Affordable, Well-Situated Property Available in Malibu
The 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has been named Motor Trend magazine’s car of the year.
Frankly, it’s not that good.
The same sedan was dissed by USA Today for failing to live up to the beachy, bikini-bunny style of the place called Malibu, and falling short of the sparkling, frisky heritage of the 1964-’83 coupes, convertibles, wagons and El Caminos called Malibu.
Actually, it’s not that bad.
In better focus, Malibu is no world champion, but it just might be the best midsize from Chevrolet since the first Accord from Honda. Doors close with a taut thunk, the four-speed automatic shifts without showing its seams, the precise handling is an exercise in mechanical obedience. And if all that sounds more Toyota Camry than anything GM, that’s the true marvel of Malibu.
This five-person midsize has the feel of good tailoring and produces the ultimate sound of quality engineering and assembly--a naughty little exhaust snore that’s a perfect reflection of the rush and agility of its engines.
And with stickers ranging from $16,000, almost naked, to $20,000, fully dressed, Malibu has Accord, Camry and even the Ford Taurus beaten bloody on price.
With the exception of an optional V-6, improved but inherited from the late and unlamented Corsica, Malibu is a wheels-up redesign, heavy on fresh ideas and engineering and light on looting yesterday’s parts bins.
That’s because Chevrolet--veering from usually inaccurate estimates of what it presumes customers want--wandered its showrooms, recruited focus groups and actually asked tire-kickers what they were looking for. Right down to strapping prospects into driving simulators and seeking their opinions on dashboard and instrument layouts.
Hence a bunch of new stuff:
* A cup holder in the dashboard, to the left of the steering wheel, to better serve southpaw cappuccino drinkers. There’s a second opening in the center console for righties and passengers; but no directions for who reaches where if the driver and passenger are both righties.
* Longer battery terminals for tighter clamping for easier jump-starts.
* An ignition switch mounted flat on the dashboard that is so fumble-free, one wonders why this keyhole was ever buried into the steering column.
* Backlighted switches and controls to remove the groping from operations at night and in basement garages.
* A radio set above heating and air-conditioning controls because, duh, we spend more time dabbling with the radio than resetting the interior climate.
* An enlarged glove box so huge it could be sublet to small pets.
* Extended armrests traveling the length of the door for those with long elbows, a padded center cubby, and a tall gearshift so a driver can perch a hand and relax the forearm at the same time. The cubby is also a perfect padded rest for wrist curls.
* And the car comes with more chimes than Westminster. Resonant bongs, impossible to ignore, will sound and keep booming if the parking brake is on, seat belts are off, a door is open, a turn signal is now signaling we have forgotten to turn it off, the key is in the ignition, or fuel is down to a dribble.
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Despite all this ingenuity, the Malibu has been built with a bad case of the rolling uglies. Wheels are undersized for their wells, and any side view is of little Jimmy Highpockets. Overall styling is that of a generic rental car, chilly and of the Asian mainstream--which is a lack of soul with only hints of family resemblance.
But the interior is cozy enough. Seating is ample, comfortable and supportive when indulging the Malibu’s obvious spirit of nimbleness. There’s less headroom in small caverns; more trunk and passenger space than Camry, Accord and Ford Taurus; and excessive insulation to create the quiet of tombs and electric vehicles.
We even liked the faux wood trim because it’s good faux, subtle and content to be a dashboard accent, not a cabin liner.
There are multiple Malibus: A primer sedan with its standard, 2.4-liter in-line four developing 150 horsepower, and the torquier, slicker Malibu LS with a 3.1-liter V-6 good for 155 horsepower.
Although positioned by its size, number of doors and lack of mechanical cunning to serve the typical needs of the average American family, here’s a vehicle that also caters to those who like a little mischief with their midsize.
It turns in very firmly, with surprising power response, when ordering the automatic transmission to think quickly. So exiting corners can be done smartly, cleanly and with a large smile. Ride is biased toward the firm, steering is not so overpowered that it erases road feel, and an independent suspension--plus 11-inch front disc brakes--do wonderful work in neutralizing the insecurities of slowing hard or suddenly changing directions.
Again, those are levels of ride and handling competence that are norms with Asian imports.
Does this mean Accord and Camry owners will be jumping ship for Chevrolet?
We don’t think so.
But we are willing to bet our second lottery win that if the mechanicals outlive its payment book, Malibu may well slow the passage of GM owners searching for comfort in the arms of Honda and Toyota.
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1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS
The Good: A domestic mid-size sedan that handles, rides and feels just like an imported sport coupe--at a price several grand below the competition. Ready to reshape some generalizations about General Motors, it is designed to accommodate the needs of its buyers, not the presumptions of its builder.
The Bad: About as well styled as downtown Detroit.
The Ugly: How do you feel about downtown Detroit?
(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)
1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS
Cost
* Base: $18,190. (Includes dual air bags, four-speed automatic, air-conditioning, power windows and doors, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft system, alloy wheels, cruise control, tilt steering.)
* As tested, $19,076. (Adds sound system with CD players, California emissions, destination charges.)
Engine
* 3.1-liter, V-6 developing 155 horsepower.
Type
* Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, five-passenger mid-size sedan.
Performance
* 0-60 mph, as tested, with automatic, 8.7 seconds.
* Top speed, electronically limited, 106 mph.
* Fuel consumption, EPA city and highway, 20 and 29 mpg.
Curb Weight
* 3,100 pounds.
