Tested: | 26,915 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 1974 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2676 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 702 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 26.418 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 26.57 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Rear Power Package (Rear Power Center w/110V AC outlet, Manual Rear Window Sunshade), LTZ Spring Special (Deletes: 3.6-liter V6, 18-inch wheels, dual chrome exhuast), Red Jewel Tintcoat
From the Back Seat
Don Sikora
The latest addition to the 2008 Chevy Malibu lineup is a top-line LTZ model that's powered by a 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. In this new form, Malibu continues to impress with its combination of style, comfort, refinement, and fuel economy.
Ed Piotrowski
GM has the right idea in moving more of its mainstream products to 6-speed automatic transmissions. While they work wonderfully in V6 and V8 applications, the company still has a bit of work to do when it comes to pairing it with a 4-cylinder. A simple re-programming should do the trick, preventing the transmission from being caught in too-high a gear at inappropriate times. Transmission performance aside, Malibu remains one of the best midsize sedans out there, and shoppers would be remiss not to have it on their lists.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Hybrid |
| Arrival Date: | 05/01/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc I4/electric |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 22,140 |
| Price as Tested: | 22,790 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 4290 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 4729 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 439 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 14.0171 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 31.32 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
No options.
From the Back Seat
Jennifer Geiger
I was pleased with our test Malibu Hybrid's $22,790 price tag and the 27.3 mpg I averaged during my 90-mile test drive. The hybrid model is a nice option for "green" buyers looking for the comfort and practicality of a midsize car but the gas mileage of a compact one.
Rick Cotta
Malibu Hybrid costs about the same as the smaller Honda Civic Hybrid, with the Malibu trading greater interior room, a larger trunk, and a fold-down rear seatback for a loss of about 15 miles per gallon in economy. If that sounds like a fair sacrifice for the added utility, a 30-mpg Malibu might well be a great choice.
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