Chevrolet Malibu: A smart investment

Posted Thursday, January 17, 2008

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Safety, affordability and more miles to the gallon gives the Chevy Malibu, high marks in my book for the next time I go car shopping.

The Malibu, winner of the 2008 North American Car of the Year Award, finally competes with other fuel-efficient economy cars with its new 4-cylinder powerplant. An efficient 30 mpg on the highway puts it squarely in the same ballpark as the Toyota Camry and other midsize cars.

Offering a decidedly greener image is the hybrid version —- which offers 164 horsepower and improved 24 city/32 highway fuel economy.

And for those who want a little more power, the 252 hp V-6 still turns in some good numbers on the fuel economy front with 17/26 mpg.

The Malibu model I drove, the LT, provided by Milnes Chevrolet in Imlay City, is the most basic of the five model choices for 2008, but still offers many features once considered only optional for the economy minded, including keyless entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, three months of standard XM Radio and power seats. The Malibu can fake a luxury appearance with a chrome exhaust tip and bright 17-inch aluminum rims.

The basic cobalt grey Malibu I took for a road test offers safety features and plenty of space as well as a clean design that should encourage families to give it a serious look.

The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control system was noticeably helpful in creating a sure, smooth ride. Traction Control and four-wheel antilock brakes ease the Malibu around sharp corners and lessen that whiplash feeling we sometimes get in heavy stop-and-go driving.

Driver and front passenger dual-stage air bags with a Passenger Sensing system and head-curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard passengers add a sense of security. My test drive, fortunately, did not require the use of these features, but offered some added confidence just knowing they were there.

As a compact SUV owner, I appreciated the leg room up front.

The roomy back seat comes with built-in child booster, making this a good choice for a family of four or five.

As a driver who at times can be “directionally challenged” my favorite feature in the Malibu is the OnStar system, available with a one-year Directions and Connections Plan, which includes turn by turn navigation. No more driving aimlessly, wasting time and gas. It’s a must-have option for me, above all others, in my next car purchase.

The Malibu may not be featured on MTV Cribs, be tough enough to pull trucks or fast enough to drag race, but for anyone looking for a smart investment and a practical vehicle choice, the new Malibu deserves high marks. — Danielle Kapral