Topic: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

[Cortina]

First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. I didn't think this would fit in the interior topic so I thought I start a new topic.


http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=123277?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*

[Benhaze]

I think this car is one more reason for not buying a Sebring or Avenger... More competition Chrysler really didn't need...

We can only hope GM is not going to start de-contenting the car, especially on the NVH side, after a year to cut costs as it is the case way too often with some domestic vehicles...

[gotak]

GM is doing things right now if they market it right maybe they can sell some cars.

[Dante]

Not a bad looking car.  I especially like its lines form the side view. I don't like the taillights though. And one other little thing I don't like on the GM's center console design are the two top buttons of different sizes (pretty much any new GM vehicle); they break the overall balance of the console.

[Mitlov]

The Passat called.  It'd like its taillights back.

[mmret]

No, no, its not salmon. There is no hiding from it.

Its pink.

[avtoller]

No, no, its not salmon. There is no hiding from it.

Its pink.

I won't argue colours, but it sure is ugly.

[jww]

The Passat called.  It'd like its taillights back.

I thought the very same thing.

[Loudpedal]

I imagine this is what would be produced if a Chinese manufacturer were to produce an automotive knockoff of an Acura TL. 

[Cortina]

No, no, its not salmon. There is no hiding from it.

Its pink.

How would you every live it down. 

[Schmengie]

Nicest looking GM sedan in a while - I even like the taillights. But geez, a FLESH-COLORED interior??? 

[2JDM]

Nice looking car apart from the back end - ugly!

+ 1.

Its as if the designer decided to make a random 90 degree angle, to cut off the car.

[dorin]

Very nice looking car except for the taillights and the salmon/pink/whatever interior accent colour (hopefully that's just a bad photo and it's actually brown).

[mdxtasy]

Great looking car from the front and sides.  Like others have mentioned, the back looks very ordinary bad when you consider the rest of the car.  Interior has nice flowing lines....

[Snowman]

I really like the interior and exterior styling of the new Malibu. I’m looking forward to seeing one in person to reserve final judgement. This is a quantum leap for GM in the styling department and I hope subsequent vehicle releases will follow suite.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Looks fine to me too.

At least the interior has colour, instead of the typical choice of black, black, black, black, black, charcoal, grey, tan or black.

[Benhaze]

Looks fine to me too.

At least the interior has colour, instead of the typical choice of black, black, black, black, black, charcoal, grey, tan or black.

I thought it was grey, grey, grey, grey, grey, charcoal, tan or black. 

[Frontier1]

I really like the interior and exterior styling of the new Malibu. I’m looking forward to seeing one in person to reserve final judgement. This is a quantum leap for GM in the styling department and I hope subsequent vehicle releases will follow suite.

I agree, I find this car very attractive inside and out.

[MKII]

First drive at autoblog, more like under the microscope, check high rez pics.  I do not think I have seen such pics before as far as every nook and cranny being "under the microscope" so to say.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/05/first-drive-2008-chevrolet-malibu/

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Nice looking car apart from the back end - ugly!

+ 1.

Its as if the designer decided to make a random 90 degree angle, to cut off the car.

The rear and rear 3/4 view is my favourite. Especially the LTZ with the quad clear LEDs (as opposed to the others where only the dual back up lights are clear). Very sharp, tailored, and distinctive.

The front is kind of plain, Camry-imitator of sorts.

I do like that they've tried to explore a bit with the interior. Don't like that salmon, but other combinations are pleasing. And I like the faux suede inserts on versions of some seats. Much better than previous efforts. I still find lacking in head/leg room compared to Accord (has a raked windshield), thankfully they've scooped out the rear of the thick front seats but too bad the backs are hard plastic and not material of some kind, visibility out the rear is somewhat limited tho this may be a general sedan thing (I'm not in many sedans), and they could be paying more attention to the small details like door arm rest padding, buttons, and textures - didn't blow me away, but perfectly acceptable and ranks well in segment overall. Quantum leap from the Impala being alongside it. Noteably, the doors close with a satisfying 'thud'.