2007 Chevrolet Malibu [ 2008 ]
Chevrolet Malibu
Overall Score - 7.8 (Good)
The Malibu delivers a smooth ride and a spacious interior, but doesn't distinguish itself in a competitive class. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize car, you should also consider the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Reviewers say the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu offers a comfortable interior along with good, if unremarkable, performance. Edmunds provides a roundup of what most reviewers find to be the Malibu's best qualities, writing, "It's extremely smooth and quiet on the open road, the seats are comfortable and the gearing is perfect for long-distance cruising."
Automobile Magazine judges the Malibu to be "more fun to drive than a Camry and more refined than a four-cylinder Accord on the highway," making it "a solid value and a player in this class." Many reviewers point out, however, that this is a very competitive class. Some reviewers note that value varies between trim and performance levels. Consumer Guide, for instance, says that while the four-cylinder version "disappoints, the V6 models have good pep, competent road manners, and an impressive list of standard features." For both the 4-cylinder and V6 Malibus, IntelliChoice provides a value rating of "poor" based on total cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in the Malibu's class.
The 2007 Chevy Malibu is available in four trims: the base LS, the LT, the LTZ and the SS. A 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard on the LS and LT. A 3.5-liter V6 is optional for the LT and standard on the LTZ. The SS comes with a powerful 3.9-liter V6.
Malibu Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)
Reviewers find the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu's performance to be solid if unspectacular. The Boston Globe calls the Malibu's ride "solid, stable, and quiet," while U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman says, "It's simply an enjoyable car to drive." continue
Malibu Exterior - 6.1 (Mediocre)
Reviewers generally find the Malibu's exterior styling unremarkable. Car and Driver says the styling "can be described as 'uninspired' or 'clean and simple.' Either way, it's not a head turner." continue
Malibu Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The Malibu's interior, according to reviewers, is comfortable and accommodating, even on long trips. The Detroit News deems it "an easy car to live in," and asserts, "The seats feel comfortable even after several hours behind the wheel." continue
Malibu Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
The Malibu scores well in both government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. It also comes standard with dual-stage frontal, and front and rear side curtain air bags. Also standard is a passenger-sensing system for the front air bags. Most reviewers agree with New Car Test Drive that "the Malibu is designed well for safety." continue
Malibu Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Chevrolet Malibu reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chevrolet backs up the Malibu with a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty. continue
