[Frank in MD]

While I agree that the car isn't Chevrolet's best effort, your logic is questionable. What makes you say it will not reliable, and dependable? It's got a better warranty than all others in that comparo. It's not priced more expensively than the others in the segment either, that's bunk. Possibly the magazine that did the comparo tested a high end Malibu but it's not priced more than others in the segment. Keep in mind, many others build their cars w/o union labor. The cost of the materials and labor from the big 3 is higher than their rivals, thus others can offer a lower starting price. Again, it's not a very big gap and what you get for the difference in price is clear to see, hear, touch and feel. Sad that the Camry places higher than Malibu. Camry is junk, JUNK! They use a maintenance battery, meaning you have to add distilled water. Hey Toyota, the 80' called, they want their car back.

Lastly you gave the Fusion high marks, which has by all accounts has edgy "over the top" styling, then you demerit Chevy for doing the same. Very confusing and inconsistent. The Fusion has beautiful styling, but the beauty of the Aston Martin styling is skin deep. It's going to be waaaaaaaaaaaaay under powered and as soon as people drive it they'll feel how underpowered it really is and will not consider it.

I agree on the fuel economy issue, as it's inconceivable to me GM's new engine gets just 34 hwy when the outgoing 2.4 got 33 hwy. Yes, the engine itself is impressive in it's performance, which is why Ward's gave it one of their annual 10 best new engine awards. Sadly, the new 'bu is just too damn heavy to make that engine any good.