I am ordering my 2010 Malibu LTZ this afternoon or as soon as I get some feedback to this thread. I have every other option picked out except for the Motor (Black Granite Metallic, Cocoa/Medium Cashmere Seats, Engine Block Heater, Tire Inflation Kit (in place of spare, is this a good idea???), Manual Rear Window Shade, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System).

So what shall it be 2.4L or 3.6L?? I realize both have their pros and cons, so I am going to let the general consensus choose this one for me. Let me know!!

If MPG isn't an issue that I would vote for the 3.6.

Do you not like the Ecotec? I see you have it in your car, so what made you go that way? MPG $$?

I am ordering my 2010 Malibu LTZ this afternoon or as soon as I get some feedback to this thread. I have every other option picked out except for the Motor (Black Granite Metallic, Cocoa/Medium Cashmere Seats, Engine Block Heater, Tire Inflation Kit (in place of spare, is this a good idea???), Manual Rear Window Shade, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System).

So what shall it be 2.4L or 3.6L?? I realize both have their pros and cons, so I am going to let the general consensus choose this one for me. Let me know!!

Tire inflation kit, IMO I would rather have a spare. I have a manual rear window shade and have never used it, no need for it if you've got tinted widows (it could come in handy if you don't tint them). And doesn't the TPMS come standard with these newer cars?

As for the engine, I have a 2.4L (very economical and plenty of power for your day to day driving) but would have preferred a 3.6L. Especially after reading up in the forum what 3.6 owners were getting in MPG. Not very much difference and you would definitely get more power without having to sacrifice a lot of MPG.

I bought the ecotec for the mileage. It's a peppy engine and will outlast the car, but I think I might be more happy with more power. If I didn't care about Mileage, I would have gotten the V6.

Don't get me wrong I love the ecotec, it's a solid engine that will easily take on the competition. It gives me peace of mind since I know these engines are rock solid.

We own both and I drive the 3.6.. I dont care for driving the 2.4. The steering is different feeling as well

Tire inflation kit, IMO I would rather have a spare. I have a manual rear window shade and have never used it, no need for it if you've got tinted widows (it could come in handy if you don't tint them). And doesn't the TPMS come standard with these newer cars?

As for the engine, I have a 2.4L (very economical and plenty of power for your day to day driving) but would have preferred a 3.6L. Especially after reading up in the forum what 3.6 owners were getting in MPG. Not very much difference and you would definitely get more power without having to sacrifice a lot of MPG.

For whatever reason, in Canada on Autobook (Dealership's Vehicle Builder) has the TPMS as a $65 option. In the brochure it lists that you have to get the Manual Sunshade in order to get the 110V Rear Power Center (what I really want), so that is why I included it. But I have read conflicting reports saying that the Power Center is now a standard feature, but I rather be safe than sorry for $130.

For whatever reason, in Canada on Autobook (Dealership's Vehicle Builder) has the TPMS as a $65 option. In the brochure it lists that you have to get the Manual Sunshade in order to get the 110V Rear Power Center (what I really want), so that is why I included it. But I have read conflicting reports saying that the Power Center is now a standard feature, but I rather be safe than sorry for $130.

Yep, better safe than sorry. So which engine are you leaning towards?

Yep, better safe than sorry. So which engine are you leaning towards?

I am going to go and drive the 3.6L in about an hour, but I am finding it hard to convince myself in spending the extra $2000, but if drives how I am afraid it will, I could be sold.

Why don't you like the Tire Inflation Kit rather than the spare?? It will not cost me any more to go either way, so I just assumed the less weight the better.

The 3.6 is an awesome engine. We should of ordered it when we bought ours. Its literally my only regret with the car.

I know you asked for pictures of the interior of my car but the wife has it! lol Itll be back later today but by then itll be dark again.

I am going to go and drive the 3.6L in about an hour, but I am finding it hard to convince myself in spending the extra $2000, but if drives how I am afraid it will, I could be sold.

Why don't you like the Tire Inflation Kit rather than the spare?? It will not cost me any more to go either way, so I just assumed the less weight the better.

The spare will cost you an extra $100. Well worth it in my opinion, just for peace of mind.

