Overview:
Ok, back to my past and a car I owned when the model was new. Mine was a 1967 Yellow with a Black top. Two door hardtop. It’s nice to see that 2005 finds the Chevrolet Malibu still on the scene with the new LS Maxx.
My neighbor friend Carol said she wanted her mom to buy a Malibu. Husband Richard has been a Chevy kind of cowboy and owned a Malibu in his younger days too. Well Carol’s mom ended up buying a Fooooooord. You can tell parents, but you can’t tell them much.
I have had so much good fortune with the many Chevrolets I’ve owned since my very first car – a 1934 Chevrolet coupe with a rumble seat. Wow, $50 and I worked it off painting with my dad. Thanks dad. I can still feel the busted knuckles changing the gears in the transmission that I broke learning to shift. But for you who have owned classic cars that are original you are acutely aware there was a time when Syncro-mesh transmissions weren’t invented yet. By the way, “These” (2000 and beyond) are the good old days when it comes to cars. Today the interval for a tune up is 100,000 miles – back then you were lucky to get 100 miles before the engine needed attention. We’ve come a long way baby. GM probably had more to do with the growth in automotive technology than any other company in the world.
General Info:
Parts –
Assembly – Kansas City, Kansas USA
Class: – Large
Cars: Astro, Avalanche, Aveo, Blazer, Cavalier, Cobalt, Colorado, Corvette, Equinox, Express, Express Cargo Van, Impala, Malibu, Malibu Maxx, Monte Carlo, Silverado 1500,2500,3500 and Hybrid, SSR, Suburban, Tahoe, Trail Blazer, Uplander and Venture.
Do you think GM can squeeze in a few more models? Just kidding of course. Do you think too many models may be a part of the reason they are experiencing sales problems in the beginning of the 21st century.
Suggestion: Cut some of the models and do better on the remaining models. On the other hand I was disappointed when GM decided to dump the Oldsmobile line.
Handling & Performance:
This is a no nonsense car that does it all pretty well. It is powerful – 200 hp – and yet it does it while achieving 30 highway miles per gallon. Pretty good for a 5-seat sedan.
Styling:
Well, I like the styling and the research I did on consumers seems to agree. It looks like a lot more expensive sedan and finds itself classed with smaller, less expensive cars.
Fit and Finish:
Very good even when compared to the company it keeps.
Cost:
Well priced until you consider the Nissan Sentra and the Honda Civic which are priced less. This is real tough competition.
Conveniences:
The fold flat seats are a bit unusual for a family sedan, but they are a nice touch. Although it comes standard with a nice complement of features, you can fork out another $3,200 to add side air bags and head curtain side air bags, rear audio controls with headphones, 6-way power driver seat, “Remote Vehicle Starter system”, DVD entertainment system, XM Satellite radio with over 130 channels and AM/FM with 6-disc CD player to replace standard radio.
For those who live or travel to places with extreme weather conditions (cold or hot) the Remote starter system is pretty cool. From the comfort of your house you can start the car remotely so it will be nice and toasty or cooled when you’re ready to leave.
Consumer Recommendation:
Although this is a standout among the competition as a small looking but big and roomy sedan, I would look hard at the Honda Civic. Smaller but it will impress you for the money. I believe the Accord is a closer competitor than the Civic, however.
The Competition:
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx $21-25,000, Pontiac Grand Am $23-24,000, Toyota Corolla $14-18,000, Dodge Stratus $19-23,000, Hyundai Elantra $13-15,000, Honda Civic $13-22,000, Nissan Sentra $13-18,000, VW Jetta $18-24,000.
Good News:
Roomy family sedan, good fuel economy.
Bad News:
I didn’t sense any problems.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter 200 hp V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, dual front air bags, 4-wheel ABS brakes w/traction control, theft deterrent immobilizer, auto headlights, battery rundown protection, power outside mirrors, air conditioning, power windows and locks, power steering with tilt and telescopic wheel, cruise control, stereo with CD player, power driver seat, fold flat passenger seat, power pedal adjustment and driver information system.
Gas Stats:
22 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $21,465.
