RSS
Home
The 2009 Chevy Malibu LT – everything an American car should be
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Every once in a while you get a chance to take a car for an extended test drive and when that vehicle performs beyond all expectations it is a rare treat. Such was the case with the 2009 Chevy Malibu, which we drove out I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, down through Carbondale and Hotchkiss to Delta and over Red Mountain to Durango.
Through intermittent rain and busy passes we were quite impressed with the way the Malibu performed – climbing and passing with authority while maintaining frugal use of fuel. In fact we ended up with 29.4 mpg over 600 miles of mountain driving.
This was thanks to Chevy’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that seems to reach the optimal balance between the contradictory goals of power and economy. Though the Malibu is not overpowered with this engine, we were delighted with its ability to accelerate with authority at both high and low speeds. We were frankly surprised to discover it was not a six-cylinder power plant.
The trip then took us through Pagosa Springs and south to Taos, then back to Denver via San Luis and Walsenburg. Through the winding mountainous highways of northern New Mexico we were awed by the superb tracking and road stability of this basic sedan. We could not seem to push it beyond its limits on climbs or curves – it performed flawlessly without complaint.
The 2009 Chevy Malibu is a devilishly handsome vehicle – clean lines and a classic stance make it look like a car costing much, much more. Inside the Chevy is nicely appointed without being posh. It comes standard with amenities like a telescoping articulated steering wheel, three months of XM radio and a year’s OnStar service.
The vehicle gets a SmartWay rating by the green vehicles guide with below average particulate and greenhouse emissions and five-stars for both front and side impacts. It is rated at 22-mpg city and 33-mpg highway by the EPA.
The new Malibu comes in three trim levels plus a hybrid model, ranging from $21,395 for the LS to $26,670 for the LTZ. The hybrid has a base of $25,345 and the mid-range LT is priced at $22,295.
The LT we drove had a base price of $21,645 with the added options of remote start, power sunroof, 6-speed automatic transmission, plus tapshift paddles on the steering wheel. The total price of this model as delivered came to $24,570.
Anyway you slice it this is a lot of car for the money – and though GM may seemingly be on the ropes, you can’t drive the new Malibu and still think they can be counted out. If you are looking for comfortable, reliable transportation for a reasonable price plus a nice bit of green cachet, you could do far worse than the Chevy Malibu.
Happy Motoring!
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
