Chevy Malibu
It's hard not to see advertisements for the Chevrolet Malibu. With its keen redesign for 2008, Chevrolet put everything it has into the marketing of the car named after the southern California beach city.The promotion began in earnest during the 2008 World Series and it hasn't waned. Chevrolet reportedly spent $100 million advertising the new Malibu, and the campaign included the banner signage behind homeplate during World Series games. It also seemed like every other commercial the World Series was for the vehicle.Chevrolet wants the Malibu to compete with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and that's a hefty task. But the promotion has succeeded with the re-introduced Malibu quickly climbing into the top echelon of sedan salesWith its hybrid, new for 2008, the Malibu features GMC's "mild hybrid system" rather than its dual mode full hybrid system.And when compared to other hybrid offerings, the Malibu goes in reverse before it finds forward gears.The reason: Early mileage reports for the hybrid are about two percent higher than to 22 to 27 mph for the gas engine Malibu. That's little to boast about, particularly when you're trying to compete against established brands.The hybrid's configuration is a 36-volt electric motor coupled with a 2.4 liter Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual transmission. Using an integrated starter-generator, mild hybrids, shut the gasoline engine off at stoplights, and offer around 10-15 percent increase in fuel economy.With its well-touted redesign, the Malibu features chrome outline on gauges, center vents and the console shifter and wood and several two-tone trims are available.Beyond cosmetics, the Malibu's interior leg and body room is spacious, but head room remains only adequate. Its average head clearance can be overlooked considering the fast trunk, expansive access area and the spacious pass-through from the rear-seat to the trunk.Overall, the Malibu hybrid offers an enticing price point in an exciting, attractive new version of a near-classic car that's been around since 1964. The Malibu once was the rage of every Southern California surfer. And it's a great testament for Chevrolet that the badge has been around for 45 years.
But the 2009 Malibu hybrid doesn't distinguish itself against industry leaders at least not yet.Safety Features - dual-front, front side and side curtain airbags;Warranty - Bumper to Bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/100,000Fuel Mileage Estimates - 22-27 mpg; miles; Corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles.Base Price - $22,140.00
