Auto Trends

It has been over 40 years since we have really heard anything about the Chevy Malibu being a top dog around these parts. But with a healthy face lift and a few classy styling additions, the 2008 Malibu is a definite modern rendition of everything that the 1964 Chevy Malibu stood for and more!

To begin with, the last generation of Chevy Malibu’s were rather toned down in comparison to the newest look. It just didn’t really stand out it; it was too similar to all the other cars on the road. Think to yourself the last time you were driving and said to yourself, “look at that Chevy Malibu.” It probably never happened.

Not that the old Chevy Malibu was anything bad, it was just not able to stand up to the Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger’s classic lines. Some people who do not like to stand out, especially when it comes to police attention, they may not like the new styled Chevy Malibu. But whether you like speed or economy,  you will be happy to know that you will have two engines to choose from that cater to each.

The basic engines offered will be a 2.4 liter I-4, or the 3.6 liter V-6. The 164-hp 2.4-liter will of course offer the best fuel economy. The 2.4 will also have the ability to use a 5 hp electric motor to ensure even greater gas mileage potential. With all the great economy features of the new Malibu, it is quite likely that the I-4 will outsell the V-6 version, but that does not mean that the V-6 is not worth the extra cash.

For those who spring for the beefier, albeit less economical 3.6-liter 252-hp V-6, you certainly will be getting what you are paying for. The new Hydra-Matic six-speed is a nice compromise for those who prefer a little bit of sport driving with their daily excursions. The six speed offers a steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter, just like the ones on the Aura, for quick shifts and Ferrari-like driver control.

Beyond the engine, the new look of the Chevy Malibu 2008 is bold to say the least. The Malibu has been given the treatment of an all new dual-port grille nose that fits snuggly between its sleek, over-sized headlights. It has a classy yet aggressive stance with its deep hood and trunk lines, combines with a relatively short roof line. Surprisingly, in a world where chrome is becoming a thing of the past, the new Malibu actually makes chrome look good again.

Figure in a price tag that has the possibility to be in the low $20’s (…and that is not bone stock either), you’ve got an American made Chevy that is riding high along with all the other successful imports for a change!