Chevrolet Malibu Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The Chevrolet Malibu competes in what is arguably the most important and competitive arena in the automotive marketplace: the mid-size, family sedan. In this segment a company can fill its bank account if its offering is good... and conversely, be left looking for a handout if its contender really isn't.

Previous attempts at a bread-n-butter, mid-size car by General Motors resulted in transportation tools rather than compelling cars - negative connotation intended and, as any of you who've rented one of those past efforts can verify, warranted.

The arrival of the seventh generation Chevrolet Malibu in the 2008 model year changed all of that. With contemporary design, competitive powertrains and finally, category-correct interior design and appointments, the Malibu provided General Motors customers with a bright spot in a category in which the company previously had pretty dim prospects.

Where the interiors of the Malibus of old used Tonka Toy-grade plastics, the new Malibu uses soft-touch material more likely to be found in a luxury import. And where previous interior design efforts seemed inspired by a time clock running up on quitting time, the current car's interior tells of sweating the details to get things right.

The Malibu's clean and contemporary exterior design carries through inside the car. The dual cockpit theme is stylish and functional, looking especially sharp in the available two-tone finish. With the right combination of wood-grain-like trim, aluminum-looking accents, a flourish of chrome here and there and the cool blue backlight of the main gauges, the interior of this Chevrolet is actually quite the nice place to be.

If you've driven a previous generation Malibu, you've probably dismissed this car already. After all, the build quality of those older models featured panel gaps big enough to hide a Chihuahua, as well as suspect noises from loose fitting bits.

Luckily for GM, that is no longer the case, as this Malibu is worthy of serious consideration in a category filled with Camrys and Accords. I know this may sound crazy to you import loyalists out there, but it's true - this Chevrolet Malibu is a contender.

In fact, this car is such an improvement that it deserves its own name so as to not be saddled by the old car's baggage... although if it must carry baggage, at least there's a sizeable trunk with a large 15.1 cubic feet of space.

Those still not convinced that the Malibu is a worthy competitor would do well to actually sit their behinds in this car, as the perception of the superior quality of import-car interiors would surely be challenged.

That this car has gone from an "avoid at all cost" warning to a "make sure you test drive before buying something else" recommendation, probably says more about it than anything else I could offer.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Chevrolet Malibu LT

Performance
- Acceleration: Perfectly adequate within this category - V6 sounds more refined than expected
- Handling: Again, given the category, the handling is at or near the top - a Camry couldn't dream of changing direction like the Chevy
- Braking: Mushy initial pedal, but stopping power is there whenever you need it

Design
- Exterior: Subjective though these things are, the Malibu is easily among the most handsome cars in its class - only the bowtie badge and its image hurts it
- Interior: Perhaps the single largest area of improvement and finally up to the standards set by the class leading imports - two-tone is especially attractive

Utility
- Comfort: Long wheelbase means a smooth ride - comfortable (if not the most supportive) seats and still one of the best climate control systems in the business
- Space: Another big advantage of the long wheelbase... tons of rear seat room - trunk is pretty generous as well

Safety
- Dynamics: Skip the all-season tires unless you truly need them and you'll help yourself if ever you need to avoid an impending accident
- Technology: Everything you'd expect in terms of airbags, stability control, etc.

Value
- Price: Value pricing is the name of the game at GM, which means the same price as competitors but with much more content - true value
- Mileage: 6-speed automatic eager for its top gear helps the Malibu achieve good mileage numbers

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Not really an option in the mid-size family sedan segment - although it is a looker
- Fun to spank: Not in this category

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 3.6-liter, V6
Power (SAE): 252 hp
Torque: 251 lb-ft
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3650 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.7 sec.
Top Speed: n/a
Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $25,425
Competitors: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion