The 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid

The new 2008 Chevy Malibu also has a surprise new look for the interior compared to the past Malibu's. The interior of this luxury car has had numerous improvements to ensure the interior was every bit as appealing as the other top vehicles in its' class . The interior is stylish and made of quality materials over other years and competitors. The dashboard design allows the driver to see all the controls and the new design of the dashboard fits a luxury car style. The nice thing is the illuminated white numbers with a blue neon color. The Malibu comes with different trim styles and colors, which gives the consumer more selections to choose.   

The ride is comfortable as always with the Chevy Malibu and quiet. The road sounds are gone and the stereo system with soft music playing offers peace from the heavy traffic. The suspension is outdone by Chevy, you enjoy a ride down the roughest road with ease. The gliding affect takes over and you feel like you are on a cloud. The steering is soft and smooth and passing power is a little over rated. It does take some time to get the speed on a dry road with a four cylinder, but the V6 has more power, but does not feel as powerful as what would be expected. The trip computer is a nice feature as well as the OnStar navigation system. When you program your destination, it does take you the shortage distance to your intended destination. Unfortunately, the Malibu does not have the onscreen display only voice. The nice thing is the rear folding seats. It adds to the cargo space and allows you to keep things in the passenger compartment for easy access. The Malibu Hybrid also comes standard with front and side airbags for safety.

Having a chance to test drive the 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid will surly convince drivers that the car is well worth the money spent for a comfortable ride. The highway and city mileage will help sway the vote for a Malibu Hybrid, but the ride is what is going to sell the car. Even thought is feels like a full size car, it handles like a compact car with ease.

 Chevy Hybrid - Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Elk Grove,
El Dorado Hills & Northern California


08 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Specifications & Technical Review

The hybrid two-mode propulsion system provides for fifty percent better gas mileage in the city. One can expect twenty-four miles in the city. When the first mode is activated, the Malibu can operate in one of two ways. It can be operated with a combination of engine and electric power, engine power alone or electric power alone. The full efficiency of the hybrid system is found when using the electric mode. By having the engine shut down and operating on the electric power, the Malibu saves fuel consumption. This will work the best in stop and go traffic.

Using the combination of the electric power and engine power on the highway will help with the gas mileage, giving about twenty-four in the city to thirty-two miles to the gallon on the highway. When climbing steep hills the engine and electric power work together to help save fuel and supplies more power that is needed. To shift between the two modes requires no speed change. The Ecotec 2.4L DOHC engine has variable value timing in a four-cylinder engine with a thirty-six volt electric motor-generator. The transmission is a Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed front wheel drive.

The maximum weight of the Chevy Malibu Hybrid is forty-seven hundred pounds. The block and cylinder head are made from cast aluminum and the crankshaft is made of cast nodular iron. The maximum engine speed for the 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid is sixty-nine hundred RPM. The features included with the Hybrid are specific electronic controls, check value and auxiliary oil pump. The new Hybrid uses a close-coupled catalytic converter and the fuel system is sequential port fuel injection. The ignition system is a coil on plug with extended life spark plugs.

The heels are sixteen-inch aluminum and a chrome exhaust with automatic electronic climate control. The car comes with the StanbiliTrack electronic stability control system. The standard equipment includes variable delay, speed sensitive, flat blade windshield wipers, solar ray glass with tint on the front doors and windshield. The battery has run down protection, the suspension system is four wheel independent and power brakes with anti-locking. Cruise control, electric defogger for the back window, and a driver information center and analogue gauges are some of the interior comforts.

The interior features programmable and power door locks, daytime running lights with auto light control, keyless entry and the On-Star System. The Chevy Malibu Hybrid has an electronic immobilizer for theft deterrent and safety restraints in the rear seats for protecting children. The driver side seat has a height adjuster and the seats in the back are sixty/forty split folding. The steering column is telescopic and tilt adjustable for comfortable driving. The windows are power with a lock out feature for front and rear windows. The driver has control of everything from the driver's seat.

The Chevy Malibu Hybrid is covered by the 5 year/100,000 mile warranty for the power train and the 8 year/100,000 mile warranty for the battery pack, which is nickel metal hydride. The Malibu is going to cost around $27,000 for a starting price.