I am going to go and drive the 3.6L in about an hour, but I am finding it hard to convince myself in spending the extra $2000, but if drives how I am afraid it will, I could be sold.

Why don't you like the Tire Inflation Kit rather than the spare?? It will not cost me any more to go either way, so I just assumed the less weight the better.

I just think that if I were to get a flat in an isolated place or dangerous area of a highway/street. I would like to get out there quickly, not sit there and repair a tire. And what would a kit do for you if the damage to the tire was irreparable (sidewall damage or a blowout), you'd be stuck and vulnerable. Nope, just pull the spare, swap em, be on your way, and find somewhere to repair/replace the flat whenever convenient. Just my .02 cents.:)

The spare will cost you an extra $100. Well worth it in my opinion, just for peace of mind.

Not really. You have 5yr/100k roadside assistance.

Chevrolet is proud to offer the response, security and convenience of the 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program for a period of 5 years or 100,000 miles/160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. The program provides you with the following services during the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period:

* Emergency Towing (to closest Chevy dealer from a legal roadway)
* Lockout Service (keys locked inside vehicle)
* Flat Tire Changes (spare installed)
* Fuel Delivery ($5 worth of fuel delivered on the road)
* Jump-Starts (at home or on the road)


However, have a spare is good. Its amazing how many people forget to check the air in the spare though. Get a flat and go to pull it out and its flat too!

The 3.6 is an awesome engine. We should of ordered it when we bought ours. Its literally my only regret with the car.

I know you asked for pictures of the interior of my car but the wife has it! lol Itll be back later today but by then itll be dark again.

No Worries, I am sold on the color now for sure, my brother went and looked at that interior and said it was awesome at another dealership.

No Worries, I am sold on the color now for sure, my brother went and looked at that interior and said it was awesome at another dealership.

That it is! We still get compliments on the color combo. People cant believe that Chevy can make that good of looking interior.

I just think that if I were to get a flat in an isolated place or dangerous area of a highway/street. I would like to get out there quickly, not sit there and repair a tire. And what would a kit do for you if the damage to the tire was irreparable (sidewall damage or a blowout), you'd be stuck and vulnerable. Nope, just pull the spare, swap em, be on your way, and find somewhere to repair/replace the flat whenever convenient. Just my .02 cents.:)

I think I will just go with the spare, seems to make the most sense. I love this forum!! I just drove a 2LT w/3.6L (quiet, powerful), I really want to try a 2.4L before I make my decision I think. But the 3.6L was definietly impressive!!

Does anyone know the improvements slated for the 2011's??

Im not sure of any improvements for the '11 MY.

However, I would be shocked if GM doesnt put the DI 2.4 in the Malibu. If they did, the MPG would easily be over the Sonata which now leads the segment at 35 MPG.

Go for the 3.6! I always want the most power I can get and really don't care to much about MPG's. But since I have a weekend toy, and the Malibu is my daily driver I did want to make a sensible choice. So I did drive the 2.4. Within 5 minutes I knew I couldn't deal. IMO, just too slow and I hated the way the electric power steering felt compared to the 3.6's set-up. And, honestly, I have been getting mileage close to my buddies 2.4. I'm very glad I went with the 3.6....


Also, I agree get the spare, it's not a race car your looking to save weight in, and I have heard nothing about the '11 cars. The '10 cars just came out....

Good luck.

3.6 here... Plenty of torque and decent MPG, avg 26 MPG mixed driving with a heavy right foot.

Definitely go for the 3.6L. So much better power and hydraulic steering (compared to I think just electric with the 2.4?). I used to have a 2.4L and the difference is night and day.. of course I'm also a very aggressive driver.. when passing people or merging onto the highway (which I literally floor it), I feel I'm yearning for even more power! The MPG isn't much different either.

Eazyz, I have the 3.6 and get plenty of mileage. Around town with nicer weather like now I get about 20 or better. In the winter time I use the remote start feature to warm it up and get around 17. On a long trip on the highway I get between 30 to 32. Consider this: if I drive 330 miles and get 30 mpg I'll buy 11 gallons of gas. If I get 33 I'll buy 10 gallons of gas. The whole trip can be a difference of $3 and I have the 3.6 with air conditioning, power to accelerate at will, and it stays in high gear longer due to having more power when going uphill. All in all, the 4-cyl is a great engine, but I chose the V6 because I wanted it to respond today.

