2009 Chevrolet Malibu

What's new for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu: Redesigned; new model.

Everyone knows GM's traditional strategy, right? Take the same handful of mediocre cars, give lightly altered copies to its myriad divisions, and make superficial updates every few years. Well, consider the 2008 Malibu a break with tradition.

Yes, it still has relatives within GM, but the efforts that went into this particular Chevy are bound to make it the star of its family. For one thing, real time and money were invested on its engineering. The Malibu carries two of GM's best engines -- a 169-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 -- both modern designs, both class competitive. One of its transmissions is a 6-speed; the brakes are discs. Those who have driven the Malibu have found it to have good handling, a comfortable ride, and fine all-around performance.

Its interior has also been praised for its high attention to detail. The plastics and materials are a cut above the GM standard, and the seats are comfortable and roomy. Controls are easy to operate, and the dash lives up to the high standard of style set by the Malibu's shapely outer shell.

The only half-hearted element to the new Malibu is the Hybrid model, whose technical simplicity makes it only marginally more fuel efficient than the regular 4-cylinder model (its MPG is in the high 20s, instead of mid-20s). Niche models aside, the new Malibu is a definite heavy-hitter among mid-size sedans.