Shaun's Automotive Review: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu ~ Test Drive and Virtual Walkaround

Shaun's Automotive Review: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu ~ Test Drive and Virtual Walkaround
by Shaun Davidson
Driving up onto Chevrolet's lot left me with a lot to wonder. What will I be expecting? I've never bought Chevrolet, or for that matter anything domestic in over ten years. The lack of quality product had diverted my interests into our local Japanese economy. But in any event, I was ready and prepared for the worst...or maybe not.
My first impression on the new Chevrolet Malibu was of complete surprise. It's a handsome and striking automobile from a hundred yards away, but I'm still skeptical until I can really get up close and inspect it's minute details. It's because of this, I buy an automobile for functionality, style (looking different from the crowd), and reliability. I've seen so many tv pitch ads, and even listened to a wide array of radio sponsorships from local area businesses praising America's comeback kid. So okay great, the car even looks wonderful from up close. So how does this automobile perform??
I'm not one to judge so closely. From the front of the car, there's fabulous details. Fantastic fit and finish all around, no unsightly body panel gaps that plagued the previous two generations before. I looked at the LT2 model. Nice chrome appliques in just the right places, not overdone or overstated. Pull out door handle feel solid and do a lot in easing ergonomics. In addition, the deleted, unsightly window trim disappeared, evoked clean and aerodynamic design. The tallights were a change, very retro but at the same time elegant. Chevrolet nabbed a couple design cues from it's reverberated 2008 Cadillac CTS Sedan. I just pointed out to the sales consultant, did Toyota help design and engineer this?? With a grin ear to ear, he proclaimed an emphatic no!!
So now, I realise looks are only 50% of the total experience. I still had to be sold on how well it performs out on the freeway. Commuting fifty miles round trip was the norm, so comfort and passing power were my big high points. I get behind the wheel, adjust everything necessary to help assist my mental ownership and gazed about the cabin trying to figure out all the gadgetry. The one thing that did pop out, was the further attention to details on the materials of the dash panel and seating surfaces, very comfortable and not too harsh. What would happen next left me speechless, I cranked the ignition, no sound whatsoever. A definite high point in my book, very quiet, no engine noise whatsoever from inside. I geared it into drive and accelerated, still mute without the high hum of a four banger Ford Festiva...unbelievable!!
So in conclusion, the car was meticulous in detail, I hounded the four cylinder up and down narrow canyons in Napa Valley, not a peep. Needless to say, my expectations were exceeded ten fold. Surprise would not have been the word to describe the test drive. We have all heard the great praise the Malibu has had, and I can ultimately attest to the grand amount of advertising and rave reviews, that it has to seen to be believed. As you have read this review, I have gone through the song and dance. A proud new owner of a revitalized icon from yesteryear, I'm still in elation.