Chevrolet Malibu Part 3: Performance Review

The Chevrolet Malibu's mid-size family sedan category is a tough one for several reasons. First, the volume of cars involved is massive - a hundred-thousand plus in sales if you get it right. Secondly, this kind of family car has to be a jack-of-all-trades, combining great packaging, excellent reliability and good economy, all at an affordable price.

Before the current Malibu arrived for the 2008 model year, Chevrolet didn't really have a meaningful competitor in this class. Sure, there was the last Malibu, but it simply didn't fare well against the main players in this category.

Let's face it, the last generation Chevrolet Malibu was the poster child of rental car companies and its performance - or lack thereof - was appropriately relaxed and leisurely for those who happened to rent one while on vacation.

One drive in the current Malibu, however, will quickly erase any bad rental-car-memories. The available V6 delivers a very competitive 252 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that makes the most of it, while helping the Malibu return mileage numbers perfectly in step with the competition. In fact, the Chevy matches up well against its opponents in just about every category you can think of, and it does so without inducing boredom, a standard feature found on many of its competitors.

A look at the players in this category confirms that the mid-size sedan segment is full of cars as exciting and emotionally charged as stamp collecting. Seriously, you could cure a serious bout of insomnia simply by considering these cars. Forget counting sheep, instead close your eyes and picture an endless line of Camrys, Accords and Altimas...

In the interest of clarity, the Malibu doesn't offer sportcar thrills, but neither does it deliver the effects of a good sedative. Its handling - within this category - is relatively sharp, with good body control and decent bite through corners. And its steering, while slightly numb, at least appears to have a direct effect on the front wheels, and is hugely rewarding when compared to the helm of a Camry for example. The ride too, is quite well judged, being comfortable while avoiding the wallowing sensations of some past GM family cars.

One gripe that surfaced during our time with the Malibu was its woeful turning radius, which required three-point turns in the space most cars could easily pull off a simple U-turn - as minor a complaint as that may be.

The Chevrolet Malibu has risen from near the bottom of its class to become a serious challenger to the top selling imports that have dominated this category for so long. And by bringing such a compelling product to this hugely competitive arena, GM has proven it still has plenty of fight left in it.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

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