LT 4dr Sedan
2008 Chevrolet Malibu

click above image to view a new high-res gallery of the 2008 Chevy Malibu Autoblog gets numerous comments saying that the domestic automakers could easily sell more products if only they would make them good enough to buy. We agree. With the introduction of the 2008 Chevy Malibu, it could very well be time for us all to put up or shut up. GM knows the midsize sedan segment is dominated by the Toyota Camry and has taken direct aim at that very car with the new Malibu. The car's measurements come close to the Camry in almost every category, including length, interior space, trunk size and engine displacement. Where they differ is in design. The Camry provides the automotive appliance for those who don't really want a car, but need to go places. The Malibu brings style to the game at a competitive price. GM invited us to spend some time with the new Malibu in Memphis, Tenn. this past weekend, and we put the car down some of the roughest streets of the city and the twistiest back roads we could find in northwest Mississippi. To start the day, we chose a top-of-the-line LTZ model with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed transmission from a lineup of about a dozen Malibus parked in front of the Gibson Guitar factory in downtown Memphis. A couple of passersby stopped to ask what was going on, commenting on how good the new model looked. Apparently, it really is hard to ignore. Continued after the jump. %Gallery-9773% General Motors provided the vehicles for testing. Autoblog does not accept travel or lodging from automakers when attending media events. Live Photos Copyright ©2007 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc. With its lines that mimic more expensive cars, the Malibu is sure to continue getting attention. The night before our drive, we were briefed on the new Malibu's "dramatic rear," long hood and short deck, as well as the Corvette-inspired inboard hood. In fact, the design manager for the Malibu redo said the Corvette provided many of the car's cues, including the circular, dual-lamp taillights, the aforementioned hood and the dual, chrome exhausts. But after opening the door to the new Malibu, it's easy to see where GM really spent some coin. This car has one of the best mid-size interiors to come out of Detroit... ever. The seats are comfortable but supportive and covered in either seemingly high-quality earthtone fabric or leather. All visible plastics are textured, including the A-pillar cover, and every little storage hole is rubber-lined. Starting at the driver's shoulder, a line of either aluminum or faux wood separates the two-tone interior trim, and continues over the chrome-ringed instrument cluster, above the console, tops the glove box and ends on the front passenger's left. It's a unifying element that was obviously intentional, not an afterthought. "One complete, awesome design," we were told at the presentation. Rear-seat passengers will quickly notice the adequate leg room provided by the front seats' scalloped backs. There's also …
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