New Chevy Malibu vs. Honda and Toyota

It seems than the most talked about cars of 2008 are the Chevy Malibu, the Honda Accord, and the Toyota Camry. So how do these three cars compare to each other, and which one comes out on top? Well lets first take a look at how these vehicles match up when it comes to safety. Starting with the 2008 Chevy Malibu you will find that it has an electronic stability control system called stabilitrak.

This feature helps you to maintain control of your car during emergency maneuvers, regardless of the weather or road conditions. The stability control feature is not available on the LS version. It also comes with the Onstar in vehicle safety and security system. The Onstar system has the following features, advance crash notification, OnStar remote door unlock, vehicle diagnostics, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle location assistance. Lets also not forget that the Malibu comes equipped with six airbags.

It has dual stage frontal air bags, frontal thorax side impact air bags, head curtain side impact air bags, and a passenger sensing system. Some additional safety features of the Malibu are the, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, child safety door locks, tire inflation/pressure monitor, trunk anti-trap device, and side guard door beams.

So what does the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan have to offer when it comes to safety? The accord also has some of the same safety features as the Malibu such as the 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, child safety door locks, tire inflation/pressure monitor, trunk anti-trap device, driver side air bag, passenger air bag, front side air bag, and side guard door beams.

The Honda also has some additional safety features such the three point seat belts, with automatic tensioning system, standard adjustable front seat belt anchors, standards driver and passenger seat belt reminders, standard vehicle stability assist with traction control, standard brake assist, tire pressure monitoring system, standard anti lock braking system, side impact door beams, child seat tether anchor.

Last but not least is the 2008 Toyota Camry. It basically has the same safety features that are listed for the other cars, such as 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, child safety door locks, tire inflation/pressure monitor, trunk anti-trap device, driver side air bag, passenger air bag, front side air bag, and side guard door beams. In addition the Camry also has 3-point front seatbelts with adjustable shoulder anchors and driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor , vehicle stability control, vehicle dynamics integrated management, energy-absorbing collapsible steering column, battery-saver feature - deactivates interior lights after 20 minutes, and engine immobilizer with alarm. So now that you know how the three compare when it comes to safety how about over all performance and the look of the vehicles both inside and out?

The Chevy Malibu definitely has the look that everyone loves in a car. The body structure of the Malibu which includes noise reducing materials also makes it a very quiet ride. When it comes to the standard engine for all three vehicles it's the 2.4L. All three are front wheel drive and have the options of a hybrid engine. Chevy is definitely making it's mark with the new 2008 Malibu.

It also has the longest wheel base when compared with the Honda and the Toyota. The Malibu has three engine choices the, Hybrid, 164 hp 2.4L Ecotec four cylinder which is estimated to get 31mpg in highway driving. Also the dual overhead cam 3.6L V6(VVT) is estimated to get 26 mpg highway and has 252 hp/251 lb-ft of torque. The LTZ version comes equipped with the Hydra Matic six speed automatic,which is a plus for chevy since the four speed is outdated. The LTZ also gets an estimated 17mpg in the city. The Camry and the Accord get an estimated 21 mpg in the city according to the EPA.

When it comes to torque@RPM however there is a difference. The Malibu is 160@4500, the Camry is 161@4000, and the accord is 161@4300. When it comes to fuel tank capacity the Malibu holds 16 gallons, the Camry 18.5 gallons, and the Honda 18.5 gallons. When it comes to the features of the vehicles they all have standard power windows, power door locks, power steering, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, compact disc player, rear window defogger, tachometer, and remote keyless entry.

So far based on the reviews it seems that the Chevy Malibu is coming out on top. According to the official GM website (www.Chevrolet.com/Malibu), the starting base price for the Malibu is $19,995 (the price does vary depending on which model and package you choose), compared to the Camry at $21,075 and the Accord at $21,160. The packages and optional features that come with the Malibu also make this the top choice of 2008. For more information on the packages offered by the Chevy Malibu you can visit the official website at www.chevrolet.com/malibu. The Malibu offers four models the LS, LT, Hybrid and the top pick the LTZ. All of them have the best interiors including some very nice two tone leather combinations that you can choose from. The Malibu, the Honda, and the Toyota are excellent choices. But will the Malibu come out on top this time around?