2009 Chevrolet Malibu Lockhart TX

December 10, 2009   By Zach Bowman, DriverSide Contributing Editor 
2009 Chevrolet Malibu


2009 Chevrolet Malibu
DriverSide Overview  
It’s hard to miss the sudden surge of attractive sedans wearing the Chevrolet Bow Tie on highways everywhere, and for once it’s not government employees and rental-car customers behind the wheel. The Chevrolet Malibu has grown from disposable transportation into a car buyers can actually enjoy driving. Though largely the same as last year’s model, GM has made a few key improvements to the formula, namely in the gearbox category. The four-speed automatic of last year’s car has been replaced with an efficient six-speed version that helps boost the car’s fuel economy to a baffling, but much-appreciated 33 mpg highway. Genuinely attractive styling outside and an interior that makes the competition blush have all stayed on from last year’s effort too, making this mid-size sedan a great pick for the price. If you’re looking for something that stands out from the canvas of Japanese sedans in your neighborhood, the Malibu has plenty to offer.
 

What's to Like 
The Malibu’s 2008 redesign is still fresh and attractive with a high shoulder line that rises to meet a low, leaning roof. GM’s done a fantastic job with this car’s handling thanks to a fully independent suspension, too. It’s comfortable without the nauseating body roll and nose dive typically associated with American sedans.
 
What's Not to Like 
Though the six-speed automatic transmission is an improvement over last year’s four-speed, the unit lacks refinement. Shifts can be hard and abrupt, and the transmission seems to have trouble deciding on which gear is best between 55 and 65 mph. During hard acceleration, the four-cylinder, 169 horsepower engine can feel underpowered as well, though in anything other than aggressive maneuvers there’s plenty of gusto on tap.
 
The Drive
DriverSide Driving Impressions 
Inside, the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ is quiet and comfortable. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is very smooth and provides enough power to get around town without the high revving and vibration usually associated with smaller motors. The power steering is unusually well-weighted and communicative for this class of cars, and as we said above, the suspension makes for a vehicle that’s actually fun to drive. GM has also blessed the Malibu with brakes that are more than capable of bringing the 3,400-lb car to a stop. Though visibility is hampered by thick A-pillars and larger C-pillars, sizeable side-view mirrors are on hand to help out.
 
Engine and Drivetrain  
Under the hood is General Motors’ 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder. Though the 169 horsepower, 160 lb-ft of torque unit stacks up well against similar motors from Hon...

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