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The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is a four-door full-size sedan that continues to turn
heads. With room for up to five passengers, the Malibu is a great pick for
families, and eco-friendly consumers will be pleased with the I4 engine
selections and the hybrid edition. A number of innovative safety features make
the Chevrolet Malibu stand out from the crowd, but its exterior is a bit
lackluster compared to the Pontiac Grand Prix. Comparably priced to other sedans
on the market, the Malibu is a carryover from the prior model year. Four
different trim levels allow buyers to find the Malibu that specifically fits
their needs; however, potential buyers should be aware that the hybrid version
has limited availability.
Under the hood, the Malibu can be equipped with a 2.4L DOHC I4 combined with a
six-speed automatic transmission, the same engine with a four-speed automatic or
four-speed automatic hybrid transmission, or a 3.6L DOHC V6 with a six-speed
automatic. Buyers might be impressed with the engine selection, but could be
disappointed without a manual transmission option. The regular 2.4L engine can
reach up to 169 horsepower, while the hybrid only loses five horses.
Nevertheless, the V6 engine can generate up to 252 horsepower, which is more
comparable with other sedans on sales lots. However, the I4 engines really prove
their worth with the EPA estimated MPG. The regular I4 gets around 22 city MPG
and 32 highway MPG, while the hybrid gets 24 city MPG and 32 highway MPG.
Ultimately, this "mild" hybrid edition simply does not impress among the crowd
of full-hybrid super fuel economy models. The V6 trim can get 17 city MPG and 26
highway MPG as well.
The most attractive features of the 2009 Malibu come from its safety additions.
With six standard airbags, Stabilitrak electronic stability control, four-wheel
anti-lock disc brakes, and traction control, the Malibu includes more safety
features than most sedans. Also, Chevrolet includes a one-year subscription to
the OnStar program. The program has instant accident alerts, airbag deployment
sensors, roadside assistance, and turn-by-turn navigation. However, the
turn-by-turn directions are provided by a live OnStar advisor, so some consumers
could be displeased that a digital display is not available. But, with the
OnStar program, owners can also have their Malibu unlocked from any location in
the event of a lockout.
Overall, the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu continues the maker's tradition of offering
solid vehicles with impressive selections. With a base MSRP of $20,745, the
Malibu is one of the most affordable five-passenger models on the American
market. Families will find that the sedan's safety and fuel economy are a good
fit, but individuals looking for a sportier feel might want to look elsewhere.
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