Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LT

[Autos_Editor]

Tidy handling, good mileage and a family-ready, upscale cabin help define 2013 Chevrolet Malibu's LT trim.

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[redman]

The Malibu has gotten better, but I still have to ask. "With so many similar offering, why not just kill this ill fated name plate"
Something about the Malibu that evokes negative things for me that I don't get with some of GM's new offerings.
Time to move on G.M.

[ChaosphereIX]

turbo engine or this car is not worth it

[bigjodyg]

Ugly inside and out..

[conwelpic]

why is the Optima, Sonata, Avenger, and 200 not mentioned in the competitors list at the end of the article?

Chev needed to do something as its sales for 2012 dropped by 50% over 2011 and the Mazda 6 and Subaru Legacy sold less as well as the Dodge Avenger.

[whaddaiknow]

Tidy handling, good mileage and a family-ready, upscale cabin help define 2013 Chevrolet Malibu's LT trim.
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I find the exterior quite attractive, but that's where it ends for me (like many other GM cars).
I hardly find 9.5l/100km fuel efficient. Given all the high-tech applications like DI, small displacement, etc.
My 328i 3.0L I6 penalized by xDrive returns 9.4L/100km combined (I don't hypermile). Toyota with a V6 does better, so the Malibu is anything but fuel efficient.

But either way, I don't mind seeing it on the road.

[SaskSpecV]

And of you folks who did the mid-size comparo a few weeks back want to comment on this review?  I realise that this reviewer had the 2.5L engine, not the 2.4L mild hybrid, but many of the criticisms from the comparison test were NOT mentioned in this review.

"Not enough to redeem its muddled looks, marginal quality interior, compromised cargo space, and utter lack of driving character. Even in the Easy to Drive and Ease of Parking categories it lagged behind the others because of poor steering, strange off-throttle hiccups, and poor visibility."

I'm not hating on the Malibu here, and I'm sure the standard 2.5L version is a much better package than the compromised hybrid version.  But EVERY midsize car comparison rates the new Malibu as no better than midpack - and most rank it at/near the bottom (when compared to the new Accord/Fusion/Camry/Altima/Passat, etc.) 

Is this just a case of a very good car being outclassed by absolutely fantastic rivals?.....or a review that is, ahem, highly charitable?

[easyrider]

Weird, so many differing opinions. My neighbor just bought the LT and he loves it. I think it looks good inside and out.I'm beginning to think there's just a big conspiracy against the Malibu.

[Fobroader]

Weird, so many differing opinions. My neighbor just bought the LT and he loves it. I think it looks good inside and out.I'm beginning to think there's just a big conspiracy against the Malibu.

Put your tinfoil hat on and go in the shelter......theres no conspiracy. Its been outclassed by all its rivals.

[safristi]

WOW yer neighbour LOVES IT.....now i'm so so CONVINCED..... ..

  your Crypt tonite.......

[dirtyjeffer]

Weird, so many differing opinions. My neighbor just bought the LT and he loves it. I think it looks good inside and out.I'm beginning to think there's just a big conspiracy against the Malibu.

my FIL bought one 2 years ago and likes his as well, but it may have less to do about the car, and more about the person who bought it...my FIL buys GM vehicles, and didn't test drive anything else...he drove it, liked it, and bought it.

[DKaz]

Wow this car is so awesome I want to trade in Mazda 3 to get one. It's a 4 door Camaro. Screw zoom zoom, I want vroom vroom.

[hemusbull]

This article has a long introduction explaining basic goodies for any modern engine...And after that reveals to the readers a mediocre average gas mileage of 9.5 l combined. Overall the article works as a "by request" wish from the manufacturer...

[Solstice2006]

why is the Optima, Sonata, Avenger, and 200 not mentioned in the competitors list at the end of the article?

Chev needed to do something as its sales for 2012 dropped by 50% over 2011 and the Mazda 6 and Subaru Legacy sold less as well as the Dodge Avenger.

The sales dropped in 2012 as people were waiting for the all new 2013 model.  The previous generation Malibu (2008-2012) is still my favourite (especially the platinum package).  It sold quite well, offered 6 speed auto in the 4 cylinder, got decent fuel economy, and also had a strong V6. 

As for the Mazda6, that generation (2009-2013) has never done well, Mazda forgot it's root, and just made the car bigger, faster, and uglier.  It's reliable, but nothing to see it apart, no sport hatch, and no wagon like the previous generation.  The 2014 will turn that around, skyactiv, good looks, and an upcoming diesel.

