Who needs a Lexus LS? I want a Malibu!
click above image for more high-res pics of the 2008 Chevy Malibu
The media is giving the new Chevy Malibu more love than any midsize product donning the bow tie has gotten in years. As it turns out, there are a few people in the market for a new car that are just as excited. Maximum Bob Lutz was nice enough to share on his FastLane Blog a story about how much one man likes the new Malibu, and he's going through great lengths to get one in his garage. The guy in question hadn't given a GM product the time of day since 1979, but the new Malibu looked so good to him that he was willing to purchase one from a dealer friend in California. Since he lives in Michigan, he plans on flying out to pick up his new ride and then driving it nearly 3,000 miles back to his home.The part of the story that undoubtedly has Mr. Lutz the most giddy is the fact that the gentleman in question is currently driving a Lexus LS and had been driving several Mercedes prior to his that. We certainly liked the Malibu during our short time with the vehicle, but if we were to purchase one for ourselves, we'd likely wait until one was available a little closer to home.
[Source: FastLane Blog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
VP 11:10AM (11/14/2007)
I am confused!! Isn't the Malibu available to purchase all across the country? Here in Georgia, i have been seeing them almost everywhere the last couple of weeks.
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John Dee 11:29AM (11/14/2007)
They just came out Nov 2nd. How could you have seen so many? Maybe you saw the older model.
Zane 11:28AM (11/14/2007)
I haven't seen a single 2008 'bu on the rental lots at ATL. ;-)
But yeah, here's hoping this car becomes a smash hit with the consumers.
Ligor 12:42PM (11/14/2007)
there are plenty on dealer lots here in Michigan.
Maybe it was Lutz that traded his LS for the Malibu and he's telling it as someone elses story. lolololl
500 12:57PM (11/14/2007)
Maybe the guy just wanted an excuse to take a trip to California. There is one out on the lot at the dealer here in Portland, Maine -- it's got to be a lot closer to Michigan than California.
why not the LS2/LS7? 1:33PM (11/14/2007)
I think the "dealer friend" part of the story is key. It's probably tough to get a deal on the Malibu right now, maybe he found the right car at the right price because he had a friend in the business, just in an inconvenient location.
Or maybe he was just made up by GM PR. We'll never know.
Menice 11:11AM (11/14/2007)
what a dumb schmuck.
i wonder if gm is paying him on the back end to announce this.
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James 11:34AM (11/14/2007)
Isn't Lutz still a VP at GM?
Menice 11:42AM (11/14/2007)
i was refering to the guy making the trip.
Hulkster 12:04PM (11/14/2007)
I agree with your comment, it seems so fabricated!
wildfrisco 3:01PM (11/14/2007)
Seriously. And what Lexus buyer would consider a Chevy Malibu?
tikirob 11:12AM (11/14/2007)
OK sure I will admit the new Malibu is nicer than the old one but the rest of this is just hot air.
Rob
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Richard 11:29AM (11/14/2007)
I've been shopping for a new car and have recently driven the Camry and the Malibu. My conclusion is the 2008 Malibu has it all over the Camry. It is quieter, handles better, looks better, has neat innovations such as more knee space for rear passengers, bigger trunk space, better warranty, more power and the list goes on. I've check the quality reviews for the 2007 Camry at Yahoo.com and have found them to be horrendous.
Ligor 12:49PM (11/14/2007)
while I agree the new Malibu does look better than the Camry,
the Interior of the Camry still has better materials in it adn I prefer the camry over the malibu inside.
The power on the other hand, the Camry has it all over the malibu,
Just wait, the Bu will hit 60 in 6.5sec, the camry does it in 5.8sec.
I'd still take the Altima over all these FWD midsize sedans, yes I know the interior is not hte best, but the drive and sporty carater is.
I've driven all 3, I just need to dirve the Accord, but it's just not good looking IMO
why not the LS2/LS7? 1:35PM (11/14/2007)
6.5 sec is plenty fast. The 1984 Corvette did 0-60 in 6.6 seconds.
People are insane nowadays.
izzy 12:43PM (8/19/2008)
The Camry does 0-60 in 6.5, not 5.8.
WillDaThrill 10:15PM (11/14/2007)
The new Malibu is RWD.
Devin 5:04PM (11/18/2007)
Umm... no, the new Malibu is not RWD. The next gen. might be, but this one is definetely not. Please try again.
Kevin Hollingsworth 2:26AM (11/28/2007)
Maybe what WillDaThrill meant by saying the Malibu is RWD is Rong Wheel Drive
nissanfreak87 11:16AM (11/14/2007)
I still can't get past those tail lights, they're so disjointed from the rest of the design that it's just sad. Other than that I love the car, i hope it's a hit for GM, because they sure do need it.
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