Chevrolet has revamped their mid-sized Malibu sedan while keeping handling, comfort and fuel economy in mind. Taking exterior design cues from the Camaro and efficient aerodynamics from the Volt, the 2.5L four-cylinder engine six-speed automatic powers it along for a quieter, smoother ride. Beefier than previous versions, this Malibu sports a tightly designed exterior that competes with the sharpness of the Hyundai Sonata. The most impressive aspect of the Malibu, especially in light of current escalating gas prices, is the fuel efficiency; the design is not just about aesthetics as it significantly reduces wind drag – nearly 60 points – compared to the previous model.
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For a little while, it seemed like the mid-size family sedan was going to go the way of the dodo bird. Starting in the late 90s, folks across America began snapping up SUVs like hotcakes, and those still sticking with four doors and a trunk often migrated upmarket to luxury nameplates.

Take one great recession, add some higher gas prices, and viola, the times have sure changed again. Buyers are downsizing away from expensive, gas-guzzling SUVs, and the market for mid-sized sedans is as competitive as it has ever been. Sure, smaller crossovers are popular and wagons are making a small comeback, but for basic transportation that is also practical and affordable, nothing beats a well made four door sedan.

Selecting just 5 excellent mid-size sedans was tough, as almost every manufacturer offers a competitive product these days. Our top 5 needed to really excel in all areas, including build, performance, design and functionality, and of course value. With this in mind, we feel our finalists are all truly well balanced cars, with no major flaws and a lot to admire.

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By Greg Gaillard

Hybrids Come of Age

Just 10 years ago Honda released the Insight as the first US mass market hybrid combustion/electric car.  Its two seat aerodynamic teardrop shape, light weight and focused engineering delivered spectacular fuel economy that generated quite a bit of media attention.  In the real world however, the Insight represented significant compromises in terms of utility, performance and perceived safety.  Launched at the height of the SUV boom alongside inexpensive gasoline, sales weren’t significant and to many people the Insight was another Honda engineering experiment; a car that Honda’s Asimo robot might drive, but not something American families would put in their garage.

What a difference a decade makes.  Last week the EPA released its annual Fuel Economy Guide for 2010 and hybrids swept the podium with 9 out of the top 10 MPG scores.  At least in terms of EPA ratings, hybrids are the drivetrain technology of the moment.  Perhaps more important than MPG is how the technology has evolved into a variety of solutions that can be used across a range of body styles without many of the original Insight’s compromises.

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By Holly R.

Pros:

• Decent mileage
• Acceleration is reasonable at speed
• Pretty stylish looking
• Looks roomy
• XM® Satellite Radio
• OnStar (Standard for ONE YEAR)

Cons:

• Not a lot of storage in the main cabin
• Battery takes up too much room when the seats are folded down for trunk over-spill
• Little noise reduction (despite what’s advertised)
• The switch from gas engine to battery mode and back again is not seamless
• The mileage was decent, but not what I’d expect from a hybrid (some non-hybrid cars get better mileage)

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By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• More soundproof than Abbey Road Studios
• Tire-scorching 252 HP V-6
• Hectares of interior space
• Attractive interior and exterior

Dings:

• Steering wheel controls aren’t the most ergonomic
• Artificially heavy steering feel
• Thick A-pillars and steep windshield make for poor front visibility

Ruling: If the Malibu a sign of things to come, GM will put the good ol’ US of A back in the auto industry driver’s seat.

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October 11, 2007 – 4:33 pm ET

DETROIT - General Motors is out to bust skeptics who believe Detroit can’t build a competitive car.

And it’s using the redone 2008 Chevrolet Malibu as a “catalyst to disrupt” that belief, Mark LaNeve, GM vice president of sales, service and marketing for North America, said today.

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