2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid User Reviews

Pros

Eye catching style both exterior and interior, loaded with all the bells and whistles

Cons

Bad fuel economy in the winter

Purchased As New

I bought the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid in March 2008 (first one to arrive at the dealer.) Based on GM's marketing of this vehicle the expectation has been fulfilled, except in the winter the gas consumption can be as high as 10.6 Litres for every 100 KM but in the summer I can bring it down to 8.2 Litres for every 100 KM and that is with the "Hybrid mode A/C" on. It would have been great if GM had incorporated the 2 mode Hybrid into this car in which the fuel economy can mean more savings at the pump, but on the other hand if the Hybrid Components were to break down, I would think this car would rely solely on the Gas Engine vs. other Hybrid Cars (none mild Hybrid cars) would simply just break down and a tow truck would be needed. As for other reviews about this car lacking "power", you have to understand this car is designed to save gas not guzzle and usually slowly accelerating the vehicle can use less gas then putting the pedal down to the floor. In General this Generation of the Malibu has been the best yet and I am proud that GM has took some time and effort to design this car. As well I am pleased to say after 2 Not-at-Fault accidents (hit on the driver's headlight and hit at the rear driver's tail light) this car has never given any problems meaning the electronics, engine and Hybrid Components have been mechanically sound and the current millage is at 45,000km. In General Ford, GM and Chrysler cars can last as high as 300,000km but how you take care of the vehicle can determine if it can go that high. As for myself besides taking it into the shop for maintainance, I would also perform some basic maintainance on the side....read morehide

Pros

Extremly Quit ride.great Fuel Milage.Exterior appearance is Tops

Cons

a little dificult to get in & out of.Not very creative or attractive interior

Purchased As New

Bought this car in May 2007.Love the look of the car.Milage is good-30-32 in town and 36-37 on the highway.Instrumentation makes you very aware of your Milage and if you keep the green"ECO" light on you will see great milage.Adequate power for a 4-cyl.There is plenty if you need it.Love the Oil Life indicator.It has enabled me to save greatly on Oil changes as well.Interior comfort is good but front seat entry is a little bit more difficult than I would like.Cost in comparison to other hybrids was a big reason for choosing the Malibu.Have been a loyal Ford owner in the past but would buy this car again...read morehide

Pros

cost

Cons

not much power and fuel economy doesn't impress me.

What is the big deal about a car getting 32mpg on the hwy? This is nothing great at all. My Audi A4 gets that and has much more power, better handling and a much better car in every way. Sure it costs more but, if you are going to make a hybrid it needs to be in line more with the Prius as far as fuel economy goes. Why would anyone buy this car? I would just buy the regular one and forget the hybrid. Once again GM is not on their game. Why can't they come up with a car that can compete with the 3 series BMW that gets as good as miliage as the Malibu and the A4? Get it together GM or you will end up where everyone thinks you will anyway....read morehide

Pros

good fuel economy, and it's quality

Cons

Good , and it's fun to driver

I have it 3 month ago, and it's quality , fun to driver, Now i try to buy this one for my brother , maybe Chevrolet Malibu but it's don't have in Viet Nam i can export with value expensive

Pros

Quiet and smooth ride; fuel economy; nice styling; roomy

Cons

Sluggish acceleration; wide turning radius; a bit pricey

I rented a 4-cyl Malibu on a business trip and really fell in love with the car and was looking for a car to replace my gas-guzzling VW SUV. Test drove the Hybrid and liked it and also the additional MPG. Very satisfied with the quality of fit/finish and ride/noise level. Only downside is the stereo is a bit weak (but did get 2 years XM/Onstar) and anemic acceleration (which was expected). This is a great example of what the domestic mfr's can do if they really want to compete with the Jap/Korean mfr's.

Dealer has approx $1600 profit in the MSRP and $1000 owner loyalty....read morehide

Pros

Good mileage, comfort , looks, and value!

Cons

Wish it had a little more power, but I know mileage would suffer.

Chevy needs more cars like the Malibu. Great looking car, good comfort, good mileage, acceptable performance. Overall a very good value, especially when considering the price and warranty.

Pros

Gas mileage

Cons

No horsepower

This pretencious automobile is yet another 'yawn' attempt by Chevrolet to to give us the same old boring Chevy product. Why do all the Chevy vehicles look the same on the inside? It's very borish to drive, the ride is terrible, there is NO pickup in the engine, the only thing this car has going for it is the mileage....

If you want a good vehicle, get a a 270 hp Ford Taurus that gets 28 mpg and has plenty of get up and go.... The Taurus is far far better than the Malibu in all areas. Because the Taurus wasn't picked at the top in midsize tells me someone was paid off by GM again. I hate corporate fanagaling. When will GM get a moral conscience?...read morehide

Pros

pretty good on gas

Cons

costs a little much

This car is a hybrid but it only gets about 30 miles per gallon. Thats basically the same as the regular one but since its a hybrid it costs about 4 grand more. If you're thinking about buying a car like this it's pretty much a waste of money. I like american cars and everything but honestly you'd be better off getting a Prius or Civic hybrid if you want to spend about 22000 for a hybrid that gets about 45 mpg....read morehide

Pros

It all started as an experiment and it is catching a little notice because of the high fuel cost!

Cons

If making 100 MPG is achieved, then it would really catch fire!

GM has made great strides in the power performance, now it has to make it also to the fuel miser category to compete head on with the likes of small capacity engines with still enjoyable performance. People like to have at least both worlds and if GM could do it, then it will be the car leader for a long time. It is a matter of taking the lead!...read morehide

Pros

The Pontiac Aztec should have been made a hybrid and should be a best seller!

Cons

There was no vision from GM about the Aztec as a hybrid. Another model with look alike has success!

The Pontiac Aztec should have been made a hybrid and what success would have it brought about. Look at the Toyota Prius, it looks like the Pontiac Aztec and people like its styling, even it looks ugly, just because it is a hybrid and it's a Toyota!