The Right Car for a Discerning Driver
Pros:
* Smooth ride for good price.
* Good visibility.
* Fuel economy about 24MPG.
Cons:
* Feature computer integrated into the radio which precludes installing after-market unit just as good.
The Bottom Line:
Very good car for reasonable price. Very different from its predecessors yet brings together the best of the Malibu tradition.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Having driven a 1999 Malibu (Third Generation) for five years, and loving it, I really didn't plan on getting another Malibu. I mean, it was my chance to get a different car so why would I want to get the same car? So I shopped around for a different 4-door mid-size sedan that had all the features I liked about my old Malibu.
I tried the Buick Regal and liked it a bit, but it was being discontinued. Then I saw a Malibu on a lot and noticed how different it looked from the one I had. It was a 2005 model. I did some research and it turns out that the Malibu was completely designed in 2004.
So just how different was it? Wildly! It's almost like a whole different car. The Fourth Generation comes with a slightly more powerful engine and the ride is even smoother than its earlier incarnations.
This new Malibu comes in a regular sedan or in a Malibu Maxx version. I bought the regular sedan, mostly because the Maxx is noticeably more expensive. The interior of the Fourth Generation is several cubic inches bigger and feels like it too.
Externally, the 05 Malibu is fashioned after the look of import cars of the last few years - larger clear taillights, a raised rear body, etc. The first several productions of this model have a broad grille split with a horizontal band which I find very distinctive. For some reason, though, they changed the grille to be less noticeable in the last year or two.
Feature wise, the Malibu is well equipped and a lot of thought was put into convenience. There is a customizable computer that lets you set your preferences for the automatic locks, internal and external lights, and other features. You can set it to lock and unlock all doors or just the drivers door when the gears are shifted in or out of Park. There's also automatic headlights which, unlike my 1999 model, can be manually turned off if desired. Other nice features: optional power seat, optional lumbar support, power outlet in the center armrest/console, center vents specifically designed to climate control the back seat, and a passenger seat that folds forward flat with a work station ideal for people who work out of their cars.
I expect to be driving this car for several years to come and to enjoy it very much.
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