Full 2008 Malibu pics!
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,376
From: Sarasota FL
I'd buy it based on the interior alone 
When you consider my most recent automotive purchase (as in last week) has an interior that leaves stuff to be desired, could it be my priorities are changing that quickly??
I am NOT a fan of the nose personally, but I don't think it wrecks the car. It has a very Acura look to it, like the Aura. I still like the Aura better, but that is one sweet midsize car. If they price it like a Malibu, watch it fly off the lots
I feel bad for the poor G6 now, for sure...
With the G6, Aura and Malibu, GM will have a HELL of a nice selection of mid-size cars for the first time in years.
When you consider my most recent automotive purchase (as in last week) has an interior that leaves stuff to be desired, could it be my priorities are changing that quickly?? I am NOT a fan of the nose personally, but I don't think it wrecks the car. It has a very Acura look to it, like the Aura. I still like the Aura better, but that is one sweet midsize car. If they price it like a Malibu, watch it fly off the lots
I feel bad for the poor G6 now, for sure...With the G6, Aura and Malibu, GM will have a HELL of a nice selection of mid-size cars for the first time in years.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,030
From: Frankfort, KY U.S.A.
Wow I've never seen a lower market car come with so many interior trim levels, these two are my favorites.
and I like this one too.
I like everything about the new Malibu except the rear, like someone else said eariler in the thread the taillights should have been intergrated into the rear quarters, it would have made the rear flow better and not have that chopped off look.
I would take the Aura over the Malibu because of the rear.
and I like this one too.
I like everything about the new Malibu except the rear, like someone else said eariler in the thread the taillights should have been intergrated into the rear quarters, it would have made the rear flow better and not have that chopped off look.
I would take the Aura over the Malibu because of the rear.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,646
From: Portland, OR
1.) Absolutely despise the front end. Much too busy with all those air openings And I think the Camry does the 'high front hood edge better' (at least in these comparo photos).
2.) Interior is very nice.
3.) Styling overall is 'market average' (I really think there's some room for a more stlyish character line(s) in all sedans).
4.) Rear reminds me a lot of a VW (pick your own model)
5.) Side window shape reminds me of an Acura TL or VW Pheaton
In general it doesn't come anywhere near the hype certain GM 'insiders' were laying on it (although I suppose 'visually stunning' is open to very wide interpetation). It's hard for me to get excited about the new car because it just so damn late to the party. Like everyone else has said, it'llprobably do 'fine', I was really hoping for 'outstanding' from GM. Again they've just seemed to meet the benchmark...not eexcede it (although perhaps the driving dynamics will excede the competition.....).
For me and my tastes, I'd rather have an Altima or Mazda 6.
+Disclaimer+ I have not seen the car in person yet so my opinions are not truely valid. I hope this keeps the Z28.com 'prep squad' off my back.
2.) Interior is very nice.
3.) Styling overall is 'market average' (I really think there's some room for a more stlyish character line(s) in all sedans).
4.) Rear reminds me a lot of a VW (pick your own model)
5.) Side window shape reminds me of an Acura TL or VW Pheaton
In general it doesn't come anywhere near the hype certain GM 'insiders' were laying on it (although I suppose 'visually stunning' is open to very wide interpetation). It's hard for me to get excited about the new car because it just so damn late to the party. Like everyone else has said, it'llprobably do 'fine', I was really hoping for 'outstanding' from GM. Again they've just seemed to meet the benchmark...not eexcede it (although perhaps the driving dynamics will excede the competition.....).
For me and my tastes, I'd rather have an Altima or Mazda 6.
+Disclaimer+ I have not seen the car in person yet so my opinions are not truely valid. I hope this keeps the Z28.com 'prep squad' off my back.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 676
From: Calgary
I REALLY like this car so far. What are the powertrain choices? Forgive me if this was covered in another thread.
Those interior shots above are just gorgeous. I'm in the family car market/bracket because our third child is almost here. Granted we'll always have a larger family vehicle for long trips etc (SUV or van) but for Dad's car I like something like this.
Will they ever offer a stick shift in this?
Those interior shots above are just gorgeous. I'm in the family car market/bracket because our third child is almost here. Granted we'll always have a larger family vehicle for long trips etc (SUV or van) but for Dad's car I like something like this.
Will they ever offer a stick shift in this?
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,650
From: Indianapolis, IN
From Car and Driver:
Looks like they are going even more directly for a Camry strategy, with a moderately powerful base 4 cylinder (2.4L ecotec) and the uplevel 3.6L DOHC V6).
