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Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry. There. It’s been said. Sometimes it seems as if the automotive world is evenly split between the “imports” and “domestics.” And heaven help us if the two should ever meet over drinks. “Domestics” won’t consider a car that isn’t made in the U.S., while “imports” regard foreign nameplates as inherently superior. Today’s reality...


Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry. There. It’s been said.

Sometimes it seems as if the automotive world is evenly split between the “imports” and “domestics.” And heaven help us if the two should ever meet over drinks. “Domestics” won’t consider a car that isn’t made in the U.S., while “imports” regard foreign nameplates as inherently superior.

Today’s reality may be a little less black and white. Globalization has led to Japanese and German cars manufactured as close to home as Alabama. Meanwhile, a vehicle from an all-American manufacturer like Chevy may be as much as one quarter foreign-made.

With this much cross-pollination, auto buyers who vehemently stick with just one camp based on past preconceptions may be doing themselves a disservice. Consider all the choices out there – that’s what the new Chevy Malibu campaign is all about.

Drivers in the market for a reasonably priced sedan would sell themselves short if they don’t check out the 2010 Malibu. A new, stylish body with a high belt line, chrome trim around the windows, subtle fender flares and sloping C pillar give the Malibu a more European appearance.

“Drivers have really been pleasantly surprised by the Malibu’s new body style,” said Ronnie Constant, general sales manager at Banner Chevrolet.

The dual cockpit dash design with its burnished aluminum-look trim or wraparound wood accent, depending on trim level, is thoughtfully laid out. The two-tone seats are nicely supportive and catch your eye as soon as you open the door.

Also, kudos to Malibu designers for interior touches such as backlit door handles, a centrally located and oversized stereo volume control, easily accessible trunk release in the driver’s door and dual glove boxes.

Standard amenities such as keyless entry, built-in CD player with MP3 playback jack, automatic lights, programmable door locks, power windows with driver’s express down, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with built-in cruise controls, three months of complimentary XM satellite radio, one year of turn-by-turn navigation and OnStar service mean even the entry-level Malibu makes you feel like you’ve been upgraded.

The 2010 Malibu comes with two engine choices and four trim levels. The ECOTEC 2.4-L, 169-horsepower four-cylinder has garnered attention for its gas-saving 33-mpg highway rating. But for drivers wanting a little more oomph off the line, the 265-horsepower V6 may be a better choice.

Another alternative for drivers with a heavy foot would be to take advantage of the TAPshift manual shift controls mounted on the steering wheel on all trim levels of the Malibu except for the basic LS model. The shifters allow the driver to pop the transmission into gear at their own discretion, allowing for a more aggressive driving approach.

Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are not the only surprise standard equipment on the three higher Malibu trim levels. The 1LT, 2LT and LTZ levels all come with power-adjustable body-color side mirrors, a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, power-adjustable driver’s seat, six-speaker stereo (premium eight-speaker Bose system in the LTZ), polished aluminum-look nameplates in the front door rocker panels, chrome-tipped exhaust and 17-inch wheels (18-inch standard on the LTZ).

The menu of available options on the Malibu reads like the carte du jour at a swanky restaurant: Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling, steering-wheel mounted cell phone and stereo controls, two-tone leather seats, sunroof, USB port, foglamps, rear glass sunshade, convenience package

Tags: Chevrolet

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Chevy Malibu: Pleasantly surprises car buyers was originally published by New Orleans Auto Reviews: Chevrolet. Read the full story by clicking here.