With a little work here and there, the Malibu could be an outstanding mid-size sedan. As is, it’s so-so.

The Malibu has the generic Chevy look with a grill that resembles the Traverse and Equinox SUVs and the soon-to-be-released electric Volt. It’s not bad looking, but there’s nothing that sets it apart from the crowd.

The interior has the family look with audio and climate controls that appear lifted from other GM models. It’s roomy and comfortable with basic seats that feel much better than the supposedly anatomically correct sport seats found in more expensive GM models. The downfall is the non-adjustable front-seat headrest that tilts forward, forcing your head into an unnatural angle. Some orthopedic surgeon somewhere probably likes it for maintaining spine alignment, but it feels terrible.

On the road, the Malibu has average road manners. The 4-cylinder Ecotec engine runs smoothly but makes only adequate power. The engine would perform a lot better if it had a transmission that was designed to produce more giddy-up. The tranny has six-speeds and should have a gear for all occasions, especially acceleration. But, with mileage requirements what they are these days, the transmission is always in a gear (or two) too high. Plant your foot and wait (and wait) for the transmission to decide to downshift once or twice to get in a gear that provides some thrust. Combine the lackluster shifting with leisurely throttle response, and you’re left with a car that demands judicious planning when making left turns across fast-moving traffic. At least the mileage is good, with a respectable 22 mpg in the city and a very good 33 on the highway.

The suspension is on the soft side and bottoms-out over severe bumps, but most drivers will find the ride pleasant. The steering feels numb and slow, and lots of steering twists and turns are needed when maneuvering in a tight parking lot. Tire squeal and body roll will accompany hard driving.

The Malibu will fill the need of drivers who don’t demand a lot from their vehicle. It’s a pleasing car for getting from point A to point B.

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
Drivetrain Layout Front-wheel-drive
Wheelbase/Length 112.3 in./191.8 in.
Width/Height . 70.3 in./57.1 in.
Track (front/rear) . 59.6 in./60.0 in.
Headroom (front/rear) 38.2 in./37.8 in.
Legroom (front/rear) . 42.2 in./37.6 in.
Shoulder room (front/rear) . 56.0 in./ 54.0 in.
Curb weight (manual/auto) 3,446 lbs.
Passenger volume . 97.7 cu. ft.
Rear Cargo area volume . 15.1 cu. ft.
Fuel-tank capacity 16.0 gallons

Specifications
Engine . 2.4L I4
Horsepower 169 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 160 @ 4,500 rpm
Acceleration . 0-60 mph 8.9 sec.
Braking . 60-0 mph 131 feet
Fuel requirement . Regular
EPA city/highway . 22/33 mpg

Warranties
Bumper-to-bumper . 3/36,000
Powertrain 5/100,000
Rust-through . 6/100,000

Competitors
Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima

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