2008 Chevrolet Malibu

by Jo Ann Holt

That staid old mid-size family sedan formerly known as the Chevrolet Malibu has been reinvented for 2008 as the bold and stylish new Chevy Malibu.  This is a sedan that will draw admiring glances even from sports car enthusiasts, and will definitely up your “cool” quota in the neighborhood.

I had the distinct pleasure of driving the top-of-the-line LTZ model, which sports 18-inch wheels, front fog lights, dual chrome exhaust tips and LED taillights to complement its sparkling red jewel paint job.  The new Malibu is also longer than before, and boldly announces its arrival with a new grille similar to that of the Avalanche SUV.

My Malibu was equally appealing on the inside, with two-toned leather seats in cocoa and cashmere, a two-toned scalloped dashboard, and blue backlighting for the instrument panel.  The Malibu offers every convenience from power door locks and windows, power trunk release, 8-way power driver’s seat and 6-way power passenger seats, heated front seats, driver information center, tilt and telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, remote keyless entry, remote vehicle start, universal home remote, power tilt and slide sunroof and rear window sunshade.

The new Malibu also offers great safety features including dual frontal air bags, passenger sensing system, head curtain side air bags, side impact air bags, anti-lock brake system, 4-wheel disk, Stabilitrak-stability control, and rear child seat latch system.  Like all GMC automobiles, the Malibu features the fantastic technology provided by Onstar, helping to keep directionally confused drivers on track with turn-by-turn navigation.

For entertainment, the Malibu has AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer and XM Satellite radio service plus a rear power center.  The Malibu seats five easily, and the LTZ model has a 252 hp 3.6 literV-6 engine with six-speed automatic and the capability to manually change gears using paddles on the steering wheel.

Fuel economy ranges from 17-22 mpg in town to 26-30 mpg on the highway with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100.  The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has a starting price of $19,345-$26,345 depending on the model.  The test model I drove was the top-of-the-line LTZ with options that brought the total package (with destination charges) to $28,340.

If you know someone who’s really been very good this year (including yourself) this might be just the car to ask Santa for.  After all, it never hurts to ask.

Jo Ann Holt is a journalist and columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).  Contact joannholt@charter.net.