CD Article: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:


The Malibu Hybrid is a "mild" hybrid that uses electricity to assist the engine, but unlike "full" hybrids, can't run on battery power alone. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh likes the car, but questions its competitiveness relative to other hybrids.
 More: View the photos | All the Test Drives

[Honda Owner]

The Malibu is a nice car. So is the cheaper Prius. But my question about hybrids has always been, "Are hybrids really worth the extra money and complexity?"

I mean, really, how long is it going to take to repay the extra cost of the hybrid system of the Malibu vs the standard 4 cylinder, which in my opinion, is a very competent package.

[Vmango]

Well, among other things, it only cost me $25 to fill up my wife's Corolla last night and we go through a tank every two or sometimes three weeks.

I'd never buy a hybrid and suspect that it's more about "hey, I'm driving a hybrid" rather than the practicality of the whole enterprise.

[Honda Owner]

I recently topped up my Fit with half a tank for $15.

Poor GM; always a day late and a dollar (or a hundred billion) short.

[initial_D]

Hybrids are Green Bandwagon STATEMENT vehicles.

[safristi]

  gawd be prius my son............................we have a place in heaven fer U.................next to ........Al Gore's  HOT  hologram from HELL..............hell he wanted to show us GLOW BALLS WARMING (so BAD)NOT ME.............. never lie to the BIG GUY...........(GAIA) !!!!