Even the 4 cylinder gets the six speed auto now!! Well, it gets the 4 speed if you get an LS or LT, but if you get an LTZ with the 2.4L you get the six speed auto. The V6 comes only with the six speed auto (same powertrain as the G6 GTP and Aura XR). I'm surprised that the 3.5L didn't make it, especially since it apparently will be mated to the six speed auto in the new Vue. But really, I think it is a good thing for image, since the Camry and Accord only offer one V6 option above the base 4. Sounds like the Malibu doesn't offer a pushrod engine anymore. Again, image-wise, that is good.
About the only thing left that bugs me is that the Aura 3.6L fuel economy ratings are a couple of ticks below the similarly-powered Camry 3.5L ratings. I'd like to see the 3.6L/six speed auto hit 30 or so on the highway ratings, though with the ratings being revised for '08, it will all be shuffled around anyway...).
Good stuff!
2008 Chevrolet Malibu - Auto Shows
Camry beware; Chevy is ditching the vanilla wrapper of its mid-size Malibu in favor of a bolder, classier look.
BY HOWARD WALKER, December 2006
Those days of losing your Malibu renter in the Wal-Mart parking lot may soon be over; Chevy is showing an all-new ’Bu at next month’s Detroit auto show that will stand out like Mel Gibson at a Bar Mitzvah.
New from the rubberware up, the 2008 Malibu—it’s due in showrooms next fall—rides on the same GM Epsilon platform as Saturn’s new Aura and Pontiac’s G6 and, like the G6, features a choice of 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6, both of which will be available with six-speed automatics.
But the nice surprise here is the car’s striking styling—something we haven’t seen in a Malibu since, er, the ’64 original. And you’d better get used to that new, dual-port grille up front as it’s, supposedly, the bold new face of Chevy.
Ed Welburn’s design team has done a commendable job of giving the traditionally-invisible Malibu a much classier and, yes, cooler, set of duds. We like that new grille treatment, those over-sized headlights, the swept-back screen, and the high-waist, low-roof, wheels-out-to-the-corners stance.
There’s some nice detailing too, like the Nicole Richie–thin panel gaps, the way the wheels fill out the arches, and the classy use of chrome around the side windows. It certainly looks a lot richer than something that will likely kick-off in price from around 17 grand.
As you’d expect, the new Malibu has blossomed in size to reflect America’s ever-blossoming waistlines. Compared to its predecessor, this new version is more than three inches longer, half an inch wider, and six-inches longer in the wheelbase.
Inside, the new Chevy takes a big step up in both design and use of premium materials. Gone is the previous cliff-face fascia and Rubbermaid trim; instead there’s a striking, twin cockpit design with some classy two-tone trim options. Cocoa and Cashmere anyone?
Chevy has also loaded-up on safety features to reinforce the Malibu’s standing as a family fave. Standard fixtures will include side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted thorax bags, and anti-lock brakes. Stability control is available as an option.
Three models will be on offer; base LS, mid-range LT and gussied-up LTZ. Standard motivation is GM’s 164-hp 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, with the all-aluminum 3.6-liter 252-hp V-6 as an option.
We think it’s wise to offer a four-cylinder in this class (unlike the V-6–only Saturn Aura), as those models are significantly cheaper and offer large fuel-economy benefits. They, not surprisingly, out-sell V-6 models by a wide margin as well.
Opt for a four-cylinder LS or LT and the 2.4 comes with a four-speed auto. Spend the green on an LTZ 2.4 and you’ll get the new Hydra-Matic six-speed—the only four-cylinder/six-speed-auto combo in this segment. Go for the V-6 and the six-speed comes standard, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters just like those on the Aura.
Whether this all-new Malibu will have what it takes to extricate buyers from their beloved Camrys and Accords is probably unlikely, even with that Cocoa and Cashmere trim. All we know is that finally Chevy has, at least on paper, its strongest challenger yet.
Camry beware; Chevy is ditching the vanilla wrapper of its mid-size Malibu in favor of a bolder, classier look.
BY HOWARD WALKER, December 2006
Those days of losing your Malibu renter in the Wal-Mart parking lot may soon be over; Chevy is showing an all-new ’Bu at next month’s Detroit auto show that will stand out like Mel Gibson at a Bar Mitzvah.
New from the rubberware up, the 2008 Malibu—it’s due in showrooms next fall—rides on the same GM Epsilon platform as Saturn’s new Aura and Pontiac’s G6 and, like the G6, features a choice of 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6, both of which will be available with six-speed automatics.
But the nice surprise here is the car’s striking styling—something we haven’t seen in a Malibu since, er, the ’64 original. And you’d better get used to that new, dual-port grille up front as it’s, supposedly, the bold new face of Chevy.
Ed Welburn’s design team has done a commendable job of giving the traditionally-invisible Malibu a much classier and, yes, cooler, set of duds. We like that new grille treatment, those over-sized headlights, the swept-back screen, and the high-waist, low-roof, wheels-out-to-the-corners stance.
