Is the 2008 Chevy Malibu Comparable to the Accord and Camry?

A year ago, I got in a horrific accident, totaled my car, and, being that I lived in LA and have a serious distrust for the city's public transportation, had to get a rental. My choices were Chevy Malibu, Chevy Malibu, and oh, Chevy Malibu.

I was not happy with this selection. However, being that I only had to drive the car for a couple weeks, so I dealt with it. Imagine my surprise, when, upon reading early reviews of the 2008 model Chevy Malibu, people compared it to the Accord and Camry - and meant it this time. Naturally, my interest was peaked with car enthusiasts saying that Malibu could hang with the big boys. I couldn't help but wonder if it could.

My curiosity got the best of me - and I decided to do my homework in the midsize sedan market. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, Malibu has clearly done its own homework. Offering three trim levels - LS, LT, and LZ -and a choice of wood-grain or metallic interiors, Chevy has finally given Malibu the extreme makeover it needed to contend with American consumers desires for a rich and luxurious look in a car.

As for comfort, safety, and technical features, the Malibu fairs as a worthy opponent in the car wars with Honda and Toyota by improvements in the power train (Chevy stepped up to a 252 horsepower double overhead cam 3.6 liter V6 engine) and boasting a six-speed auto in lieu of a four-speed auto (which, could or could not be a huge difference depending on gear ratios).

However, interior comfort seems to have suffered. With a 112.3 inch long wheelbase - about 3-5 inches longer than Accord or Camry - the Malibu's stretch doesn't provide substantially more legroom in the rear than either of its competitors (and less than the 2007 Malibu itself!)

Of course, the real test is what the American consumer will think. I predict that word of mouth advertising will be the best asset to Chevy's attempt of hanging with the big boys. If this new version of Malibu is as good as they say it is and as preliminary reviews are showing, it will show in third and fourth quarter sales results. Car enthusiasts are already abuzz with talk of the new Malibu. Hopefully, if I ever wreck my car again and have a need for a rental - I'm be more impressed.

The price is right. Figures below are fully equipped estimates.

Full Equipped Malibu $20,305

Toyota Camry $22,385

Honda Accord $21,160