Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Chevrolet
2008 Chevy Malibu comes in under a cool $20k
The Malibu's debut at dealerships this November is coming up quick, so Chevrolet formally announced pricing for the entire lineup, including the hybrid.
You can read the full press release after the jump, but the quick and dirty version begins with the base LS model that comes in at $19,345, a full $2k more than the previous model. The 1LT package is $20,305, while the 2LT is priced at $21,985 and the top-of-the-line LTZ model gets a sticker of $26,345. The hybrid comes in $4-grand cheaper than the LTZ at $22,140, which also undercuts its nearest competitor, the Camry Hybrid by about $3,000. Naturally, none of these prices include the $650 destination charge.
Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu
Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
PRESS RELEASE
All-New 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Delivers A Lot Of Value Starting At $19,995
CHICAGO – Chevrolet today announced pricing for its all-new 2008 Malibu midsize sedan lineup, with MSRPs starting at $19,995 for the base LS and for the first time, a hybrid for $22,790. The Malibu continues to drive home Chevy's commitment to dependable, fun-to-drive cars packed with value.
"When we debuted Malibu at the North American International Auto show in January, we promised that its $40,000 looks would cost half as much," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Well, we've kept our word. Customers will see everything we've packed into a sedan starting under $20 grand and think there's a typo on the sticker."
Malibu is built to be the best midsize car in the market, having been benchmarked against the top names in the class and loaded with standard features that many competitors don't offer at any price. The design team focused on the attributes that mattered most to midsize car buyers such as families and commuters.
All Malibus are equipped with a long list of standard features, including six air bags (dual-stage frontal, seat-mounted side-impact thorax and head-curtain side air bags); four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with all-speed traction control; OnStar Gen 7 safety and security system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation; air conditioning; and XM Satellite Radio.
Along with the LS and Hybrid, the Malibu lineup includes the 1LT and 2LT trim levels and the top-of-the-line LTZ. MSRP for the 1LT is $20,955; 2LT, $22,635 and the LTZ, $26,995. All include the $650 destination charge.
Malibu , arriving in dealerships in November, combines fuel efficiency, performance and a long list of standard amenities wrapped in a design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. It features a strong body structure, precise build quality and refined driving dynamics. It is more than three inches longer than its predecessor, with a six-inch-longer (112.3 in / 2,852 mm) wheelbase.
GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on LT, LTZ and Hybrid models. A number of equipment packages also are available and include features such as power-adjustable pedals, premium seating, uplevel interiors; power equipment groups and a deluxe audio system.
Malibu performance comes from two powerful yet fuel-efficient dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a standard 169-horsepower (126 kW) 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers 30 mpg highway, 22 city ('08 EPA); and an available 252-horsepower (188 kW) 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 26 mpg highway and 17 city.
The Malibu Hybrid, featuring the affordable GM Hybrid System, also goes on sale in November. Powered by a hybrid version of the 2.4L Ecotec, it is rated at 32 mpg highway and 24 city.
Four-cylinder-equipped models come with a four-speed transmission with overdrive. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.6L V-6 and will be available next spring on the four-cylinder-equipped LTZ – the first four-cylinder engine/six-speed transmission combination in the segment.
Other highlights of the redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu include:
* All-new refined and contemporary exterior with a new grille design and heritage-inspired twin round taillamps
* Upscale interior design with a choice of cloth, suede and leather inside; available two-tone cockpit in a number of color combinations; gauges with Chevrolet blue LED backlighting
* Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets for a more inviting cabin
* Standard four-wheel independent suspension for a more controlled and confident driving experience
* One of the segment's quietest, most refined driving experiences, thanks to noise-reducing materials such as a liquid spray-on sound deadener, laminated steel, laminated "quiet glass" and composite wheel liners
* Standard theft-deterrent system for vehicle and contents
* Remote vehicle starting (standard on 2LT and LTZ; available on 1LT) and standard universal home remote on 2LT and LTZ
* TAPshift manual shift control, available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
* Sixteen-inch standard wheels on LS and an available family of large wheels, including 18-inch ultra-bright aluminum polished wheels available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
* Available rear power center includes 110-volt AC adapter with three-prong outlet on 1LT, 2LT and LTZ (included and available only with Rear Power Package)
* Available sunroof on LT and LTZ models
* Premium eight-speaker, 210-watt sound system standard on LTZ and available on 2LT.
