2014 Chevrolet Malibu

FireDragon · August 4, 2014

I wanted to take a moment to post some thoughts on a 2014 Chevy Malibu that I am driving around for the next few days as a loaner from the dealership while they work on my 2013 Impala (warranty items)

At first when they told me they were putting me into a Malibu, I thought "Oh great, one of those mid-sized sedans with an ugly ass end and probably tight as all get out on the inside. I was quite surprised to find I was wrong.

First off a bit of history on the Malibu that I have researched. 2013 introduced the 8th Generation Malibu. It is based on the GM Epsilon II platform (I have no idea what that Epsilon thing means)

As far as engines and trannies go:

2.0 L LTG I4 turbo (gasoline)
2.0 L VCDi I4 (turbo diesel)
2.4 L LUK I4 hybrid (gasoline)
2.4 L Ecotec I4 (gasoline)
2.5 L LCV I4 (gasoline)
2.5 L LKW I4 (gasoline)
3.0 L LF1 V6 (gasoline)

Transmission

6-speed 6T40 automatic
6-speed 6T70 automatic
6-speed manual (Europe and Uzbekistan)

This particular car has the 2.5L EcoTech in it.

197 hp (147 kW) at 6300 rpm 191 lb·ft (259 N·m) at 4400 rpm

I did not realize it was an inline 4 cyl until I did the research. It drives as though it has a V-6. The thing is flat out peppy and very awesome around the city and even on the highway. Sure it is not quite as fast as my 300HP 3.6L Direct Injection V-6 in my Impala, but it would certainly give it a run for its money. I would like to see it have a 2.5L Turbo and even a 3.0L Turbo though to make it even quicker. The 6-Speed automatic shifts very smoothly and at the right spots as compared to previous GM 6-Speed trannies I've driven. The fuel eoconomy is awesome in my opinion. For the first time in a non-hybrid GM vehicle, an engine stop/start system will be standard with the 2.5-liter engine. My car has this. It takes a little getting used to but it seems to work ok. Only complaint would be that the A/C shuts off when it goes into the "stop mode" but will start up again to kick in the A/C compressor and cool the air. Chevrolet expects the EPA fuel-economy estimates to come in at 23/35 city/highway, up slightly from the 2013 model’s 22/34 I really enjoy the layout of the interrior/dash as well. It is a fun car to drive and I would reccomend it to everyone considering a mid-sized sedan. Which is kinda strange of me to say such a thing because right now I am still angry at GM for how they handled the recall fiasco and what not, but I am willing to give the new CEO a fair chance at making the changes needed in the company and hopefully keep the company moving forward. I'll say this much though. While I am not a fan of 4 cylinder engines, I'd buy this one in a heartbeat, if I were shopping for a good mid-sized sedan. As it stands though, as soon as I get my Impala paid off, I'm getting back into a truck.

&CDFiXER% · August 5, 2014

The better half's sister is on her third or fourth Malibu. She loves the heck out of them and puts tons of miles on them. Trades them in @ 150,000+ miles so in her mind they don't run into major problems (more education than me so can't tell her anything). She runs her car every day of the week. Highway. City.

The auto start/stop thing intrigues me. Have to test drive something equipped with that sometime.