First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Yes, I think it definitely can compete! :o) Beware the Bow-tie, everyone!

I sat in the new Malibu at the Seattle auto show. It feels solid. However, the material they used for the steering wheel has a somewhat rough feel, not really smooth. Otherwise, its a very clean looking, good design inside and out.

The rear end in that second photo reminds me of the Buick Lucerne.

I'm surprised Chevy isnt offering a nav system. To me its not a deal breaker and it really shouldnt be for anyone. But to be fully competitive with Honda and Toyota and Nissan they should match them feature for feature.
 
But in all fairness to Chevy, I will say almost all Camrys and Accords I see dont have one, so I guess it wont really hurt them.

This car is very attractive as its not over or understyled. Seems like the quality is there. Going by the pics but I have a few things I dont like. #1 that GM steering wheel is TOO BIG. #2 The rear of the car doesnt go with the rest of the design which is pleasing. #3 That GM center stack, seems like GM has all this room to place buttons but they dont use it. The buttons seem so .........scrunched up and it leaves a lot of bland plastic just lying there.
 
I love the GM signature grill and headlights. The greenhouse is a combination of the Aura and Acura TL which is good. But the rear lights just let the car down. Looks like this car may generate some REAL sales numbers. Good job GM!

This should be a big move for Chevy as long as they learn from the shortcomings of the Aura.

As far as nav, GM expects its On Start turn by turn directions to fill that role. I say just get an aftermarket stand-alone system, as they are better and much cheaper than the factory installed systems anyway, and it can go with you when you go from car to car anyway. It will be interesting to see if the lack of a true built in nav system hurts sales. It would be a real pity if it did.

I cant imagine a lack of a nav system really hurting sales, because I honestly cant remember the last time I saw a midsize sedan with navigation. If this was a luxury car GM would be screwed but I think they'll do fine.
 
I agree with the portable nav system part, that makes a lot of sense.

And if for some odd reason it hurts sales they could have a promotion where they can give away a portable nav system with certain cars
so no big deal for GM
 
as for the rest of the car, i think it looks great
a lot more upscale looking than the camry and altima
and right up there with the new accord
personally i think this is even better looking than the new accord
finally, GM got it right

Interesting that the new 'bu is based on the now-deceased Maxx chassis (also used for the Aura), A pity Chevy or Saturn found no way to viably market the hatch/wagon version for '08.

Seen one in person: interior is wonderful, exterior leaves me cold (or worse, sleepy).

I'm not sold on the exterior styling. I think the grille is WAY too large for its design and the taillights do NOT fit at all. Not to mention the insanely wide C-pillar.
 
The interior, however, is wonderful. It looks like they've refined the Aura's interior for the 'Bu. The Aura is just better looking.

I like the large grill, but I have to agree the rear lights look a bit odd. I sat in the car and the large C pillars didn't seem to hurt visibility much, but I'd have to drive it to really tell.

This is a really nice looking car IMO. I am surprised and impressed.