* Standard tire-pressure monitoring system
"We strive to offer the best value in every segment where we compete, and midsize cars are not different," Peper said. "For example, the Chevy Impala has been one of the biggest success stories in this industry during the past two years, gaining more than two points of market share. Now, combined with Malibu, this gives us a solid one-two punch in midsize cars and puts Chevy back into the car game in a big way."
The Malibu is built at the GM Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kan. The dependability of the 2008 Malibu is backed by GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the best protection package in the industry, providing customers with added peace of mind and value during their ownership experience.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
joe23521 3:32PM (8/30/2007)
Why does the hybrid version always get the lamest interior colors? The Escape/Mariner does the same exact thing. Are they trying to discourage people from buying the hybrids?
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mdm-adph 12:26PM (8/31/2007)
naw...........
yes.
YouFaceTheTick 3:32PM (8/30/2007)
Even at 10k they'd be overpricing it.
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Don 3:48PM (8/30/2007)
Tick, you obviously haven't been reading how this car is going to be leaps and bounds better than its predecessor.
Reality Check 3:59PM (8/30/2007)
Wow that was one hell of a comment, you must be the smartest garbage man in your prison!
epilonious 4:50PM (8/30/2007)
if(car.make().equals("General Motors"))
{
AutoblogComments.write(GenericBitchyComment())
}
As you can see, you can be replaced with a very small piece of code.
jg 6:19PM (8/30/2007)
LOL. It's funny because trolls are predictable and so is GM quality. LMAO
Marc 3:46PM (8/30/2007)
Can't wait to see one in person. However, I'm afraid it will be like most domestic offerings in this price/size range. Unless you spring for the LTZ version, they will look like rent-a-car specials. They tease us with the delux versions with the nice rims, interiors, etc, but most of the ones on the road have dinky tires with plastic hubcaps, no chrome trim, and taxicab interiors.
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Don 3:49PM (8/30/2007)
Well, I could do without the 2.4L being stuffed into every base model GM makes...but supposedly the entire car around it has been improved to the point where this thing just might change your mind.
Imp 4:00PM (8/30/2007)
Totally agree. The base level vehicles look pathetic. And for me, it cheapens even the highest trim knowing the base is subpar.
mastrdrver1 7:40PM (8/30/2007)
Yes, you will be able to get a LTZ with a 4 cylinder. BTW Adam, the Camry 4 cylinder gets the same mileage as the GM 4 cylinder and the V6 get 1-2 mpg better on the highway then the GM V6.
DKB_SATX 3:49PM (8/30/2007)
I'm not sure it's entirely fair to compare the price of the Malibu hybrid to the Camry Hybrid... isn't the Malibu the same semi-hybridesque system used in the Green Line Saturns, which is mostly engine shutoff at stop? (the starter-generator combo in the accessory drive.) Whether or not you think hybrids are the best thing since sliced bread, the Camry Hybrid is a more advanced fully hybrid "synergy drive" system.
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Scotty 4:03PM (8/30/2007)
I thought the same thing. Maybe that accounts for the the price difference between the two, though.
geo.stewart 4:56PM (8/30/2007)
if it provides comparable mileage, the nthe comparison is fair, regardless of technology.
also, or instead, a comparison of return on your money would be the accurate measure for comparison. For example, if the Malibu hybrid system is 25% the cost of the Camry but delivers 50% of the mileage increase, its a better investment.
zamafir 5:20PM (8/30/2007)
yet they don't provide comparable mileage. 32mpg highway and 24 mpg city is less mileage (in re: to city as the highway is the same) then my GTI or Jetta achieves, let alone my Camry Hybird (9 more mpg city, 2 more freeway).
I just don't get it honestly.
3cubed minus 3squared plus1 4:04PM (8/30/2007)
So does the I-4 come standard on all trims or does the LTZ come with a V6 standard?
After reading this- 'four-cylinder-equipped LTZ' I'm not to sure...
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SPG 4:08PM (8/30/2007)
Great looking car. Inside and out. GM is doing so great lately with their "welcome to the present year" program.
However, they forgot the Chevrolet Epica/Suzuki Verona. It did not sell very well and was nothing to write home about either. I am of course referring to the Epica esque taillights.
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EMG 4:09PM (8/30/2007)
Looks like a Jetta rip-off to me...
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RBW 4:33PM (8/30/2007)
Lasik surgery is actually quite affordable, and is covered by most health plans.
Miyoshi 5:59PM (8/30/2007)
Yeah Lasik would have come in handy for the GM designers who botched the design of the rear of the car. Front looks promising though.