I wasn't as impressed with it live as I was with the initial photos, however I do have some random first impression observations that I would like to share in point form:


- Style-wise I found it too resemble the Camry.

- Headlights/Crossbar combination somehow made it look soft and less 'cutting edge.'

- Interior looked very nice.

- Much taller than the old model.

Now I actually saw two cars, (they were very similar, bland styling). I need to see better wheel and colour combinations before I judge this car too much.

Should be an improvement though.

Anyone drive one yet?

Jeff

 

I agree Jeff.

I also saw an Impala SS that I forgot to mention. Very nice car, love the wheels and the chrome tips. If I could change one thing, I would make the emblem stick out more somehow.

Jeff

 

For what it is and suppose to be, I think the new Malibu is perfect. I just wish they would increase the power a little bit more.

 

We have two new malibu's...The interiors feel and look so new! and it drives very very smooth.

It's definetly worth the money, i think its like 25k for the fully loaded LT...

As for the Impala SS, we just got our first one yesterday, no one has driven it yet...it looks pretty good.

But since we've gotten the malibu's, no one has even looked at them yet....I should give them sometime to catch on huh?

 

I saw a black one and a silver one up close... two bland colors, but the interior did look pretty classy.

Styling? Honestly, I'm not the guy to ask about styling.

My thoughts would be that GM and the dealers have to go head-to-head against the Camry and Accord with this car. They need to advertise it that way, they need the dealers to sell it that way.

Heck, start a program where you have a new Accord or Camry ON THE LOT, and offer folks who are undecided drives in both back to back.

The whole idea just exudes confidence, if GM is that confident in the Malibu.

I bet it will sell Malibus.

Customer: "Well, but how does it compare to Camry?"

Dealer: "We are so confident that Malibu is the better car that we have a Camry right here. Why don't you drive both back to back and tell us which one you like better? It would be great to get your feedback."



Here's the thinking:

1) It invests the customer in Chevrolet. How? Because you made the customer feel important by asking him/her for feedback. Now they perceive themselves to be part of the process, and not just a cash cow for the dealership to exploit.

2) You actually do get feedback that can be useful. Think of it as a survey or clinic GM doesn't have to pay for.

3) It's bold. After daring someone to do this, some percentage are going to back down in the comparison simply because of the dealer's confidence. The best defense is a good offense.

4) When the customer gets into the Malibu, the salesperson should take the time to show them the seat adjustments and the rest of the features to make sure that they are comfortable. This helps sell features that Camry may or may not have. Meanwhile, let them figure out Camry's features for themselves. GM is pretty strong in ergonomics.


After the drive, the salesperson drives the point home that not only is Malibu a great car, it is also LESS EXPENSIVE, benefits from lower insurance rates, lower cost of ownership, and has features that Camry simply doesn't have.

 

I just read a very positive review of the Malibu on Autoweek's website where they are praising itfor everything except for the styling but basically say that it is no more bland than a Camry or Accord.

 

I was very impressed with the interior, didn't really want to go through the hassle to drive it. I also sat in a monte the other day. It seems that GM is really pulling thier head out of there *** when it comes to interiors.

 

I guess I'm the only one who thinks it's incredibly ugly! I'm no fan of it's interior styling, but the quality is much improved.

$25k loaded?? I hope that's a pre-rebate price...

 

I've seen both and i've fail to see the styling similarities.

WJH'sFormula, you aren't the only one. I'm not too found of the new look either.

Everyone here's been talking about the improved quality on the new malibue, and that's a BIG plus. The new 3.5L 200hp engine is a good replacement for the tired 3.4L.

 

I like the looks. It's modern, clean and distinctive and I like the swoop above the rear wheels.

 

Part of me wants to tell you to look again, but that's not going to help.

Maybe if I say it's like a smaller version of the Avalon???

 

I don't know why Chevy always seems to get the short end of the stick with styling. It seems like a reasonably competent car, but why handicap it with below average styling? GM can do better.

Look at the new Saab. It's on the same platform, and it's gorgeous. The new convertibles are even sharper.

 

I saw a new Malibu the other day... I was stopped at a light behind it and in the lane to the left.
Now, I had already seen several of them before this.
I saw that one (it was Black) and I thought to myself "hmm, that's a pretty nice lookin car, what is it?" Then I realized it was a Malibu and I shocked myself, heh.
Honestly though, I think the rear and side views are pretty nice, just the front is a little odd.
When I saw one up close a while ago, it's much much better than the old one in stlye, size, and most of all quality.
I think it fits well in the class it competes in... Accord and Camry in my opinion are just as bland, so the new Malibu should sell pretty well.

 

This seems an odd generalization. Don't like the C5? Nor the 4gen Camaro? I think both are stunning designs. Every maker has good and yukky styles in their lineup. Seen the new Honda Element? The 04 Durango?

 

I think Malibu is pretty bland in general styling.

Just what it needs to fit in with it's class!

These cars aren't about passion or enthusiasts... they are about being a well priced, quality people mover, which is what it is.

It'll do fine, IMO, just this the previous generation did.