2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Consumer Guide's editors logged over 400 miles in the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.

Model: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ; 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission.

Base Price: $26,345

Options: Rear Power Package (rear-seat 110-volt AC outlet, manual rear window sunshade)

Price as Tested: $27,245

Total Miles Tested: 424 miles

Miles Per Gallon: 21.4 mpg

Editors' Notes

Damon Bell: Chevy definitely went all-out in making the new Malibu "the car you can't ignore." The new car's almost overly-rakish greenhouse hampers its practicality a little, and the powerful LTZ model's $6400 premium and tendency toward torque steer in fast acceleration has me thinking a 4-cylinder LT might be the best value in the line.
John Biel: A fine powerteam, nice road manners, and good room for people and things make the new Malibu a top-drawer family sedan. The interior of our test LTZ showed a differentiation of colors augmented by nicely grained plastics and two kinds of metal trim in a tightly assembled cabin. The LTZ is so well equipped that our $27,245 as-delivered test vehicle had just one power convenience option added to it, and was missing only the sunroof and premium paint to have been considered "fully loaded." Even with those items, the full-sticker bottom line wouldn't have hit $28,500. This is value in a contemporary family car.
Ed Piotrowski: The evolution of GM's "Epsilon" platform on non-Saab products has been an interesting one. It's slowly shown that GM is truly starting to "get it" when it comes to creating products that are more than just competitive in their segments. First you had Pontiac G6 (2005)--decent enough, but pretty blah overall. Saturn Aura (2007) gave the brand a truly competitive midsize sedan that attempted to mimic European driving dynamics. Malibu, though, truly shines. It's pleasant to drive, quite refined, and priced right where it needs to be. Well done.
Don Sikora: Malibu LTZ is a well equipped, handsome, and capable family sedan that is a strong entry in this very competitive class.