TPMS is required by the Feds on all new vehicles. How it's done is up to the manufacturer. Ours tells the tire pressure for each wheel. The minimum system merely has to watch the pressure and warn the operator.

I'd like to have had the 110-volt power outlet, but I can buy an aftermarket one and plug it into the 12-volt power outlet and did not have to buy it with the car, which also means paying higher registration fees. (Every little bit counts to raise the fee!)

Like elcompaLalo says, if you tint the windows like many of us do you probably won't need the shade, and therefore your only "need" is the 110 power outlet. And you can get that installed or aftermarket, your choice.

I feel I'm yearning for even more power!

Me too LOL, just when I think it is decently quick I drive my other car and it feels slow, can't imagine if I got the 2.4 haha. But, honesty they run high 14's and get to 60 in about 6 seconds which is pretty good for a decent sized sedan. BUT, I wish they had the option for the 304 HP DI 3.6 from the CTS, that would have been nice to have....I'm hoping someone makes a good cold air intake and handheld tuner soon!

TPMS is required by the Feds on all new vehicles. How it's done is up to the manufacturer. Ours tells the tire pressure for each wheel. The minimum system merely has to watch the pressure and warn the operator.

Link to said law?

Link to said law?

I heard something about this, but didn't know it was law yet?

I heard something about this, but didn't know it was law yet?

Same here. I knew they were thinking about making tire pressure monitoring a law but last I heard of it there was no enforcement date and no penalties.

Link to said law?

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/tpmsnprmpost2cir/tpmsnprmpost2cir.html

You may wish to refer to the paragraph quoted below:

NHTSA is proposing the following phase-in schedule: 50 percent of a vehicle manufacturer�s light vehicles would be required to comply with the standard during the first year (September 1, 2005 to August 31, 2006); 90 percent during the second year (September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2007); all light vehicles thereafter. This proposal would permit carry-forward credits for vehicles certified as complying with the standard that are produced after the effective date of the final rule.

That means that all vehicles model year 2008 and newer sold in the US are required to have TPMS.

Even though I was certain that it was law I had to go look for the link to the actual legal reference. Since I put it out there by saying it was law, you had every right to ask for a reference. Like former President Reagan said, "Trust, but verify." You did, and you did well doing so. And now we're all the wiser. Thanks, man!

Thanks for the info. I wasnt going to search for it. lol

I still think its kind of a gimmick given how far off two of our sensors are in the Malibu. 25% under inflated is kind of interesting and maybe that explains why we used to get low tire pressure alerts when they were at 28 PSI on some cold mornings.

Thanks for the info. I wasnt going to search for it. lol

I still think its kind of a gimmick given how far off two of our sensors are in the Malibu. 25% under inflated is kind of interesting and maybe that explains why we used to get low tire pressure alerts when they were at 28 PSI on some cold mornings.

Yours are that bad? Mine are within 2 psi of both of my gauges....

Yours might need to be reset?

The owners manual also states it is the law for all vehicles in the US to have a TPMS.

My advice, get what you want now, don't plan to add on later.
Def get the spare, full size would be great.

As far as the engine it comes down to cost vs performance. Yes the intial cost and mileage, but also the cost of maintainance. There are a lot more 4s and the engine bay is roomier, making repairs easier. And in GENERAL maintainance costs lower

I went for the V6, just can't talk myself into an I4 unless it at least has a blower.

Ive asked the dealer about it and apparently they are within range. Its annoying but the car is gonna be gone in a week or so.

I have a digital pressure gage that I use when airing mine up. When I check the TPMS it is usually on the same pressure or only 1 PSI different.

Eazyz, I have the 3.6 and get plenty of mileage. Around town with nicer weather like now I get about 20 or better. In the winter time I use the remote start feature to warm it up and get around 17. On a long trip on the highway I get between 30 to 32. Consider this: if I drive 330 miles and get 30 mpg I'll buy 11 gallons of gas. If I get 33 I'll buy 10 gallons of gas. The whole trip can be a difference of $3 and I have the 3.6 with air conditioning, power to accelerate at will, and it stays in high gear longer due to having more power when going uphill. All in all, the 4-cyl is a great engine, but I chose the V6 because I wanted it to respond today.

