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Comments
If bluetooth is installed in the car, it's always available and you only need to pull your portable nav out when you really need it.
That was what I failed to understand. Its quite different if a manufacturer, for whatever reason, elects not to offer a particular functionality...for whatever reason.
If you moving without looking at where you're going, you will hit things.
While hands-free technology will certainly help reduce phone induced accidents, it will never completely save us from the morons suffering from obcessive cellphone distraction.
Basically, in 30 seconds or less, they show a Malibu body being assembled (seats installed, dash and windshield installed, etc. all the way to a completed vehicle) and then they end the commercial by saying something like ...
"Malibu....built for life!"
This isn't a commentary on the quality of the Malibu, but somehow, the impression of something as complex as an automobile being assembled in a matter of a couple of minutes doesn't give me a "warm and fuzzy" feeling that this item will last a lifetime.
If I ran GM's marketing dept., I think I would have run a couple more marketing tests on this advertisement before showing it on national TV.
But, that's just how I interpret the advertisement...
BTW, jaxs1, the bluetooth is coming part of my post is also, like the nav-not-compatible thing, straight from GM. I believe the 09 models will have integrated bluetooth capability. I wasn't the one mentioning using the portable GPS' bluetooth capability either. I'd probably add one of the many aftermarket bluetooth adapters if that was something I felt necessary in my car, just because I also like the integration with the factory sound system.
Last of all though, I completely agree with the posts concerning our society's perceived need to be on the phone all the time. I've seen a woman hang up the phone in the house (yup, landline, strangely enough), pick up the cellphone, dial a number, begin talking, walk out of the house, get into a minivan, and drive off (still talking).. It never fails to irk me. There are very few people that really need to be on the phone as much as we as a society seem to think we do now.
I'm not very technically educated on the specifics here, but surely GM has the where-with-all to manufacture a Malibu with state of the art features and capabilities.
I can see where GM marketing may feel that the car isn't targeted towards NAV users, so that may be a plausable explanation to explain why.
As for me, if I was a saleperson for Honda, Nissan, etc., I would hammer the Malibu on this issue, claiming that GM is way behind the curve on technology. Not that it is or isn't, but I would certainly use that angle in order to sell against the Malibu.
Personally, I like the Malibu's design and looks, but I have had such poor service from my area's Chevy dealers that I would be hard pressed to buy another Chevy unless it was half the price of the competition. Likewise, the Kia, Suzuki and Hyundai dealers in my area come across as slick, greasy dealerships in their advertising on TV and newspaper (promising any and everything to get the sale), making me cringe at the thought of dealing with one of their salespeople. Again, I like some of their cars, but I have a problem with the credibility of their sales, and therefore ultimately, their service departments.
Maybe something came loose inside the door -- winter weather has made many roads very, very rough and bumpy here in NH! Whatever is the cause, it's unfortunate and conjures up unpleasant memories of high-maintenance GM vehicles of the past...
If it makes you feel any better, I am 3 months and 3500 miles into my 2008 Malibu LTZ, and have not had 1 issue at all.
I am coming from a Malibu Maxx that had a few issues. This car is head and shoulders better than the Maxx - much more refined, solid, powerful, etc.
It is also much better than the Volvo S60 and Acura CL I previously owned.
Damon
Hi Everyone, I appreciate everyones input on the 2008 Malibu!
I am in the market for a new LTZ but I am trying to figure out it if GM will be in any way changing the car for 2009?
Thanks
No!
Bluetooth and a USB port will be on 2009s.
If you want those things, then you should wait for 2009s.
The LTs will also get the 6-speed with 4 cylinder next year, but since the person is getting an LTZ, those already have the 6-speed on the 2008 4 cylinder models.
Black Metallic ext. Ebony interior. Premium Audio, Mat, Sunroof, power package etc...
Played with On-star and xm all day!
Power adjustable pedals no longer available
6-speed automatic available on all 4 cylinders except LS.
Bluetooth available on most models except LS.
Stability control now standard on all including the LS.
No mention of USB ports right away, but it still may be added later in the year.
There are aftermarket iPod control and HD radio kits available for the current radio, so it may not be worth waiting for the factory radio with USB unless the factory USB port works with music on thumb drives and you need that.
They will start taking orders for 2009s in less than a month and start actually building them around June 16th so dealers should start getting the first 2009s on their lots by July.
Out of curiousity what colors will be introduced or changed?
