2010 Chevrolet Malibu: Now a Contender for the Camry and Accord

The American automakers
have been trying to knock
the Japanese bands off the
top spots in the mid-sized
sedan class for many years.

All their efforts failed up
until 2008 when the Chevrolet
Malibu finally started to gain
traction. And for 2010, the
Malibu offers a stretched
wheelbase (112.3 inches) in
which Chevy designers provide
a flowing roofline with more

trunk space than the Camry or Accord sedans (15.1 cu. ft. vs. 15.0 cu. ft. and
14.0 cu. ft.).

The Malibu has a high-strength steel reinforced body which enables it to top the
Accord for rear passenger-side impact safety. Additionally, the Chevy Malibu has
a class leading warranty that includes road-side assistance for 5 years or 100,000
miles. Toyota and Honda make their customers pay for such coverage!

Direct fuel injection and a six-speed automatic transmission are two technologies
that provide good performance, quiet cruising, and excellent fuel economy. The
2.4-liter Malibu LT achieves 33 mpg on the highway and two mpg more than the
most fuel efficient Accord.

Direct fuel injection involves spraying fuel directly into the engine's combustion
chambers. This allows a higher compression ratio and cleaner burning, both of
which maximize an engine's power and fuel efficiency.

Six, rather than five transmission ratios improve the Malibu's performance.
Its lower first gear results in better acceleration off the line and the sixth cog
reduces the engine's rpm and increases fuel economy when cruising.

On the inside, the Malibu's cabin rivals European offerings that cost
twice as much (a reasonably equipped Malibu costs $23,000). French-
stitched two-tone leather, metallic accents, and cool blue lighting combine
to offer a pleasant driving environment. Furthermore, the Malibu offers room
for five, a split-folding rear seat, and many storage accommodations. OnStar,
XM satellite radio, plus a driver information center are all standard on the Malibu.

Some of the options for the Malibu include a 210 watt eight speaker premium sound
system, a tilting and sliding power moon roof, a remote starting system, and a useful
110 AC power outlet.

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu - no longer a pretender but it might be the real champ!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.