Malibu LS 2.2L is Underated

[Wal-Mart Man2006]

Hey yawll! This is my first post on automotiveforums.com so I hope you enjoy.

Back on topic, The 2.2L powered Malibu quote "dissapoints" and "is underpowered" by trusted Car and Truck tester Consumer Guide. However, they say quote " HHR is lively on the accelerator" and "HHR is a peppy newcomer...." How does CG get these ratings? Is anyone else here aware that the Malibu sedan( not Maxx ) and the HHR have roughly equal GVWR? Within 200lbs or so. How is it that the Malibu sedan is disapointing and the HHR is lively? I guess you can argue aerodynamics, but even there, the HHR is a "box" and the Malibu is a sleek sedan. Which do you think would do better?

I know that the 3.5L V6 is the optimum pick for the wise buyer thru all of my studies and test drives( G6 sedan w/ 3.5L ) I personally would go for nothing less than that V6, especially for no more difference in cost then it makes, but, I also have found this to be a little bit of media hype about the "dissapointing" 2.2L Malibu. So how many of yawll knew that? This is just a little tid bit of some of the rating errors that testers like CG try to take shortcuts on, and detailed studiers like us can pick up on. Just a little food for thought. What's yawlls take on this? Please post in, I'd love to hear what you have to say. Thanks!

Bosco Tillerman

[wpbharry]

I have an '04 Maxx with the 3500. When it was in the shop in April, I was given an '06 LS 2.2L sedan as a rental. I was amazed at the power around town. That is, until I needed to pass someone on the highway and quickly discovered that it's such a dog almost to the point of being unsafe.

I'll stick with the 3500, thanks. And on the HHR, I'd spring for the 2.4, for sure.

[tractorboy]

Have you ever read a movie review that said a movie was bad and you liked the movie ? you have your answer , a lot is opinion , like the news lol

we just got a Malibu maxx 3.5L, great car, i wish we had gotten the SS , 3.9L

[PteHoward]

I own an 04 Mali with the 2.2L, and to say it is underpowered? No. I cant see it. It sure isnt neck-snapping by any means, but I feel its sufficient. Its a malibu. I dont bother subscribing to any car reviews of any sort. They are usually putting hondas and toyotas on a sacred pedestal, (Remember the Toyota Sienna Oil Sludge problem?) when they dont deserve it for the costs, and these people are used to the likes of Mercedes and lexus vehicles, some drive a ferrari around for thier review. Needless to say, all autmotive journalists (?) are biased, if not bribed.

Just my 2 cents.

[Blue Bowtie]

Consumer Reports has about as much credibility among the automotive press as any South American dictatorship. I'm astounded that the good people of upstate New York haven't massed into an army of torch and pitchfork bearers, and chased out the monster. I'm nearly certain that the entire organization is controlled by a Y-chromosome defficient "leadership" - Medical testing would likely prove that, even if visual indications would suggest otherwise. Anyone remember when they picked the Dodge Reliant K-Car as a "Good Pick" during the onslaught of Iaccoca advertisements?

Basing a purchasing decision on poll results taken from otherwise uneducated consumers' and self-proclaimed experts' opinions is risky.