Brian
(15U) Sandstone Metallic exterior color
(40U) White exterior color
(53U) Amber Bronze Metallic exterior color
(67U) Silverstone Metallic exterior color
(JF4) Power-adjustable pedals
(QPE) P215/60R16 touring blackwall tires
(NZ6) 16" fascia spoke painted Sterling Silver wheels
Front side marker lamps
New Features
(17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color
(50U) Summit White exterior color
(51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color
(92U) Silver Moss Metallic exterior color
(UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface)
(QGG) P215/55R17 touring, blackwall tires
Changes
(PDC) Power Convenience Package now includes (AG1) driver 6-way power seat adjuster, (AP3) remote vehicle starter system and (UPF) Bluetooth for phone
(P22) 17" fascia spoke, painted sterling silver wheels are now standard on LS and 1LT models
(FX3) StabiliTrak stability control system with brake assist and Traction Control is now standard on all models
(LE5) 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine is now standard on LTZ
(MH8) 6-speed automatic transmission is now available on 1LT and standard on 2LT and LTZ
Headroom is very tight for 6 footers with the moonroof.
Rear legroom is barely adequate.
Positives are that it looks nice inside and out. It drives very nicely and is much quieter than the Honda Accord even with the 4-speed automatic and 4 cylinder. It is even a bit quieter than a Toyota Camry. It handles nicely. It has a hydraulic hood strut instead of a manual prop like 4 cylinder Camry and Accord.
The dealer is pushing aftermarket CigBlue bluetooth installation and had ads for it on the window stickers.
When the 6-speed automatic and factory installed bluetooth come later this year it will be even nicer as long as you don't need a "roomy" car.
Some will consider it to have a "snug and sexy cockpit feel" and others will feel "cramped and claustrophobic" especially compared to the competition that are now either in or bordering the EPA Large car category (Accord, Sonata, Camry).
Put me in the later category. I was eagerly awaiting the launch of the Malibu hoping it would be better than the Aura. Sadly I found it to be just as cramped and difficult to enter
Some of the minor negatives in my opinion are shoulder belt anchors should be at least one inch higher, and the ride should be a bit softer. Also, the rear seat is only for two adults, or two adults and a child.
This is the first time that I have ever received a J. D. Power questionnaire and I was very surprised to see how thorough and detailed the questions are. But I still can't get over the fact that I have to return a blank questionnaire since I have no quality issues to report. Unlike many other surveys which can be done online J.D. Power does not offer that option. I wonder why?
For those who are curious here are some of the questions asked:
Part I. About Your Vehicle:
1. Lease or purchased
2. Transmission type (manual, automatic, CVT)
3. a. Current milage. b. Your average miles per gallon
4. Exterior color
5. Is this your first new vehicle
6. Type of equipment on new vehicle
Part II. Things Gone Wrong:
Exterior
7. Doors(hard to open, close, squeaks, latch not working, broken, etc)
8. Excessive wind noise (windshield, doors, windows moonroof)
9. Water leaks into vehicle
10. Chipped, blemished or dirt in paint, loose or misaligned molding, body panel gaps, etc.
11. Headlight problems, cracked stractched, bulb failure
12. Fuel cap hard to open
13. Exterior rust or corrosion
The Driving Experience:
14. Vehicle pulls, left, right
15. Brakes pulls left, right, vibrates, noisy, emergency parking brakes won't hold, etc.
16. Foot peddles too close, excessive brake dust
17. Vibration at iddle
Features:
18. Windshield wipers broken/not working, difficult to understand, poor location
19. Turn signal, cruise control, tire monitoring system, remote keyless, dome map lights: are they working or difficult to operate, etc.
20. Audio/Entertainment/Navigation are they broken, not working, controls difficult to understand, controls in poor location.
21. Seats, heating air conditioning and ventilation are they working and how comfortable.
22. Interior instrument panel/dashboard, squeaks, rattles, etc.
23. Carpeting, glass, any blemishes, scuffs, stains, etc.
24. Engine/transmission, easy to start, iddle problems, etc.
25. Automatic/manual transmission, slips, erratic operation, abnormal noises.
This is merely a summary of the many items on the rather detailed list. So if there are many Malibu owners like me with no reportable conditions or defects the Malibu should move to the top of the quality heap.
non-GM car.
There is also a $1000 loyalty rebate instead if you have 1999 or newer GM car.
So, basically, there is a $1000 rebate for anyone that currently owns a 1999 or newer car and buys a new Malibu while they still own that vehicle.
