Chevrolet Malibu Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Blurring the lines between midsize and full-size, the redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu gets a longer wheelbase than and almost identical head and legroom measurements as the supposedly larger Impala. Based on the same platform as the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, the new Malibu is basically a Chevy flavor of those two cars offered in LS, LT, LTZ, and, to be introduced later, Hybrid trim. Gone is the sporty SS and the funky Maxx hatchback, replaced by a sleek sedan wearing the new face of Chevrolet: a dual-port grille.

This bigger and more powerful Chevy Malibu helps pave the way for a rumored size increase and switch to rear-wheel-drive for the 2009 Impala. More important, the new Malibu replaces today's dowdy rental-car-special with a dynamic, more desirable family sedan. Given its basis on the entertaining Pontiac G6 and impressive Saturn Aura foundation, Chevy loyalists will find plenty to like about the redesigned Malibu. Whether it can win Honda, Nissan and Toyota intenders remains to be seen.

Choose between a 164-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder combined with electric assist power steering that should get 31 mpg on the highway and a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing and conventional hydraulic power steering good for 26 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic with driver shift control is standard on all but LS and LT with the four-cylinder engine; LTZ four-cylinders get the six speed. Every Malibu comes with a powertrain warranty good for five years or 100,000 miles, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, and traction control. Stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

Choose between a 164-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder combined with electric assist power steering that should get 31 mpg on the highway and a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing and conventional hydraulic power steering good for 26 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic with driver shift control is standard on all but LS and LT with the four-cylinder engine; LTZ four-cylinders get the six speed. Every Malibu comes with a powertrain warranty good for five years or 100,000 miles, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, and traction control. Stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Photo Gallery  

2007 ushers in a needed power boost by Thom Blackett Chevrolet Colorado -- Photo Gallery: Small isnt what it used to be. Todays small soft drink from the fast-f...

2007 Chevrolet HHR Premiere Edition Brief  

Get 'em while they're not so hot! by Christian Wardlaw Chevrolet HHR Premiere Edition Brief 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Special editions of popular vehicles usually...

2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport Preview  

Putting a little pepper on your hum drum SUV by Brian Chee New Cars: Chevrolet Equinox Sport Preview With apologies to GM, when it comes to boring cars the Equi...

2007 Chevrolet Aveo Review  

Better than its previous self, still not as good as the competition by Thom Blackett Chevrolet Aveo Review: Ponder the past 30-plus years of automobiles, and it...

Oh, cmon. You dont expect a 5,537-lb. body-on-frame sport utility to actually  

Chevrolet Silverado Review: Chevy truck fans, take a minute to thank Ford, Dodge, Nissan, and yes, even Toyota. Seriously. If not for those brands, and more spe...

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe Review  

The best Tahoe ever arrives just when people are losing interest by Keith Buglewicz' Chevrolet Tahoe Review: The current generation Chevy Tahoe is so much bette...