Rented a Malibu

LostInMoscow · 08-02-2011, 02:31 AM

I just spent 13 days in the USA. During that time, I rented a Malibu. Let's just say that I hope that the replacement is as good as it looks in the reviews, but even if it is half as good, it's going to be better than that Malibu that I drove. The best thing about it was the A/C, cruise and decent size trunk. I hope they get the new Malibu right. I keep trying to tell myself that Chevy is getting better, but then when I drive one for a couple of weeks, I'm just not impressed. It's like it's "good enough", but I'm never impressed even though I want to be. I'll rent the new model when it comes out. Hopefully, I'll be smiling!

Overflow · 08-02-2011, 07:27 AM

What Chevrolet really needs to work on is the Impala. It is such a boring car. Chevrolet could've done so much more with it. It also has so much history behind it. I would hate to see it go just because Chevrolet designers killed a legend.

FenwickHockey65 · 08-02-2011, 07:57 AM

Well one of you is talking about a car that was released in 2007 and the other in 2005. Both fairly old by today's market standards.

IBM · 08-02-2011, 11:14 AM

My brother has an 09 Malibu and it's a great car... What did you find wrong with your rental?

AZCamaroFan · 08-02-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Well one of you is talking about a car that was released in 2007 and the other in 2005. Both fairly old by today's market standards.

Malibu came out for 2008.
As to the Impala...it's just not the size of car that's popular anymore. The Malibu is competing against the Accord, Camry, Altima, all of which are 190. inches long.

FenwickHockey65 · 08-02-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZCamaroFan

Malibu came out for 2008.
As to the Impala...it's just not the size of car that's popular anymore. The Malibu is competing against the Accord, Camry, Altima, all of which are 190. inches long.

It debuted for the 2008 MY but was released in CY 2007.

AZCamaroFan · 08-02-2011, 12:16 PM

virtually all cars debut in the fall. it's not like it was released in january 2007.

FenwickHockey65 · 08-02-2011, 12:28 PM

Yes, which means it was released in 2007.

My point is that the car is about 4 years old now. The midsize segment has changed rapidly during that time, and the Malibu, which was class-leading when it first debuted, no longer is. Thankfully, the 2013 model is only a few months away.

upflying · 08-02-2011, 02:47 PM

I'd like to rent a Skoda Fabia S2000 the next time I visit Russia.

aldaron327 · 08-02-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostInMoscow

I just spent 13 days in the USA. During that time, I rented a Malibu. Let's just say that I hope that the replacement is as good as it looks in the reviews, but even if it is half as good, it's going to be better than that Malibu that I drove. The best thing about it was the A/C, cruise and decent size trunk. I hope they get the new Malibu right. I keep trying to tell myself that Chevy is getting better, but then when I drive one for a couple of weeks, I'm just not impressed. It's like it's "good enough", but I'm never impressed even though I want to be. I'll rent the new model when it comes out. Hopefully, I'll be smiling!

One problem with getting a "Rental" is that generally, you're getting the base level trim. I'm not saying that that is always 100% true, but as a guy that rents cars at least once a month (since I travel for my job), I'll be the first to tell you that I can count on one hand (and still have fingers left over) the number of times that I've been in the top trim level of any car when I'm pulling out of an airport rental stall. I've been in a Malibu a couple of times and the lower trim levels are nothing to write home about; certainly not even as nice as my mid-level Silverado (LT), let alone even close to my Camaro SS. YMMV.

-Tim

arod55 · 08-02-2011, 03:42 PM

My wife owns a 2010 Malibu and she love it. For me its hard to get into unless you pull the seat back. Great mileage with the 4 banger, could not talke her into buying a six cylinder. Now she is talking abou getting a Volt, depending if California is going to allow it to be used in the car pool lane with one person.

shank0668 · 08-02-2011, 04:14 PM

We like our malibu, aside from factory tires suck.

LostInMoscow · 08-02-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBM

My brother has an 09 Malibu and it's a great car... What did you find wrong with your rental?

Even though the seat was electrically adjustable, it was impossible to get comfortable. I kept having to pull over and get out to get my circulation going again, and getting in and out was really awkward for some reason. I don't usually have a problem with that. My mom also noticed the same thing on the passenger side. She almost fell getting out. It had horrible acceleration and didn't track very well. I had to make constant steering adjustments with the sloshy steering.

Like I said, it was "good enough", but not impressive. I certainly would not lay down new car money on that vehicle for any reason. Overall it was just an underwhelming car even for that segment.

LostInMoscow · 08-02-2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upflying

I'd like to rent a Skoda Fabia S2000 the next time I visit Russia.

Cool!

I think I know a guy that knows a guy that can hook you up.

08-02-2011, 02:31 AM	#1
LostInMoscow Exiled Speed Junkie Drives: None Join Date: May 2010 Location: Moscow, Russia Posts: 803	Rented a Malibu I just spent 13 days in the USA. During that time, I rented a Malibu. Let's just say that I hope that the replacement is as good as it looks in the reviews, but even if it is half as good, it's going to be better than that Malibu that I drove. The best thing about it was the A/C, cruise and decent size trunk. I hope they get the new Malibu right. I keep trying to tell myself that Chevy is getting better, but then when I drive one for a couple of weeks, I'm just not impressed. It's like it's "good enough", but I'm never impressed even though I want to be. I'll rent the new model when it comes out. Hopefully, I'll be smiling! __________________

08-02-2011, 07:57 AM	#3
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Well one of you is talking about a car that was released in 2007 and the other in 2005. Both fairly old by today's market standards. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

08-02-2011, 11:14 AM	#4
IBM Drives: '11 2LT/RS IBM Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: N. Kentucky Posts: 1,050	My brother has an 09 Malibu and it's a great car... What did you find wrong with your rental? __________________

08-02-2011, 12:16 PM	#7
AZCamaroFan Camaro6 2016-2018 Drives: sometimes Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 18,469	virtually all cars debut in the fall. it's not like it was released in january 2007. __________________

08-02-2011, 12:28 PM	#8
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Yes, which means it was released in 2007. My point is that the car is about 4 years old now. The midsize segment has changed rapidly during that time, and the Malibu, which was class-leading when it first debuted, no longer is. Thankfully, the 2013 model is only a few months away. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

08-02-2011, 07:27 AM	#2
Overflow Space Shuttle Aficionado Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 30,897 View My Garage	What Chevrolet really needs to work on is the Impala. It is such a boring car. Chevrolet could've done so much more with it. It also has so much history behind it. I would hate to see it go just because Chevrolet designers killed a legend.

08-02-2011, 02:47 PM	#9
upflying Drives: '86 Monte Carlo SS Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 3,119	I'd like to rent a Skoda Fabia S2000 the next time I visit Russia.

08-02-2011, 03:42 PM	#11
arod55 AROD55 Drives: 1955 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bonita, Ca. 91902 Posts: 1,862 View My Garage	My wife owns a 2010 Malibu and she love it. For me its hard to get into unless you pull the seat back. Great mileage with the 4 banger, could not talke her into buying a six cylinder. Now she is talking abou getting a Volt, depending if California is going to allow it to be used in the car pool lane with one person.

08-02-2011, 04:14 PM	#12
shank0668 Drives: '14 LML/'06 LJ/'76 Trans Am Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,438 View My Garage	We like our malibu, aside from factory tires suck.

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