Chevrolet has a knack for naming completely quotidien vehicles after improbably glamorous destinations, and the Malibu is one of its most offending nameplates. The Hollywood-rich living in this coastal enclave undoubtedly have more Mercedes S-classes registered to them than they have Chevrolet Malibus. So the car would be more honestly named the Chevrolet Oshkosh.
I guess it is just that I have 300 miles of Midwest malaise planned for my tenure with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT. Why not test the car where it will actually be purchased?
The LT is a mid-level trim for the Malibu and starts at $26,095. The LT package replaces smaller rolling stock with 17” alloy wheels, tucks a 7” touch screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay capabilities into the dash, and equips the front seats with 8-way adjustable. Standard is the 1.5l four-cylinder turbo good for 160 hp and 184 lb-ft torque. The front wheels are motivating via a 6-speed automatic transmission. XM radio, four-door keyless entry and keyless start round out the goodies.
From the driver’s seat, I find a spacious full-size cabin. Front passengers have all the leg and shoulder room they could want. Front seats are reasonably comfortable, with adjustable lumbar support. The seats can go quite low, putting the driver at an eye-level more appropriate to a Camaro than a Malibu. Drivers who are tall in the torso will appreciate the slammed seating position, as it maximizes headroom. Rear passengers will be comfortable on the rear bench, too, as leg and headroom are generous. My daughter’s car seat is installed without a snag. Zippers in the seatback expose the Latch points for easy access.
While the dash design is nice and swoopy, someone has unfortunately ordered my Malibu in black cloth and plastic. The dash is accent trimmed with the “premium” black cloth for an effect that is more interesting than the usual elephant-skin textured plastic but no more appealing than cheap gym-shorts fabric. I’ve heard that the colorful leather options smarten up the cabin.
Chevrolet has joined the offenders from Germany in the tablet as an infotainment screen trend. Unfortunately, Chevrolet’s infotainment screen has Fisher Price-sized bezels and thus is an eyesore in. Its function and response are fine, even if navigation is an extra cost option not fitted here.
The driving dynamics are tighter than I’d expect from a Malibu. But that might be in step with the class, as family-size cars have become more competent as the Camry underwent its NASCAR refresh and the Accord hit the gym. The Malibu’s steering is light, quick and accurate. Too quick, actually. I’d prefer a bit more resistance to keep the car from wandering around in its lane when passing scenery captures my attention. There is no road feel in the wheel, but this is excusable given the car’s intended audience and purpose.
The suspension and thick tires deliver a plush but controlled highway ride. Only choppy concrete slabs cause the chassis concern, with the chop transferring into the cabin. Wisconsin does not have Malibu-style canyon roads on which I can flog the car, but the Chevrolet handles greater Green Bay’s long sweeping corners confidently when I am driving at 6/10ths pace.
Not confidence-inspiring are the brakes. They have a dull bite, and I’m not convinced that I could avoid rear-ending the car ahead in a brake-check situation.
The four-cylinder turbo engine and automatic gearbox work competently together, delivering smooth upshifts and quiet cruising power. The fuel economy is great, well into the mid-30s MPG on flat Midwest highways. The Malibu is also happy to chase fast rabbits on the highway, motoring along at 80 MPH with torque to spare. There is the appropriate pick-up for the in-town runaround, and thankfully Chevrolet avoids the touchy throttle tuning that automakers often use with their frugal four-cylinders to make them feel powerful.
The Malibu looks sleek from most exterior angles, but stare at its front bumper, and you’ll find a face that only a catfish could love.
With the Malibu, Chevrolet has produced a car that is as conservative, thrifty and frugal as the Midwesterners who buy it. For long straight drives—or suburban meandering—the Malibu is just right. If a spacious and basic sedan is your need, the Malibu maybe your steed.
Mike's Steering Column 