2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid

So I really didn’t have much time with this car, and I’m rushing to finish stuff up and go on vacation, but here goes. First of all, about the Malibu in general: this is a great package. The car looks nice and drives great. Ergonomics are first rate. I’m not usually one to mention interior materials, but I was expecting a bit more after all the hype when this car was first introduced. I also found the interior’s two-tone color scheme somewhat off-putting. Oh, and the turning radius was atrocious. Still, I’d take this car in a heartbeat over the last $25k-ish sedan we had, the Hyundai Sonata. Neither of these are performance or luxury cars, but the Chevy is roomier, better looking, rides smoother, and does better in crash tests.

Now, about the whole hybrid thing. This is a pretty mild hybrid, and not as high tech as the Prius. Sure, it’s got the battery, but it doesn’t do a whole lot. The engine basically just shuts off at stop lights, and there is that regenerative braking thing. You get used to both pretty quick, and obviously, there are small benefits in the gas mileage department. I’m guessing this doesn’t really make it worth it over the standard four banger Malibu, unless you are trying to impress your neighbors with the hybrid emblems.

So is this the car that saves GM? Dunno. I guess we’re all waiting for the Volt at this point, or at least a more sophisticated hybrid system in the Malibu. But I’d say Chevy has a pretty solid contender here, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re shopping family haulers. Stay tuned for Ryan’s review next week.