2008 Chevrolet Malibu and hybrid

A hybrid in a Malibu

The Chevy Malibu is the nicest Chevy for its price that I have driven in years. Kudos to the designers and the engineers. Chevy has a winner on their hands.

Overview

Models:	Chevrolet Malibu LS, LT, LTZ, and Hybrid
Body style / driveline:	sedan / front-engine, front-wheel drive
Construction:	body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:	midsize car
Manufacturing location:	Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kan.
Key competitors:

There are two engines;

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

Ecotec 2.4 literVVT (includes hybrid)

169 / 126 @ 6400*
164 / 122 @ 6400* – Hybrid

3.6 liter V-6 DOHC with VVT

252 / 188 @ 6300*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm):

160 / 217 @ 4500*
159 / 215 @ 5000* – Hybrid

251 / 340 @ 3200*

The 2008 Malibu pricing starts at $19,995 for the base LS, including an automatic transmission. The MSRP for the 1LT is $20,955, and the 2LT is $22,635; the LTZ starts at $26,995, and the Malibu mild-Hybrid carries an MSRP of $22,790. Prices for all models include a $650 destination charge.

The mild-hybrid only gets two more miles per gallon than the plain ole’ internal combustion engine (ICE). You can get up to $1,800 federal tax credit for the Malibu hybrid, leaving you with a net increase of $500 in cost.

I would opt for the ICE till General Motor’s two-mode comes out.

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Lou Ann Hammond

Lou Ann Hammond is the CEO of Carlist and Driving the Nation. She is the co-host of Real Wheels Washington Post carchat every Friday morning and is the Automotive, energy correspondent for The John Batchelor Show and a Contributor to Automotive Electronics magazine headquartered in Korea. Hammond is a founding member of the Women's World Car of the Year #WWCOTY, and board member of the Women in Automotive.