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Review of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Price Range $19,900 to $27,095

suitable for: Diapers
School
Teens

17 to 22
City MPG

26 to 30
Hwy MPG

5 Seats
2 Rows
3 Latch Connectors
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Interior

The Malibu welcomes you inside with her lovely two-tone cocoa-colored leather seats with contrast piping, which I always love. She has beautiful faux wood detailing on the dash, consoles and doors, and her cupholders are perfectly situated and sized—they even have a sliding door that covers them in the event they get cruddy. I found it so easy to adjust the seat to a comfortable position. My whole family was comfortable in the Malibu, too. Nobody was squished or crammed when all four of us were in attendance—that’s a pretty amazing feat, people. It’s also amazing that the kids’ booster seats fit flat against the backseat and we didn’t have to finagle them into fitting properly.

The controls were within easy reach and were easy to use, although the knobs were a little flimsy-feeling. The center stack had a lot of shiny plastic, but I got used to it and enjoyed its simplicity. I also enjoyed the auxiliary jack where I could plug in my own tunes. I really appreciate a system that does this simply and seamlessly, as the Malibu’s does. There are no special buttons to push in a particular sequence to start rockin’ out in the Mali!

But the Malibu will really win the hearts and minds of parents with its third set of Latch connectors in the backseat. Yes folks, you can put that child-safety seat in the Malibu’s middle seat. Can I get a “hallelujah?” The rear cupholders are located in the back of the front center console. I don’t usually approve of this cupholder position, but my kids are getting bigger and can reach them, so we can cope with the placement. If your kids are in child-safety seats or are on the shorter side, this position can be frustrating.

shopping around: At cars.com

key interior: Features

  • 2 12V DC power outlets
  • Front and rear cupholders
  • Keyfob all doors remote keyless entry
  • Rear 60-40 bench seats
  • Telescopic tilt steering wheel

available interior: Colors

  • Cocoa/Cashmere
  • Ebony/Brick

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