TPMS is required by the Feds on all new vehicles. How it's done is up to the manufacturer. Ours tells the tire pressure for each wheel. The minimum system merely has to watch the pressure and warn the operator.

I'd like to have had the 110-volt power outlet, but I can buy an aftermarket one and plug it into the 12-volt power outlet and did not have to buy it with the car, which also means paying higher registration fees. (Every little bit counts to raise the fee!)

Like elcompaLalo says, if you tint the windows like many of us do you probably won't need the shade, and therefore your only "need" is the 110 power outlet. And you can get that installed or aftermarket, your choice.

Awesome response!!! Thanks! I heard something about the TPMS being law up here in Canada, I am just confused as to why they would have it as a charged option, because it is on the build sheet for $65.

Unfortunately I do not live in West Palm anymore (went to school there for a year:D) so I doubt I will tint my windows, maybe the rears. I will ask the dealer about the sunshade/110V power center. I do have an inverter right now, I just think it would be convienent having one in the car so I would not have to lug mine around.

[QUOTE=bballr4567;31957]Not really. You have 5yr/100k roadside assistance.



What does roadside assistance have to do with the cost of the spare tire? What I'm saying that if you want a spare, the option costs $100 unlike what was originally stated.

Not really. You have 5yr/100k roadside assistance.



However, have a spare is good. Its amazing how many people forget to check the air in the spare though. Get a flat and go to pull it out and its flat too!

Yep, just put my rims back on and inflated the spare. I can't remember if I checked it when I put the snows on, but regardless it was down to about 40psi (supposed to be 60). I try making it a habbit to inflate it before long trips or at least twice a year.

[QUOTE=bballr4567;31957]Not really. You have 5yr/100k roadside assistance.



What does roadside assistance have to do with the cost of the spare tire? What I'm saying that if you want a spare, the option costs $100 unlike what was originally stated.

Because the roadside assistance will tow you to the nearest tire facility to get it fixed for free. Thats why I put the quote of what it says in the warranty in my post.

I'd say go for the 3.6 as the consumption really is not that much different than the 2.4 suprisingly. The 2.4 is good enough to out-accelerate a E36 BMW and has more torque than a '10 Ex35 but I feel its missing something. imho, I'd say go for the 3.6, only reason I didn't get one is that in 08 they only offered the 3.6 with hideous interior colors and not just plain black like they offer now.

[quote=jeepgrady;32028]

Because the roadside assistance will tow you to the nearest tire facility to get it fixed for free. Thats why I put the quote of what it says in the warranty in my post.

Your roadside assistance is only good for 3/36. What happens thereafter?

The original poster stated that you get your choice of either the inflation can or the spare included with the price of the vehicle for no charge. All I stated was that the spare costs $100. as an option. It is not free.

[quote=bballr4567;32036]

Your roadside assistance is only good for 3/36. What happens thereafter?

The original poster stated that you get your choice of either the inflation can or the spare included with the price of the vehicle for no charge. All I stated was that the spare costs $100. as an option. It is not free.

I will post it again as you are still getting facts wrong.

Chevrolet is proud to offer the response, security and convenience of the 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program for a period of 5 years or 100,000 miles/160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. The program provides you with the following services during the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period:

* Emergency Towing (to closest Chevy dealer from a legal roadway)
* Lockout Service (keys locked inside vehicle)
* Flat Tire Changes (spare installed)
* Fuel Delivery ($5 worth of fuel delivered on the road)
* Jump-Starts (at home or on the road)

I never drove the 3.6 before buying. The 2.4 coupled with the 6 speed had plenty of power for our needs. My wife usually drives it and has no need for more power. The gas mileage is good but probably not much more than the 3.6. I am happy enough with the 2.4 engine but I hate the electric steering at highway speeds. It's way over-sensitive. I thought there would be a learning curve and that I would get used to it, but I never did. So, based solely on that, if I had to do it over I would get the 3.6. :)

Me too LOL, just when I think it is decently quick I drive my other car and it feels slow, can't imagine if I got the 2.4 haha. But, honesty they run high 14's and get to 60 in about 6 seconds which is pretty good for a decent sized sedan. BUT, I wish they had the option for the 304 HP DI 3.6 from the CTS, that would have been nice to have....I'm hoping someone makes a good cold air intake and handheld tuner soon!

