2008 Chevy Malibu
Chevrolet has posted pictures and specs for this new sedan on their website. Follow this link to see the new model: http://www.chevrolet.com/malibu/prelaunch/
What do you think? Personally I think the design is lightyears better than the current car. I can't wait to drive one and see if it lives up to the hype. Can it compete with the Camry and Accord? I'm going to say YES!
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I’ve read a couple of early reviews on the ‘08 and from all accounts this car sounds
like it could really be something special. Hope it hits the showroom soon!!
I’ve got to say, I am the “director of skepticism” …but this is really a good looking car inside and out. But in keeping with my title…will the car actually look like this when it launches and isn’t a show car anymore? And how about build quality? All looks aside (though you are right that it is MUCH better than the last iterations of the car) it’s reliability and cost of ownership (including fuel mileage) that keep Accord and Camry on top. Will it compete in these areas? I’ll only believe it when I see it!
It’s a dirty secret of the Japanese automakers but I believe in the last 2 years or so they have had more recalls than GM! They’ll have you believe they produce a better car and on some levels they may be right but in terms of recalls I believe GM builds a better car. This is for initial quality and I think with the quality of GM’s latest products we’ll see a dramatic gain in quality over time too.
Then there is the fuel question and again, liter for liter, I believe GM’s old “pushrod” motors come out on top of the multi-cam, multi-valve, japanese mills.
Everyone will say it’s better than the outgoing model; therein lies GM’s problem. A new model is SUPPOSED to be better than the last one. Is it better than the Camry or Accord (which is to be remodeled next Fall also)? Most customers will probably say NO!
For me, I’d have to see it in “person”. Off the pictures, I might consider buying it if it weren’t a Chevy.
Two quick point I have to make.
#1 Honda and Toyota are, in my oppinion, NOT better these days when they remodel a vehicle. They’ve chosen to go down that slippery slope that such manufactures as BMW and Mercedes have gone down. Which is to say they have injected more tech than is useful to their latest models, which makes them less than friendly and difficult to “bond” with. Who says an engine start button is useful?
#2 As the Japanese go down this road I predict they will see the same thing happen to their reliablility ratings and BMW and Mercedes have seen. Neither of those fabled German markes are even close to the top of the heap these days as iDrive and complication have made these cars inaccessible.
On a personal note, I LOVE my hopped-up Cobalt SS/SC for the basic reason that it DOES NOT have traction control! In these days of advance computers and on-board systems, I think the market will realize that a GREAT car needs non of this and just like design, simplicity will win out!
Based upon this, I think Chevy has a hit in the works. Just enough tech (6-speed auto, DOHC V-6) to make a great ride, but not crazy heaps of on-board computers to take away the fun and freedom of driving! After all, isn’t that why we buy cars?
“I think Chevy has a hit in the works”, i agree with you
This picture does not look like a Chevy - but if it is I sure hope its affordable because it looks like many premium models that I can’t afford. What will it lease for?
Good Question John!
I don’t know but, I would venture a guess that if GM avoids the sale of this model to rental companies and doesn’t dilute the market thru other fleet sales this model will retain a very high residual value thus keeping the lease payment low. How low? We’ll have to wait and see…
New 2008 Chevy Malibu’s have been coming and going quickly at KARL Chevrolet in New Canaan, CT. As of December 5, 2007, National statistics from Chevrolet state that the average new 2008 Malibu lasted less than 2 weeks on the dealer’s lot. I can tell you its even faster here at KARL. We had a base LS model, $19,995 MSRP, roll off the car carrier early this morning and more than a dozen people had looked it over by noon - all admiring the amazing value for the dollar. Six air bags, OnStar, XM Satalite Radio, Driver’s seat power height adjuster, remote keyless entry, a beautiful exterior and interior and much much more! This car is simply an amazing value. And by 3pm this afternoon, one very happy KARL customer took delivery of this car - less than twelve hours on the lot! Message to Chevrolet: Keep them coming!
Bought one of the first LTZs to hit the dealer lot the end of November. Can not find one thing that I don’t love about the car. Interior and exterior are awesome. Too many options to mention. Have been averaging 21 MPG in town. This car is well worth every dime I paid for it and would recommend to anyone without any hesitation.
great car!
This car rocks! I saw it in person at the auto show. The accord is a joke. The Camry looks ok, can’t stand the nose. Interior is still bland and uncomfortable like my current one. I can’t wait to test drive the Malibu. The interior is even more beautiful than the exterior. Tighter fit and finish than either the accord or camry from my inspection. I think my next car is going to be a Malibu.