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New Malibu not bad

T

todras

Pretty fly for a white guy *cowbell*
Joined
May 29, 2000
Messages
13,188
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
I think they stopped when they got to the tail and they stole the C pillar right off the Fusion. Other than that not too shabby. And still no Navi or Bluetooth. Silly GM.
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it doesnt look bad at all.

But the car starts at 20K for the base I4 model. You can get a Fusion, which already has a good reputation for 17K starting which has the same standard options, and size. a loaded Malibu will cost you around 30k O.O
 
I LOVE that interior. Especially the color scheme and dash controls. The Indiglo-colored lighting is pretty unique.

Not a fan of the exterior.
 
Still never forget when an ex told me what she bought her '99 Grand Am GT for. This is a 4 cyl. GT which I had no idea they made. Oh 23k she said. WTF?!! This was years ago mind you. Who the hell buys a pretty basic GM at that price? The same as a new SVTC.
 
The new Malibu will have sat navigation starting before the end of the model year, it will pop out of the top of the dash where the current storage pocket is sitting.

The car is powered by a choice of a 2.4L Ecotec I4 making 169hp, a 3.6L DOHC V6 making 252hp, and a hybrid making 170hp.

You can order the top level LTZ with the Ecotec mated to the 6 speed atx which is returning some very impressive fuel economy numbers. The engine staled for the SS hasn't been released but is expected to be a 3.5L high feature V6. Also in the works is a 2.6L high feature V6 set to replace GM's already ancient pushrod engines.

Given that the car has more space than the Fusion and the base Fusion comes with an MTX instead of a more expensive automatic it's not really all that much more expensive. Also for $21K you get Stabilitrac, which should be on every car on the road, 17 inch chrome wheels, and a good list of standard options. It's a really improved car over the last model and much more competitive in the segment.
 
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i would call GM's pushrod motors a proven science before ancient...considering the amazing cars they power *cough Z06 cough*


BTW, what happened to the micra?
 
TGO said:
i would call GM's pushrod motors a proven science before ancient...considering the amazing cars they power *cough Z06 cough*


BTW, what happened to the micra?
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Well said TGO, I don't get people complaining about the pushrod engine, have you people seen what a Saturn Aura XR (3.6L VVT) runs in the quarter mile (14.7@98 mph) and its got a pretty "European" suspension to match, although I'm sure some would want more but who doesn't:shrug: The Fusion has our beloved 3.0L and although that engine puts out good numbers when people here add it to a Tour, it pales in comparison to the GM V6's. Maybe Ford will put the new 3.5L/3.7L Duratec into the Fusion and come out with "something" for the enthusists, where are you Ford:rolleyes:

Back on topic, the Malibu is a sweet looking ride...PERIOD:cool:
 
I like them, except of the back. It looks huge though. It is just me or are sedans getting bigger and bigger?
 
LilCe98 said:
I like them, except of the back. It looks huge though. It is just me or are sedans getting bigger and bigger?
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The car companies have to follow the baby boomer trends as they represent dominant market share. As the boomers age the interior of the cars expand to accommodate the boomers ballooning asses.
 
I saw a billboard "the new malibu" with a front view of the car. I pointed to Mo and was like that looks good.

I just say the pictures and puked. Ewwww that thing is ugly.....:help::nonono::blackeye:

Interior on the other hand is very nice.

- amyn
 
qbcsvt said:
I saw a billboard "the new malibu" with a front view of the car. I pointed to Mo and was like that looks good.

I just say the pictures and puked. Ewwww that thing is ugly.....:help::nonono::blackeye:

Interior on the other hand is very nice.

- amyn
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Go and check it out inperson, especially the LTZ version;)
 
TourDeForce said:
The car companies have to follow the baby boomer trends as they represent dominant market share. As the boomers age the interior of the cars expand to accommodate the boomers ballooning asses.
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Lol, now i understand:laugh:

PurpleMystique said:
I love their new commercial: here.
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Yeah their new commercials are funny. It's good to see GM has a sense of humor about themselves
 
yea wth happened to the rear end of this car. :help:. The flat back trunk and tails looks extremely out of place.
 
todras said:
Still never forget when an ex told me what she bought her '99 Grand Am GT for. This is a 4 cyl. GT which I had no idea they made. Oh 23k she said. WTF?!! This was years ago mind you. Who the hell buys a pretty basic GM at that price? The same as a new SVTC.
Click to expand...

In '99 the GT was only available with the 3.4 V6. '98 and earlier had a 4 cyl GT option though.
 
Vehicle Highlights

  • All-new refined and contemporary exterior with new grille design that represents the global face of Chevrolet
  • Upscale refined interior design with available two-tone trim; gauges with Chevrolet blue backlighting
  • Standard head-curtain side air bags and front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
  • Refined and technically advanced family of economic DOHC powertrains, including a 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder and a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing
  • Six-speed automatic transmission available with both four-cylinder and V-6 engines – a segment exclusive for four-cylinder engines (interim introduction)
  • Hybrid model
  • Four-wheel independent suspension and longer wheelbase that deliver a more controlled, satisfying and confident driving experience
  • Five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
As for the High feature V6 I am pretty damn certain it will run the 3.6L Direct injection motor. Don't know where honkey got his numbers or if he simply typo'd.

I like it a lot. In fact I like the interior and front end more than my father's 2006 Honda Accord, but the rear is a bit of a shot in the foot. :blackeye:
 
It's a new direct injection engine GM developed to replace the old pushrod 3.1L in the lineup which will be pumpin out about 220hp. It might end up being another optional engine in the list in the future. They will be using the 3.6L DOHC for the LTZ. Another rumored engine is a DOHC 3.9L for the SS that should be good for just over 300hp.

Another thing of note, Stabilitrac is available on all but the very base models. For $23K you get 4 wheel discs with stability control, power windows/locks/trunk/seats/steering/mirrors, heated seats, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, garage door opener, XM radio, 17" chrome wheels, remote start, Onstar, leather steering wheel and shifter, 8 airbags, acoustic laminated windows, MP3/CD 6 speaker stereo, and a tire pressure monitorng system.

Despite being competition for the Fusion, the size of this car and interior space edges in on the Taurus (500) market as well. Unless people are just unwilling to give GM a chance because of "it's another crappy Chevy" syndrome, I think this car should be a pretty good seller. Only time will tell though. I was dissapointed to see that even though it is a very nice car, and received accolades from the press, the Aura sold about as good as the PS3.
 
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