Honestly not sure about the Legacy.  Whenever I think of Subaru, I want the Outback, something with a little ground clearance, AWD of course, good cargo room, and hatch style, no trunk.  Which is why Subaru remains the favourite of pet owners.  But I will never buy a Subaru, because aside from Porsche, their prices compared to the US are the most inflated.  And the 2.5L is not the most reliable engine around.

Umm, the Dodge Avenger, is reserved for fleets, the 2.4L engine is underpowered, in most trims it comes with a 4 speed auto, the fuel economy is bottom of it's class.  The only good thing is the 3.6L pentastar.  But that starts at $28k, and for the same price you can get something that has a better interior, and not using such an old platform.

[Solstice2006]

Tidy handling, good mileage and a family-ready, upscale cabin help define 2013 Chevrolet Malibu's LT trim.
Read More...

I find the exterior quite attractive, but that's where it ends for me (like many other GM cars).
I hardly find 9.5l/100km fuel efficient. Given all the high-tech applications like DI, small displacement, etc.
My 328i 3.0L I6 penalized by xDrive returns 9.4L/100km combined (I don't hypermile). Toyota with a V6 does better, so the Malibu is anything but fuel efficient.

But either way, I don't mind seeing it on the road.

It's a brand new car, this happens quite a bit.  Check other sources, EPA, Car and Driver, Consumer Reports. It averages, 8.5L/100km to 9.0L/100km.  Basically, it offeres the same fuel economy as the previous generation with the 2.4L but it has 27 hp more, and 33lb more torque.

[Solstice2006]

And of you folks who did the mid-size comparo a few weeks back want to comment on this review?  I realise that this reviewer had the 2.5L engine, not the 2.4L mild hybrid, but many of the criticisms from the comparison test were NOT mentioned in this review.

"Not enough to redeem its muddled looks, marginal quality interior, compromised cargo space, and utter lack of driving character. Even in the Easy to Drive and Ease of Parking categories it lagged behind the others because of poor steering, strange off-throttle hiccups, and poor visibility."

I'm not hating on the Malibu here, and I'm sure the standard 2.5L version is a much better package than the compromised hybrid version.  But EVERY midsize car comparison rates the new Malibu as no better than midpack - and most rank it at/near the bottom (when compared to the new Accord/Fusion/Camry/Altima/Passat, etc.) 

Is this just a case of a very good car being outclassed by absolutely fantastic rivals?.....or a review that is, ahem, highly charitable?

I agree that comparo test was flawed by having the Eco version being used.  But GM should have offered the mainstream model first.  But I also think the rivals put on a better show.  The Accord deserves it (not biased, never owned a Honda).  I think the comparo should be redone when the Mazda6 comes out in a few weeks.  The Altima certainly deserves its place for fuel economy, and interior room.  They are pretty good cars, it's tough to go wrong, it's more what matters to you most.  The Malibu is quiet, handles pretty decent, no CVT, and has different styling.  If you want different styling, get the Fusion.  It's up to the consumer, in testing, the points can't be that far apart.

[OliverD]

The problem with the Malibu is that even though it's good, that isn't enough these days. I can't imagine this car stealing away buyers who are looking at Accords, Camrys, and Sonatas.

I would guess that most Malibus will be sold to fleets or bought by customers who only buy "domestic" or even worse, "only buy Chevy."

[Vanstar]

Weird, so many differing opinions. My neighbor just bought the LT and he loves it. I think it looks good inside and out.I'm beginning to think there's just a big conspiracy against the Malibu.

Yup, Greg, whenever in the last four decades a GM car didn't sell well it has always been a well orchestrated, dastardly conspiracy of the ______s.

Really, the government should do something like subsadise GM to even the playing field. I am sure this would be a great success.

[easyrider]

The problem with the Malibu is that even though it's good, that isn't enough these days. I can't imagine this car stealing away buyers who are looking at Accords, Camrys, and Sonatas.

I would guess that most Malibus will be sold to fleets or bought by customers who only buy "domestic" or even worse, "only buy Chevy."

Anybody who looks at a Camry and still buys one has problems.

[easyrider]

Weird, so many differing opinions. My neighbor just bought the LT and he loves it. I think it looks good inside and out.I'm beginning to think there's just a big conspiracy against the Malibu.

Put your tinfoil hat on and go in the shelter......theres no conspiracy. Its been outclassed by all its rivals.

I don't recall saying others weren't better.I'm saying I don't think it's as bad as it's made out to be. What part of this don't you understand.