I would've died for a DI V6 or V8 :-O ::drools::

en, here in Canada Gm doesn't offer those services, ONStar does.... the towing, keys, $5 fuel.... thats not covered by GM but by Onstar

i went withy the V6 and have not regretted it...have fun!!

en, here in Canada Gm doesn't offer those services, ONStar does.... the towing, keys, $5 fuel.... thats not covered by GM but by Onstar

Actually the OnStar contacts the GM roadside assistance for all those services, they just act as a middleman and are able to provide your location better. The 24hr. Roadside Assistance will last all new vehicles 5yrs/160,000kms and covers the same things it does in the States (Towing/winching, Key Unlock, Spare tire change, Trip Interruption, No-Charge Routing Service, etc.)

By the way, I ordered the 3.6 :D. Thanks for all your responses!!!

I have an 09 LTZ with the 2.4 engine and 6 speed auto. If I do strictly city stop-start driving the MPG average is around 18.5 to 20 and that's with conservative driving, but with a short run on the highway it will easily bump it over 20. If you will be spending a fair amount of time sitting at red lights, the 4 or 6 will both be getting 0 MPG but the 6 will be sipping the fuel faster at the light so that could come into play.

I don't have any complaints about the power, but if you drive with passengers in the car, then the extra pull of the 6 would come in handy due to the added weight.

I would also go for the spare tire since the inflation kit won't do you any good if the tire has damage beyond that of what a nail might do. My bet would be that Chevy deleted the spare for '10 to be able to say they kept the price the same as last year's, even though they removed what was standard equipment.

Actually the OnStar contacts the GM roadside assistance for all those services, they just act as a middleman and are able to provide your location better. The 24hr. Roadside Assistance will last all new vehicles 5yrs/160,000kms and covers the same things it does in the States (Towing/winching, Key Unlock, Spare tire change, Trip Interruption, No-Charge Routing Service, etc.)

By the way, I ordered the 3.6 :D. Thanks for all your responses!!!

Congrats!! You'll really enjoy it! Be sure to post pics!! :-D

I wanted the V6 but opted for the 2.4 and was not disappointed. My last car was an '06 Jetta TDI, so I'm used to tall gearing and gradual starts toward road speed. The 6-speed and VVT make the 2.4 peppier than the Jetta, and the Malibu is fast enough for my long rural commute. I don't really need the V6 power. If I lived in Denver or the Appalachians, I would probably opt for the V6. But on flatland, it's not needed.

I never drove the 3.6 before buying. The 2.4 coupled with the 6 speed had plenty of power for our needs. My wife usually drives it and has no need for more power. The gas mileage is good but probably not much more than the 3.6. I am happy enough with the 2.4 engine but I hate the electric steering at highway speeds. It's way over-sensitive. I thought there would be a learning curve and that I would get used to it, but I never did. So, based solely on that, if I had to do it over I would get the 3.6. :)
I have the 2.4 and it seems to have all the power I need. I wouldn't spend 2K for the V6 personally. The Ecotec has a very good reputation so I am happy with it. I have 10,000 miles on my 2010 LTZ and I don't regret getting the 2.4.

I have an 09 LTZ with the 2.4 engine and 6 speed auto. If I do strictly city stop-start driving the MPG average is around 18.5 to 20 and that's with conservative driving, but with a short run on the highway it will easily bump it over 20. If you will be spending a fair amount of time sitting at red lights, the 4 or 6 will both be getting 0 MPG but the 6 will be sipping the fuel faster at the light so that could come into play.

I don't have any complaints about the power, but if you drive with passengers in the car, then the extra pull of the 6 would come in handy due to the added weight.
I often drive with over 600 lbs of passengers and don't notice any difference. I have the 2.4, A6. I avg. over 21 mpg by the DIC. I tried a 10 mile trip recently on the highway, with a little in city drive. I was amazed that I got 37 mpg DIC. So my LTZ does GREAT on the highway MPG!

