2009 Chevrolet Malibu Review and Prices
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Price: $22,325 - $27,605
MPG: 22 / 33 / 26
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2009 Chevrolet Malibu Buying Advice
If you are in the market for a midsized sedan, the Malibu should be on your shopping list whether your tastes run toward domestic or foreign manufacturers. Malibu offers good looks and even better driving dynamics, and represents a new era for Chevrolet cars.
For $20,000, the LS base-level sedan is nicely equipped, though the next-higher level LT should be considered for its standard stability control, which automatically corrects sideways sliding by applying the brakes to individual wheels. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is well paired with this car, and an LT can be optioned out nicely for a moderate price. It’s in this configuration that the Malibu really shines.
The LTZ has a flashy leather interior and a 3.6-liter V-6, but gets you well past the mid-$20,000s into territory where some very refined competitors from overseas await.
While the Malibu emerged all-new for 2008, it shares its basic engineering with the 2007 Saturn Aura, which was actually developed even earlier by GM’s Opel division in Europe. But this is a good thing, as these American versions have both racked up lots of accolades including back-to-back North American Car of the Year awards. The Malibu is finally a contender that will not only bring new buyers to the brand, but will show Chevy loyalists what they’ve been missing.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Changes back to top
Since it just came out to rave reviews, expect Chevrolet to ride out the good press and not change anything significant for 2009.
No change to the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu will significantly alter its performance or passenger accommodations from those of the 2008 model. Statements in this review about performance and accommodations are based on detailed test drives of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Test Drive back to top
Driving the Chevrolet Malibu: Well-built, predictable, and quiet sums up the Malibu. This car feels solid over bumps, with no squeaks or rattles. Family sedans are not expected to be particularly fun to drive, but the Malibu does corner with surprising confidence. Lane changes and other maneuvers are executed with little body lean. The standard four-wheel disc brakes feel right and haul the Malibu down from highway speeds without drama.
The only notable flaw is the V-6’s propensity to overwhelm the front tires and start them spinning under hard acceleration. The V-6 also exhibits some “torque steer” under these conditions, a disconcerting feeling that the car doesn’t want to stay in a straight line. Generally more annoying than actually dangerous, it’s an all-too-common problem with many front-wheel drive cars; since engine power is going to the wheels that steer the car, it can exaggerate the effects of road imperfections and slight movements of the steering wheel. The 3.6-liter V-6 is a fine engine that’s used in a lot of GM vehicles these days, but perhaps it’s a little too much for this car. The four-cylinder does not have this issue, has ample power, and makes for a better balanced package overall.
Both engines are very quiet at idle and steady speeds, and feel virtually vibration-free. The Malibu Hybrid is a “mild hybrid” system, which does not propel the car on electric power alone. Its main feature is saving gas by shutting the engine off when stopped, or coming to a stop, while keeping the accessories going.
Riding in the Chevrolet Malibu: GM has been putting a lot of effort lately into improving the look and feel of its interiors, and Malibu is a prime example. There’s still a lot of plastic, but face it, this is a moderately priced car. The materials are indeed much improved over previous GM cars in this price range, the design is really attractive, and proves affordable vehicles don’t have to look boring. LS seats are a standard-issue type of cloth, but go up to LTZ and you can get a bold, contrasting two-tone leather treatment.
Interior room is competitive with other midsize cars. Front seat bottoms are a little short for those with longer legs, and 6-feet is about the tallest you can be to enjoy any rear headroom. Backs of the front seats are thoughtfully recessed for some extra knee room for rear passengers.
Ride quality is good. The taughtness of the body and suspension does result in larger bumps being noticeably transmitted to the occupants, but the overall comfort level is satisfactory for a car in this price class.
Chevrolet Malibu dashboard and controls: Even the lowest-priced LS model has a dashboard that carries the two-tone theme of the Malibu’s interior, though there are some monochromatic interior choices on the higher trim levels. Gauges are very straightforward, with a large speedometer in the center flanked by a tachometer on one side and fuel and temperature gauge on the other.