GM may have to halt production by mid-April of the Chevrolet Malibu if UAW doesn’t end its strike against supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. According to Mike Dunn, shop chairman of UAW Local 5960, American Axle supplies a knuckle used in the rear suspension of the Malibu and Pontiac G6.
Dunn said that shortage of the knuckle may also shut down GM’s Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas by the middle of April. The plant makes about 1,000 G6 and Malibu sedans per week.
GM may have to halt production by mid-April of the Chevrolet Malibu if UAW doesn’t end its strike against supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. According to Mike Dunn, shop chairman of UAW Local 5960, American Axle supplies a knuckle used in the rear suspension of the Malibu and Pontiac G6.
Dunn said that shortage of the knuckle may also shut down GM’s Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas by the middle of April. The plant makes about 1,000 G6 and Malibu sedans per week.
I also saw an Accord a few rows down. The interior space looks about the same
Without the moonroof, the headroom is better, but the rear legroom and footroom is tight regardless. Your knees can fit into the depression the seatback, so it may seem OK, but when you try to exit or slide across to the opposite door (to exit away from traffic or if access on one side is blocked) it will be very awkward. Doing the same in an Accord or Camry is much easier because you can slide across without your knees and feet getting caught up in the backs of the seats and console.
Since I don't plan on using the back seat that often, the few people who will ride back there a few times will just have to deal with it if I get a Malibu. Most won't be very tall anyway, so I will not make it a deal stopper, but you do not need to have the height of an NBA player to be cramped in the backseat, especially with the moonroof. Drivers who normally like to sit very high, will also have to compromise by lowering the drivers seat.
Obviously, if you are that finicky you will be very disappointed driving any mid-size sedan so maybe you should consider the Accord (large size) or the Avalon, Taurus or Azera.
I got very serious about buying a Malibu today and then I remembered someone saying that 2009's were coming out VERY soon. So I would appreciate some feedback...
I am wanting to buy a 2LT w/ the premium audio package. The sticker price came out to $23,075.50. I plan on putting $9,000 down on top of the GM Loyalty rebate which is $1,000. That gets my payments down to $291.05 (which works well for me) and the APR is 5.34%.
Now this Malibu would have to be built because it isn't available in the color I want w/ the option and in the 4 cylinder.
Question is, should I wait a few months for the '09 which will have the 6 speed and bluetooth???? Does anyone know what the ballpark figure on a 2LT is for next year in the 6 speed? I ask this becuase there aren't really any discounts right now, and I'm basically paying sticker price since my dealer won't budge on it since it is a "Hot Car!"
I would appreciate any help as this is my first automobile purchase and I am looking on not getting skrewed over (yeah I know, good luck huh!).
I will be surprised if the rebate carrys forward to the 2009s until some time after all the 2008s are gone and there will likely be some price increase for the new transmission and bluetooth option, but since there will no longer be power adjustable pedals, it may cancel out a little of the extra cost.
I drove a 1LT with same engine, and found it to be more than ample for my driving needs. I'm 6' even, and with the driver's seat positioned where I need it to drive, I sat in the back seat and was very comfortable.
It's funny reading these forums as to what is important to one person is not to another. For example, I like the wheels on the 1LT better than the 2LT wheels, and may even swap them out at a later date. I ordered the car in Imperial blue metallic with the cashmere interior.
Good luck with whatever you decide--you'll enjoy the car!
I've talked w/ some local dealers and they are telling me that 2009's are much further away than July.
Thank you!
http://www.donlen.com:80/buildstart_chevy.html
If you wait until the end of April, they should be able to order 2009s by then barring unforeseen circumstances. You will probably be wasting your breath asking the dealers about it before the first official day they can take orders.
Very soon I will be driving from Boston to Gaithersburg, MD in our new 2008 Malibu LS with the 16" tires. What is your recommendation for tire pressure on such a long distance trip? OnStar recommends 30 psi but I believe that is too soft for such long distance highway driving. By the way, the car has 1,600 miles and I was thinking of changing the oil before embarking on the trip. As a traditionalist, I always changed my oil after 500 miles break-in period but many boardies are saying that is no longer necessary with late model automobiles. What do you think?
Since I will be driving on Route 95, how many toll booths should I expect to encounter? I know there are none on the Massachusetts section, but what about RI, CT, NY, NJ, DE, MD, etc. and what is the expected cost on each of these sections. If you could direct me to a website I would appreciate that.