There’s some nice detailing too, like the Nicole Richie–thin panel gaps, the way the wheels fill out the arches, and the classy use of chrome around the side windows. It certainly looks a lot richer than something that will likely kick-off in price from around 17 grand.
As you’d expect, the new Malibu has blossomed in size to reflect America’s ever-blossoming waistlines. Compared to its predecessor, this new version is more than three inches longer, half an inch wider, and six-inches longer in the wheelbase.
Inside, the new Chevy takes a big step up in both design and use of premium materials. Gone is the previous cliff-face fascia and Rubbermaid trim; instead there’s a striking, twin cockpit design with some classy two-tone trim options. Cocoa and Cashmere anyone?
Chevy has also loaded-up on safety features to reinforce the Malibu’s standing as a family fave. Standard fixtures will include side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted thorax bags, and anti-lock brakes. Stability control is available as an option.
Three models will be on offer; base LS, mid-range LT and gussied-up LTZ. Standard motivation is GM’s 164-hp 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, with the all-aluminum 3.6-liter 252-hp V-6 as an option.
We think it’s wise to offer a four-cylinder in this class (unlike the V-6–only Saturn Aura), as those models are significantly cheaper and offer large fuel-economy benefits. They, not surprisingly, out-sell V-6 models by a wide margin as well.
Opt for a four-cylinder LS or LT and the 2.4 comes with a four-speed auto. Spend the green on an LTZ 2.4 and you’ll get the new Hydra-Matic six-speed—the only four-cylinder/six-speed-auto combo in this segment. Go for the V-6 and the six-speed comes standard, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters just like those on the Aura.
Whether this all-new Malibu will have what it takes to extricate buyers from their beloved Camrys and Accords is probably unlikely, even with that Cocoa and Cashmere trim. All we know is that finally Chevy has, at least on paper, its strongest challenger yet.
Even the 4 cylinder gets the six speed auto now!! Well, it gets the 4 speed if you get an LS or LT, but if you get an LTZ with the 2.4L you get the six speed auto. The V6 comes only with the six speed auto (same powertrain as the G6 GTP and Aura XR). I'm surprised that the 3.5L didn't make it, especially since it apparently will be mated to the six speed auto in the new Vue. But really, I think it is a good thing for image, since the Camry and Accord only offer one V6 option above the base 4. Sounds like the Malibu doesn't offer a pushrod engine anymore. Again, image-wise, that is good.
About the only thing left that bugs me is that the Aura 3.6L fuel economy ratings are a couple of ticks below the similarly-powered Camry 3.5L ratings. I'd like to see the 3.6L/six speed auto hit 30 or so on the highway ratings, though with the ratings being revised for '08, it will all be shuffled around anyway...).
Good stuff!
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,712
From: Ontario
Seems odd though that Saturn is supposed to be the upmarket import-fighter, yet takes a (perceived) down-market approach to their powertrains. You'd think it would've been the other way around.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,022
From: Newhall, CA USA
From what I can see of the (heavily retouched) high-res photos, it DOES appear that they've fired the man who thought having dash grain as heavily wrinkled as the face of a 110-year-old man was a good idea. That's a damn good thing. Because it IS an attractive interior, especially in something that starts at $17K.
Now, if they can keep the dealers from ordering the boring all-charcoal interior on EVERY SINGLE CAR, they'll really have something. Because, sorry guys, this is WAY better looking than the Camry.
And the 2.4 and 3.6? And 6 speed autos? Now it seems like GM is finally hitting the mark. Good show!
Now, if they can keep the dealers from ordering the boring all-charcoal interior on EVERY SINGLE CAR, they'll really have something. Because, sorry guys, this is WAY better looking than the Camry.
And the 2.4 and 3.6? And 6 speed autos? Now it seems like GM is finally hitting the mark. Good show!
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
I'm pretty blown away so far on the Malibu. The interior looks 5 star, the exterior is classy, the front end looks great (especially with the metallic wire mesh grille). I'm not sure what some of you call attractive, but for a 4 door people mover, this new Malibu IMO has the looks that rank above just about everything offered without relying on alot of chrome to get attention like the Fusion does.
I'm pretty stoked by the prospect that the car is the 1st "no excuse" car from GM. this car was done from inception to production by Lutz-Welburn, and the so-called "New" General Motors. Everything else before this had some type of root in the previous GM, either design or idea.
I'm looking forward to seeing the car in person.
I'm pretty stoked by the prospect that the car is the 1st "no excuse" car from GM. this car was done from inception to production by Lutz-Welburn, and the so-called "New" General Motors. Everything else before this had some type of root in the previous GM, either design or idea.
I'm looking forward to seeing the car in person.