I have the 2.4L and love it. It has more power than I ever expected from a 4 cylinder and is plenty fast off the line. I hear the V6 option basically gives you a poor man's CTS, which doesn't sound bad either. If mileage doesn't matter the V6 is probably tremendous fun.

PS: I saw a comment on the steering and believe the 4 has electric assist and the 6 has hydraulic power steering. I have noticed the electric assist has a slight weird feel on center.

The cast iron V6 block was too much weight for the EPS, so they went back to hydraulic.

With my experience test driving plenty of pre-owned Malibus, there is a possibility you may eventually get the whine associated with the 2.4L engine upon acceleration. Even though the car has good cabin insulation, you'll hear that whine (can be fixed, I'm sure). And then you have the electronic steering. When I took my dad to test drive the 2.4L, he immediately knew the steering wasn't normal feeling while I couldn't really tell the difference. But there is a possibility of getting the steering vibration gremlin in the future.

Toyota has the same serious problem with their new Corolla. The car needs constant steering corrections, even on the smoothest of roads, and can ultimately veer the driver into oncoming traffic.

When I was shopping for the Malibu, I really, REALLY wanted the 2.4L to save on gas. And the engine bay didn't seem cramped with stuff, there was lots of space around it.

I ended up getting the 3.6L. And do not regret it, the car is still ok for the mileage... while gas is still relatively cheap.

Now that I own the 3.6L, I'm very glad I didn't get the 2.4L.

Like anything else in life, you make your best decision at the time after considering all the available facts.

If I was assured gas would stay below $3 for the next 10 years, I might've opted for the v6.

I surmise that folks aren't happier with the 4 cyl gas mileage since they're not driving with a light foot. I usually don't myself. The Bu is a heavy car so it's probably more impacted by a lead foot than an econo box woule be.

If gas gets close to $4 again, I'm sure I'll drive more conservatively and I'll get a lot closer to the EPA numbers. That's when I'm going to be real happy I got the 4.

Another aspect when I was shopping - the dealer had almost all 4 cyls. on the lot. There were only a couple of 6 cyls. I'm guessing I got a better deal because I went with the 4, and I managed to get the car in the exact color and options I wanted.

3.6L. No question unless you drive a lot!

Another thing to consider. I come from owning large cars and trucks in the past. The truck ('91 F150, 5.0, short bed, short cab) got 15.5 mpg on the best trip I ever took, using cruise and with every effort to get the best I could. Two of my old cars, '81 Crown Vic wagon and '85 Mercury Grand Marquis 4-door, got 23 and 18, respectively, on their best days. Around town the truck got 6 to 8, the cars about 12 to 14. Moving to the 'Bu with a V6 is like being paid to drive for me! I guess point of reference matters in your choice as well.

My test drives went like this:
Car 1: '09 Kia Optima 4-cyl. - shakes below about 1500 rpm, fair on the power, overpriced. I drove it because a friend has had several and I thought they were fairly decent cars, and he was always happy with his
Car 2: '09 Cobalt 4-cyl. - smoooooooooth, more powerful, $5000 less
Car 3: '09 Malibu 4-cyl. - smooth, plenty of go, a few more dollars
Car 4: '09 Malibu V6 with 6-speed auto - wow! I had to stop accelerating when I hit 100 so I wouldn't miss my exit. Got back to the dealership and popped the trunk to retrieve everything that was in my pockets. (Hyperbole, I know, but .... ;))
Car 5: '08 Impala V6 3.5, 31K miles - very nice ride, good seating, beautiful interior, but too frumpy this time. (See previous cars!)

I'm happy with my V6. Had I bought the I4 I would be constantly second-guessing myself and I knew that, so I opted for the steeper price. I figgered that if I'm gonna spend money to have something, it might as well be what I really want instead of just the safe choice. (This time.)

I am extremely happy with the V6 in our car. It really gets up and goes. I do enough 60 MPH driving that I get around 22 MPG in cold weather. We drove to Ft Lauderdale from Rochester NY and we got around 28 MPG on that trip. Some of the states have 70 MPH speed limits so I was doing 78 MPH all the time and still managed 27 MPG.