http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/PV__025591__.jpg

The exterior styling is much better on the 2006 Malibus. I like the 17"s on the LTZ. This is what the car needed.

I predict better malibu sales for 2006.

 

While I think it makes it a touch more generic looking, I think most people will agree it is better looking than the 04-05 front end that put off so many people... even though it sold well...


Personally, I like it better as well.

It's also nice to see the freshening come so quickly... in the 3rd year of the current run. Nicely done, Chevy.

 

Looks better, but I agree it does water down the uniqueness of it.

 

Much, much better. The car looked nice except from the front, and that was a big except for me. The front on the Malibu was just about as bad as the taillights on the Impala. Which is a shame, because the Impala is good looking car from all other angles.

 

The outside is not bad looking. Not something to get excited over but fits with the target buyer. Its the interior that they need to make strides in. I have not seen it but hopefully its worlds ahead of the current gen.

 

Hrm...17's eh. They look like G6 wheels IMO.
Front end is ok. Cleaner, but Ive gotten so used to the "odd" type that it doenst bother me at all.

 

I think that looks much better. Now if they could only do something about the interior. What's the motor and trans available in that model?

 

Looks like a Toyota. Blah.

(Although I am sure GM would be happy with that comment.)

 

Now that you mention it... you're right. It looks like a cross between a current-gen Toyota Camry (although nothing like the new one about to come out) and a Scion tC.

Maybe that's why I like it so much.

 

LTZ gets the same 3.5L V6 and auto tranny form 2005, the SS gets the ~240hp/240tq VVT 3.9L .

Making a cookie cutter mainsteam sedan is what sells, just look at the top 5 selling cars in the USA. To 98% of the Malibu, Accord, Camry, Altima customers these cars are just expensive appliances like the computer or fridge.

 

I like it 100% better. I never thought the interior was bad, just bland.

 

looks like it got a new bumper cover-still just as ugly.

 

Hmmm. Looks like the new "Chevrolet brand styling" is actually coming to fruition.

 

I like the new front end and I am glad to see some freshening rather quickly instead of dragging on for the entire model life without a freshening. I still wish it was a bit more sporty and less conventional.

 

Yep!

IMO, not quite as bad as the king-of-blandness Camry's interior, though the Accord's is more stylish. But the panel fit and overall material quality of the current Malibu are quite good. Now the outside looks better than it did. I'm glad to see these refreshes.