2008 Chevrolet Malibu Review
One can’t help but feel luxurious when driving the new 2008 Malibu. In fact, Chevrolet designed it with that intention; this new model carries “the new face” of Chevrolet quite nicely.
The new design is more than three inches longer than previous models; combined with a six-inch-longer wheelbase, all strategically placed at the corners of the car design, and this car provides a much smoother driving adventure. Other features on this mechanical vision include Solar-Ray lightly-tinted glass, halogen headlamps, and incandescent tail lamps. However, my favorite feature is the acoustic laminated glass; nothing is more spectacular than cutting all outside noise and only hearing the insides of your traveling vessel. The smoothness of the ride and the obstruction of outside sound really make you feel like you’re not even driving.
The Malibu comes in LS, LT (and 2LT) and LTZ trim levels. All of these come standard with dual-stage frontal air bags, head-curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax air bags. All trims also include cruise control, lockout protected power-programmable door locks, DIC (as well as various other informative gauges), and a one-year OnStar trial. With OnStar you can get monthly emails with diagnostic checks on your vehicle, updates on your cars features, and the option to check on your vehicle conditions through email at anytime. There is something about checking my tire pressure online that is very comforting.
Are you more interested in the power of this machine? I can confidently say you won’t come out disappointed. The ECOTEC 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine, complete with four-speed automatic transmission, comes standard on the LS, 1LT and 2LT models. The 3.6L DOHC V6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission comes standard on the LTZ model, and can be included in the 2LT engine package as an option. We can’t forget the Hybrid model either; this machine comes with the Hybrid ECOTEC 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine with a Hybrid Propulsion Electric system with a 36-volt NiMH battery. That is a lot of power.
Now picture yourself driving down the highway in your pajamas—which you can do with the tinted windows—gracefully hovering over road erosions. The sounds of the new Radiohead CD are blaring over the 210-watt amplifier and two subwoofers are crystal clear and unopposed by outside noise because of the acoustic glass. Unite that with the luxurious exterior of this metal vessel, and you have yourself a dream ride.
My next car will be the LTZ with all the amenities. We rented an LTZ last month in Florida and that model impressed both of us tremendously. The one feature we had hope to be on the car like our 2002 and 2004 Taurus is the key pad on the driver’s door. The key pad was our salvation when we had locked all our baggage in the car with the keys in it couple of years ago at the airport. Otherwise, we were satisfied as is. The one improved feature is being able to converse at high speeds with no outside distraction.