I've been a Chevy truck/SUV owner for life. What do you folks think of the noew '08 Malibu? I'm simply in love with the look of the car. Hear anything bad about it? I've heard nothing but good things andit is on board to be an Accord/Corolla killer and is easily in line for car of the year (Motor Trend) Just wish like H*** it offered the 5.3 V8. Love to hear from ya.

Thanks

 

if you want the V8 get the Impala, almsot the same size car as the 08 Malibu....as for bad stuff...dont know its not even out to dealers yet...well couple have them but thats it....most reviews are favorible for it....Im looking forward to it....

 

I'm an Impala owner, but, I was considering getting into the new Malibu since it looks more geared toward my age group (I'm 21) then what the Impala is. Not sure about it being a Carolla killer, since, the Carolla isn't even in the same class of cars as the Malibu. The Camry is though and so is the Altima as well as the Accord.

 

The 08 Malibu has catapulted to the head of my short list. I've never owned a GM before and, anyway, the companies and cars have changed so much over the last few years.

I have a few questions. I know it's a pretty new design but I'd like to get some vibes as to what to expect.

-Regarding the two engines, do they have timing belts or chains?

-If belts, what's the service life? Are they "interference engines?"

-Can you "expect" the water pump to last the "life" of the car or are you a fool if you don't change it every 40k?

-Any "gottacha!s" with service? Things like having to open an engine mount to change an alternator belt, disassemble half the interior to chance rear struts, needing a machine shop to change a front brake rotor. (All, by the way, examples from an 81 Accord. And there were plenty more on that turkey.)

-Whenever I've been in GMs in the past, I've always been impressed how absolutely smoothly they shifted gears. Even rentals. When we rented a Malibu about three years ago (I think it was a 2.4l and I know it was a four cylinder) I was shocked: it was barely better than my wife's 92 Cnivic. Was that just a bad apple? Also the drivetrain seemed mismatched.

I know these are kind of abstract questions but we've been very lucky and have spent very little to keep our cars going (that is until my wife bought an 03 Pissat).

Any other info along these lines will be appreciated.

Thanx,
Phroggie

 

I think the new '08 Malibu is going to be awesome. I have never owned a Chevy before. My dad has a '91 Chevy Silverado, and it still runs great.I bought my first car by myself two days ago and I bought a '04 Chevy Malibu Maxx. It is great. And it has low mileage. I haven't had it for long, but I can't complain. I also think that this one is geared for the 21 and over crowd. The moment I sat in it I new it was going to be very comfortable and smooth ride. I love all the features that came with it. I think that if the '04 is as nice as it is, then the '08 will not disappoint anyone. I am looking forward to seeing it come out. I also look forward to many good tears to come with my new Malibu.

 

I would wait a year or so on the Malibu. Our Maxx LT has 68K on it and has had numerous front end problems, battery connections on the fobs broke, brakes get eaten up fast, interior finishes peeling and headlight circut problems. I dont know about the 05-07's but the first run with these cars have not been successful.