2008 Chevrolet Malibu – From the ground up

By Lloyd Frazier

The Malibu has been a mainstay for Chevrolet for over 43 years. The first model was introduced in 1964 as the Chevelle. The Malibu designation was the top trim level of the Chevelle line. The Chevelle name was dropped entirely after 1977. The Chevelle was one of the most successful cars in the GM line. Only topped by the Impala in total sales. There were three generations of the Malibu before that nameplate was dropped:

1964-1972

1973-1977

1978-1983

In 1984, the Chevrolet Celebrity and Corsica models replaced the Malibu in that model’s segment. The Mailibu was resurrected as a brand new model in 1997. It was built on the new front-wheel drive N platform that was shared by the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva and Alero, and the Pontiac Grand Am. The Malibu lived on this new platform through the 2003 model year.

1997-2003

In 2004 GM rolled out the new Epsilon platform. The prominent chrome bar that ran through the middle of the the front grille was supposed to resemble the Chevy trucks. It was not a very popular design. That was changed for 2006. An SS model was added that year.

2004-2007

The 6th generation, 2008 Chevrolet Mailbu, sets on a very much improved 2nd generation epsilon platform that it shares with the Saturn Aura and the Pontiac G6. GM will offer a Ecotec 164 hp, 2.4 L I4 and a 252 hp, 3.6 LV6 with variable valve timing. The trim levels stay the same: LS, LT and LTZ. This year will be different for transmission offerings. There will be a 6-speed automatic available on all trim levels that have the V6 engine. Only the 4-cylinder LTZ will offer the 6-speed. The other trim level 4-cylinders will have a 4-speed automatic. No manual transmission is available at this time. The V6 model will offer paddle shifters and dual chrome exhaust ports. EPA highway ratings should be around 26 mpg for the V6 and 31 mpg for the inline 4-cylinder. This gets the new Mailbu into the “over 30 mpg on the highway” club. A lot of great safety equipment is standard including head-curtain side airbags, front seat mounted thorax protection airbags, electronic stability control and panic brake assistance. What really sets this new Malibu apart from its past siblings is the upscale interior. The General is doing away with the low grade plastic parts and replacing it with a new ‘skin over form’ type technology. This promises a much better fit and finish, high quality tactile touch/feel to it. A two-tone scheme in several different color combinations are availble to really set-off the high class look of this great new vehicle.Take a look, below, at the pictures we captured at the Denver Auto Show. Notice the nicely done interior. I wish we were able to actually do a touchy feely with this car, but it was hands-off. I am not sure why since it appears to be ready for prime time. At least it should be since it will be released this October. The large bulging front end with the oversized headlight assembly gives the car a very distinctive look. The new Chevy theme with the single bar through the middle will be showing up on other models in the future. Cobalt and Aveo already sport the design. The rear end shows off the large, prominent taillight assembly. The round lamp design is all Chevy. If you look at the last picture close enough, you can see the Chevy bowtie right smack in the middle of the left lense piece. It is hard to see with the lower resolution pictures I have for this blog. In the high resolution pics you can see it. This car will definitely give Toyota and Honda pause. With the 2007 Ford Fusion and Chevy Malibu sharing space with them in this segment, it will definitely cause folks to seriously take a look at the domestics. Price, quality, reliability, mpg ratings, fit and finish are neck and neck with the Asian market now. Is this segment too crowded? Will it become more competitive? With gas prices continuing is upward spiral, this segment, along with the compacts, are probably going to see increased sales. Let us only hope. Go GM and Ford!!

Interior

Front

Rear