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EDITORS' NOTEBOOK: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Day 1

EDITORS' NOTEBOOK: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Day 1

Posted February 15 2008 08:58 AM by Automobile Staff 
Filed under: Car Ramblings & Reviews, Marc Noordeloos, Chevrolet, Sedans, Hybrids

Check Dealer Pricing On a New Chevrolet Malibu
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
MSRP Range
$21,825.00 - $26,605.00
Fuel Economy
26 city / 34 highway
Base Engine
164-horsepower L4
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrains
Front Wheel Drive
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Driving impressions of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.

I just got out of the Malibu Hybrid and overall it's a nice car. The hybrid model is inexpensive at under $23K and doesn¹t have the same annoying hybrid surging you get in the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids. The Chevy is quite slow and it sure would be happier with a 6-speed automatic but its general ride quality and solid feeling are impressive. The electric power steering is not fabulous but it's better than Nissan's and Toyota's setups in their hybrid models. Sure, the Malibu Hybrid only adds 2 mpg to the combined EPA ratings compared to a regular, 4-cylinder version but it is some $3000 less expensive than its rivals from Japan.


Reader Comments:
1. I am in the market for a midsize 4 door sedan and started my search with Aura and then Malibu. I cannot believe I am the only person who has eyes that work but after looking at over 30 examples, I found two (yes 2) cars that had the dash panels line up with the dash. Anyone who sits in the car with their eyes open will see this glaring defect. It is unbelieveable to me that they allow them out of the factory like this. If this is the best GM can do, they are done for. The bigwigs at GM need to visit the dealers to see the cars the cars we, (the buying public), are expected to purchase. Maybe once they see actual production models instead of the specially massaged ones they get to review, things will change. I have NEVER purchased a new car from the imports (Toyota/Honda or even Nissan). I strongly believe we should buy products from companies where the profits stay in the US but I cannot keep supporting a broken system.

abruey    - Posted March 21 2008 06:58 AM

 
2. abruey,

Just a suggestion, go to your local Audi dealership and look at this same issue , you'll find that even a $40,000-$50,000 Audi has this same condition, in fact I was surprised to see that the gap between the door and dash panel was pretty big.
The Audi A4 and A6 are consider one of the top quality manufactures in the world.
All, unless ihe vehicle is hand built on a slow assembly line, have this issue. Depending on the design, this issue is either noticeable or invisible.I'm not letting GM off the hook, but, this is a $20,000 large volume selling car.Once you look at other competitors, you'll find the same issue.

bzch25    - Posted May 9 2008 06:21 AM

 

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