Controls couldn’t be simpler, with very little on the left side of the dashboard, thanks to headlight and windshield wipers that use steering-column stalks rather than instrument-panel switches. Cruise control buttons are on the left side of the steering wheel, along with the ones that control the information display on LS. Higher trim levels have audio control on the wheel. Climate control is a classic three-dial layout with big knobs, and radio controls are straightforward.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Prices back to top
Malibu LS starts around $20,000 with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, with standard automatic transmission, cloth interior, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and power windows, mirrors, locks, and trunk release.
Step up to the LT for standard stability control, and larger wheels for nearly $21,500. The V-6 engine costs an additional $2000 and change.
Malibu LTZ is closer to $27,000 with a V-6 and adds leather upholstery, automatic climate control, upgraded stereo, remote start, and other convenience features. The Malibu Hybrid runs about $23,000 and includes automatic climate control.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy back to top
Fuel mileage averages around 23 mpg in combined city and highway driving with the four-cylinder engine; add a modest mile or two to the gallon with the hybrid. Expect 21 mpg with the V-6. All use regular gas.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Safety and Reliability back to top
All Malibus come with side curtain air bags for both rows and side seat-mounted air bags for the front. Electronic stability control is a valuable accident-avoidance feature. It’s standard on all Malibu models except the LS, where unfortunately is isn’t available even as an option. Malibu received a five-star rating in both front and side crash test by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
It’s too early for specific ratings for the new generation Malibu, but J.D. Power and Associates, the leading customer-satisfaction ratings firm, found the 2007 Malibu rated average across the board in quality studies. Recent Chevrolet long-term reliability ratings are slightly higher than average.
In light of obvious improvements to the new Malibu, we predict a higher level of quality and customer satisfaction. Time will tell, but judging by the build quality and attention to detail, long-term reliability should be strong as well.
What's next for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu back to top
The Malibu LS will be the base offering when the 2009s arrive in showrooms this July. The LS and the higher LT trim level start with the 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, and LT will still have a 3.6-liter V-6 as an option. The top of the line Malibu LTZ will come standard with the V-6. The Malibu Hybrid continues with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor.
Chevy won’t rest on its laurels for very long in this highly competitive market. A redesign is underway, but won’t arrive until the 2011 or 2012 model year. While improvements are assured, it shouldn’t look a whole lot different since the Malibu represents a new design theme for Chevy that is trickling into new models like Traverse. Hence the 2009 Malibu should stay fresh-looking for a while.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Competition back to top
Midsize cars like the Chevrolet Malibu comprise a huge percentage of auto sales in the U.S. Four of the top ten best selling vehicles in the country in 2007 were midsize cars, including the Honda Accord. Competitors come from all over the world, such as Hyundai Sonata from South Korea, and the Ford Fusion from right here at home.
Honda Accord was all-new for 2008 and offers both a sedan and a coupe. It starts higher than Malibu at around $21,500 for base LX trim four-cylinder with an automatic transmission, up to about $30,500 for a V-6 with navigation. The Accord isn’t expected to change significantly before model-year 2013.
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is already on sale as of late February ’08. It has received a cosmetic refresh, expanded option availability, and increased power from both four and six-cylinder engines. At a base price of under $19,000 with an automatic, it comes in a little cheaper than the Malibu, and has standard stability control at that lowest price point. This generation came out in 2006, and isn’t scheduled for a major redesign until at least 2011.
As far as domestic competitors, the Ford Fusion offers a manual transmission and available all-wheel drive. A base S model with an automatic transmission runs around $19,000, though its four-cylinder has received poor reviews. An SE with the better 3.0 V-6 starts in $22,000 territory. Fusion debuted in 2006 and will see a restyling for 2010. The next generation isn’t expected until 2011 for the 2012 model year.