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Chevrolet Malibu: Test Drives
bluechevy1
Member Posts: 10
Hello all,
I recently rented an 07 Malibu LT with the 4 cyl engine. The rental was showroom new with just over 200 miles on the odometer. The origianl window sticker was still in the glove compartment. The car listed for $18,??? and had no additional options. I was impressed with the std features that this car had and would consider the Malibu if I were in the market for a new car. Not many models offer std Radio controls on the steering wheel, trip computer, great sounding single disc cd player, and curtain bags for under 19,000. I averaged just over 33 mpg using the cruise mostly at 75 mph. I'm sure the #'s would go up as the car gets broken in.
However, there were a few things I didn't like with this car. Seemed like a lot of road noise at times, the 4 cyl engine was a bit loud and wheezy, but pretty peppy for a 4..And no std ABS on the 07 model. Definitely more pwr and better mileage than my 00 Altima. Also at times when going over bumps on the highway, the car kinda jostled around some and seemed to be slightly unstable.. I dont know if this is particular to the Malibu or to this 1 car? Lotta car for the money. I don't know what the deal is with GM and the seat fabric on the std Malibu, maybe they offer something a little nicer on the upscale models? But the one I drove seemed as if they peeled the skin off a Samsonite bag and wrapped the seats of the Malibu with it. But it looks o.k. and will probably be very durable.
I recently rented an 07 Malibu LT with the 4 cyl engine. The rental was showroom new with just over 200 miles on the odometer. The origianl window sticker was still in the glove compartment. The car listed for $18,??? and had no additional options. I was impressed with the std features that this car had and would consider the Malibu if I were in the market for a new car. Not many models offer std Radio controls on the steering wheel, trip computer, great sounding single disc cd player, and curtain bags for under 19,000. I averaged just over 33 mpg using the cruise mostly at 75 mph. I'm sure the #'s would go up as the car gets broken in.
However, there were a few things I didn't like with this car. Seemed like a lot of road noise at times, the 4 cyl engine was a bit loud and wheezy, but pretty peppy for a 4..And no std ABS on the 07 model. Definitely more pwr and better mileage than my 00 Altima. Also at times when going over bumps on the highway, the car kinda jostled around some and seemed to be slightly unstable.. I dont know if this is particular to the Malibu or to this 1 car? Lotta car for the money. I don't know what the deal is with GM and the seat fabric on the std Malibu, maybe they offer something a little nicer on the upscale models? But the one I drove seemed as if they peeled the skin off a Samsonite bag and wrapped the seats of the Malibu with it. But it looks o.k. and will probably be very durable.
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Comments
However, the radio gets a way better signal than my 98 Malibu did. And the sound that comes out of the speakers..... AWESOME! I actually like the seats, even though I wanted the leather interior at first.
And yes the car does FEEL EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD lol. The only thing that is hard for me to get used to is this new "electric" steering it has. Sometimes, especially on the freeway on a windy day, the car is hard for me to control. Hopefully this feeling will go away once I break the car in! My only other "complaint" I guess is that is much lighter than the old style Malibu .
It still has a lot of room, especially in the trunk, and the best thing is the gas mileage! In my 98 I was filling my car up twice, now I can go a week or more without. And I drive at least 50 miles a day to and from work.
So there's what I have to say about the '07 Malibu, of course if you have the money I'd try for one with the V6/V8 engine. They are probably gonna be more powerful especially if you drive rush hour in the big city like I do.
Good luck and all...
Bill P.
Kent, OH
'05 Chevy Uplander owner
Bill P.
Kent, OH