2008 Chevrolet Malibu [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 63 Malibu reviews and test drives.
Chevrolet Malibu - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 7 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 63 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Malibu, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Auto writers are pleased with the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu's driving dynamics, good looks and comfortable ride. Many say the car stacks up well against perennial class-leaders like the Honda Accord.
According to our analysis, the redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is an affordable midsize sedan that effectively competes with the respected Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. In fact, AutoWeek states, "In back-to-back testing with the latest Toyota Camry, we came away impressed at how well the Malibu held its line and stayed planted over bumpy paved corners versus the Japanese competitor." The auto industry recognizes the new Malibu's overall worthiness compared to the class' stalwarts by bestowing it with various awards. Car and Driver picked it as one of its 10Best for 2008, and the Malibu was also selected as the North American Car of the Year during the North American International Auto Show in January 2008. In February, the Malibu was named Kiplinger magazine's "Best in Class" winner for sedans costing between $20,000 and $25,000. Automobile Magazine lists the 2008 Malibu as one of the 2008 Automobile All-Stars for both its good looks and good moves. According to the magazine, "Substance, not appearance, is what makes the Malibu an All-Star."
The 2008 Chevy Malibu comes in four trims in addition to the Malibu Classic, a carryover from the 2007 model. Also new for 2008 is the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, reviewed separately here.
- "Get out of the fast lane, Toyota Camry. Move aside, Honda Accord. For the first time in a generation, General Motors is back with a game-changing midsize sedan. And the imports better be worried, when they see the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu pull up in their rearview mirror." -- The Car Connection
- "A smart purchase for anyone seeking a fine mid-size sedan." -- Car and Driver
- A "svelte-looking 4-door sedan that you'll actually want to rent...or purchase." -- Road and Track
- "Ford, GM, and, to a lesser extent, Chrysler are closing the quality gap with foreign carmakers and building vehicles -- such as the new Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS -- that are generating excitement." -- Kiplinger
- "The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu…has emerged from bread-and-butter mediocrity to become a beautifully designed and smartly engineered mid-size family sedan that invites pride of ownership." -- Washington Post
- "When I say the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is a respectable, well-tempered, solidly average car, it's important to remember how high-functioning average is in this class, which includes Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. … When each of your competitors makes a killer car for the money, there is no shame in being average. Average is a glittering triumph." -- Los Angeles Times
Malibu Performance - 7.6 (Good)
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu's performance pleased most critics, although they report it falls short of the power and precision of the sedan's Japanese competitors. The Car Connection says the Malibu's feel "puts the Camry to shame, though someone wanting as sporty a ride as possible in a mid-market sedan might still opt for the latest version Accord." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn exactly how some experts say the Malibu's increased engine power now offers acceleration capabilities similar to the Honda Accord. continue
Malibu Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)
Most auto writers are impressed by the all-new Malibu's exterior. AutoWeek says, "When young people are checking out the Malibu and giving it their approval, you know Chevy might have a winner on its hands. This is a monstrous improvement over the old Malibu and is more than competitive with the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. … The exterior is clean and fuss-free." Check out the Chevy Malibu Photo Gallery to see images of its clean body lines and twin-port grille, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn reviewers' opinions of the Malibu's new style compared to the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. continue
Malibu Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The Chevy Malibu's interior is generally considered comfortable and accommodating. AutoWeek says, "A longer wheelbase and wider stance give the car better proportions and more space inside, where you'll find a driver-oriented cockpit and handsome two-tone color schemes available." Check out the Chevrolet Malibu Photo Gallery to see the stretched cabin, deep-set instrument panel and two-tone trim, or continue with our full Interior Review to find out what reviewers think of the Malibu's trunk space, one of the largest of the class. continue
Malibu Safety - NA
In addition to its many convenience features, Car and Driver reports "Chevy has also loaded-up on safety features to reinforce the Malibu's standing as a family fave." Safety scores in federal government and the insurance industry's crash tests also validate the Malibu's ability to prevent and protect against collisions. Check out our full Safety Review to learn more about the Chevy Malibu's safety features. continue
Malibu Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 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). Chevy backs the 2008 Malibu with a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn more about the Malibu's build quality. continue