2008 Malibu LS....review, from an owner.

[Lec]

Ok,

I recently purchased a 2008 Malibu LS, Dark Grey. As Base as you can get.


First off, from a distance, you'd swear it was a German Auto. Its amazing, they stole from several designs (including the corvette) and mashed them all into what you see. I have received many suprised looks when passer buys see the bowtie. Also, my Malibu was $20,500 MSRP, but no one belives me when I tell them. Everyone guesses $25K to start just to get into one.
Lastly, LS and LT1 packages come with wheel fascia's, NOT WHEELS. However, if you didn't know it, you'd never be able to tell. Good job on the faux wheel covers GM.

Exterior Grade: A+

The interior is wonderful, but the few places they have hard plastic is very sensitve, YOU WILL scratch it for various reasons. Other than that the interior receives high marks. Base speakers do not last long, they will break down fast with high bass levels.

Interior Grade: A

The engine is a 2.4L "borrowed" from well....several cars. HHR, Aura, Colbalt Sport, etc etc. Off the highway, it carries the car well, no complaints. Highway, is not bad, I'd say good. The engine is fine, it has the power, but the 4-speed makes passing less than exhilarting. *NOTE, Rumor says a 6 speed (late availbilty) option on LS and LT1 will be availble. Lastly the 2.4L is pretty good on gas, look for about 350miles on a fuel tank of gas with mixed city and highway use, probably 380 if you test the limits of its 13/14 gallon tank.

Powertrain: B-

Driving, it is sorta fun, for a 4cyl. It handles extremley well. Road noise is absent till about 80mph+. You will hardly notice minor road bumps, and even major ones feel minor. Engine noise is neglible till about 4K RPM.

Suspension/NVH: B+

Onstar, and the airbags are gold if you ask me. Onstar offers free navigation through your radio, hit the button, tell them the address and the route is downloaded to your radio, street names, distances are all displayed, and you are also voice guided by Dr Stephen Hawking.

Base Model Equipment/Technology A+

Overall this is the best car to bow with the Bowtie in a long time. If you are in the market for a new sedan. Do not ignore this car. I was dead set on an Altima (2.5S) until I came to the Chevy lot. GM is turning it around, if they put this much work into the next Impala and Cobalt, Chevy will be dead even with Toyota and Honda.

Overall Owner Grade. A-