Chevy Malibu: A Car That Can Finally Park Next to the Imports

For years we've been waiting for the American automakers to build a midsized vehicle comparable to the Asians - Honda, Nissan and Toyota. Until the restyled Chevrolet Malibu arrived, I was beginning to believe America automakers could only build SUVs and trucks. To my surprise, Chevrolet has finally answered the call - with the sporty-looking Malibu. The vehicle is basically a stretched version of Saturn's Aura with a sportier styling, mixing a European and an American flair. The vehicle has a distinct exterior appearance, topping it off with the bow-tie like grille, the 18-inch wheels and the dual chrome exhaust tailpipes. If you opt for the LTZ version, the Malibu is also available with a snazzy two-tone interior. The redesigned Malibu is sure to win over a lot of new fans, placing a smile on the face of die heart Chevy fans, too. After years of building a boring and bland sedan, GM definitely has a winner on their hands. This vehicle is also competitive with the new makeovers given to the Accord and Camry.

This roomy, redesigned Malibu is available with three fuel-efficient engine choices: a hybrid, a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder engine. The upscale LTZ version I drove had great handling abilities, contained a smooth ride and every imaginable option available from the factory, with the exception of a rear center armrest and a navigational system, which are not available at this time. To compensate for the navigational system, GM offers an audible turn-by-turn navigational system via its popular OnStar System. However, for a car of this caliber, a touch-screen system should be available. The Malibu is also available with an option typically reserved for the high-line luxury imports - an optional rear power sunshade - although the car I reviewed, didn't have the feature.

Moreover, the fit and finish of the vehicle seems to be on par with its import competitors - no excessive gaps or misaligned exterior panels or snafus with the upscale interior. Adding to that, J. D. Power, a Michigan-based company, which survey customers ownership experience during the few few years of the vehicle, recently awarded the Malibu with the coveted Initial Quality Award. This means the vehicle is considered to be one of the best in its class. So, for a price point between $20,000 to $27,000, you won't be disappointed, if you decide to invest in a vehicle many of us always thought America could build. We should also give kudos to Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of Global Design for bringing sexy back with America's bread and butter brand. Welburn is a graduate of Howard University.

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