2008 Chevrolet Malibu To Start Under $20k

September 5, 2007, 10:30 UhrAndy

08_malibu_2.jpg08_malibu_1.jpgThe Malibu’s debut at dealerships this November is coming up quick, so Chevrolet formally announced pricing for the entire lineup, including the hybrid.

You can read the full press release after the jump, but the quick and dirty version begins with the base LS model that comes in at $19,345, a full $2k more than the previous model. The 1LT package is $20,305, while the 2LT is priced at $21,985 and the top-of-the-line LTZ model gets a sticker of $26,345. The hybrid comes in $4-grand cheaper than the LTZ at $22,140, which also undercuts its nearest competitor, the Camry Hybrid by about $3,000.

All-New 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Delivers A Lot Of Value Starting At $19,995

CHICAGO – Chevrolet today announced pricing for its all-new 2008 Malibu midsize sedan lineup, with MSRPs starting at $19,995 for the base LS and for the first time, a hybrid for $22,790. The Malibu continues to drive home Chevy’s commitment to dependable, fun-to-drive cars packed with value.

“When we debuted Malibu at the North American International Auto show in January, we promised that its $40,000 looks would cost half as much,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Well, we’ve kept our word. Customers will see everything we’ve packed into a sedan starting under $20 grand and think there’s a typo on the sticker.”

Malibu is built to be the best midsize car in the market, having been benchmarked against the top names in the class and loaded with standard features that many competitors don’t offer at any price. The design team focused on the attributes that mattered most to midsize car buyers such as families and commuters.

All Malibus are equipped with a long list of standard features, including six air bags (dual-stage frontal, seat-mounted side-impact thorax and head-curtain side air bags); four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with all-speed traction control; OnStar Gen 7 safety and security system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation; air conditioning; and XM Satellite Radio.

Along with the LS and Hybrid, the Malibu lineup includes the 1LT and 2LT trim levels and the top-of-the-line LTZ. MSRP for the 1LT is $20,955; 2LT, $22,635 and the LTZ, $26,995. All include the $650 destination charge.

Malibu , arriving in dealerships in November, combines fuel efficiency, performance and a long list of standard amenities wrapped in a design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. It features a strong body structure, precise build quality and refined driving dynamics. It is more than three inches longer than its predecessor, with a six-inch-longer (112.3 in / 2,852 mm) wheelbase.

GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on LT, LTZ and Hybrid models. A number of equipment packages also are available and include features such as power-adjustable pedals, premium seating, uplevel interiors; power equipment groups and a deluxe audio system.

Malibu performance comes from two powerful yet fuel-efficient dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a standard 169-horsepower (126 kW) 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers 30 mpg highway, 22 city (’08 EPA); and an available 252-horsepower (188 kW) 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 26 mpg highway and 17 city.

The Malibu Hybrid, featuring the affordable GM Hybrid System, also goes on sale in November. Powered by a hybrid version of the 2.4L Ecotec, it is rated at 32 mpg highway and 24 city.

Four-cylinder-equipped models come with a four-speed transmission with overdrive. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.6L V-6 and will be available next spring on the four-cylinder-equipped LTZ – the first four-cylinder engine/six-speed transmission combination in the segment.

Other highlights of the redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu include:

* All-new refined and contemporary exterior with a new grille design and heritage-inspired twin round taillamps
* Upscale interior design with a choice of cloth, suede and leather inside; available two-tone cockpit in a number of color combinations; gauges with Chevrolet blue LED backlighting
* Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets for a more inviting cabin
* Standard four-wheel independent suspension for a more controlled and confident driving experience
* One of the segment’s quietest, most refined driving experiences, thanks to noise-reducing materials such as a liquid spray-on sound deadener, laminated steel, laminated “quiet glass” and composite wheel liners
* Standard theft-deterrent system for vehicle and contents
* Remote vehicle starting (standard on 2LT and LTZ; available on 1LT) and standard universal home remote on 2LT and LTZ
* TAPshift manual shift control, available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
* Sixteen-inch standard wheels on LS and an available family of large wheels, including 18-inch ultra-bright aluminum polished wheels available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
* Available rear power center includes 110-volt AC adapter with three-prong outlet on 1LT, 2LT and LTZ (included and available only with Rear Power Package)
* Available sunroof on LT and LTZ models
* Premium eight-speaker, 210-watt sound system standard on LTZ and available on 2LT.
* Standard tire-pressure monitoring system

“We strive to offer the best value in every segment where we compete, and midsize cars are not different,” Peper said. “For example, the Chevy Impala has been one of the biggest success stories in this industry during the past two years, gaining more than two points of market share. Now, combined with Malibu, this gives us a solid one-two punch in midsize cars and puts Chevy back into the car game in a big way.”

The Malibu is built at the GM Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kan. The dependability of the 2008 Malibu is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the best protection package in the industry, providing customers with added peace of mind and value during their ownership experience.

2 comments:

  1. Leo Karl, October 15, 2007

    Make a note: this is the car that will begin to change the public’s perceptions about General Motors. Now that the UAW contract has been ratified, and GM is on a more level playing field with domestic labor contracts in relation to the imports, GM is moving to the offensive.

    I’ve seen the Malibu in person - in each of its trim levels. I don’t care how many Accords or Camry’s you’ve owned; when you put the new Malibu side by side with either of those cars, you will be impressed - and your opinion will be altered. Even if you don’t run out and buy a new Malibu because you are skeptical, just wait. This car offers better looks, finish, features, ride & handling and a better warranty for thousands less than a comparable Camry or Accord. And resale value will prove it in a few years.

    Remember, you made a note of it here.

     
  2. Leo, December 8, 2007

    No doubt about it, the new Chevy Malibu is turing heads! Chevrolet reports that Nationally new Malibu’s have lasted, on average, less than 2 weeks on dealer lots. Well, it’s even less than that here at KARL Chevrolet HUMMER in New Canaan, CT.

    Early this morning, a 2008 Malibu LS Sedan rolled off the car carrier. With an MSRP of just $19,995, this Malibu caused quite a stir. More than a dozen people gave it the once over - both exterior and interior. The car looked incredibly rich in Dark Gray Metallic - and virtually all of these folks could not believe the value offered in this new Malibu. Six Air bags, OnStar, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, XM Radio, Remote Keyless Entry, Driver’s Seat Power Height Adjuster, Power Windows, locks & Mirrors, and much, much more - all standard. Needless to say, one test drive and the car was SOLD. One happy KARL customer drove home with this new 2008 Malibu by mid-afternoon. Less than twelve hours on the lot!

    MESSAGE to Chevrolet: Keep the new Malibu’s coming!!!

     

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