Motor Trend: new Malibu is worst/most disappointing new car...

[cp-the-nerd]

http://wot.motortrend.com/staff-pick...#axzz2Fw7KfLpI

Every year, Motor Trend staff members pick their favorite and least favorite cars that they drove that year. Unfortunately, for 2012, the '13 Malibu received as many votes for the least favorite car as the hugely panned Coda Electric Vehicle with three nominations each.

The general sentiment was that the car is numb to drive and completely outgunned within the midsize class on multiple fronts. If you believe there's some sort of bias involved, one of the writers simultaneously picked the Cadillac ATS as his favorite.

Here's hoping for the best from the 2014 refresh.

[mzodarg]

To be fair, it appears that they tested an ECO "to the underpowered, drone-y engine, to the complete disconnect between the wheels and the road"


I felt the same about mine, that's why I traded it for the 2ltz.

It will be interesting to see the refresh.

Tre'

[nutcrunch]

That's why it's important to know what you want in a car, that way you get what you want when you are ready to buy.
Also don't put all your trust in a magazine's opinion (or anyone else's, for that matter) of what you should get, it can mislead you. Only you know what you are looking for and only you know what will make you happy after spending a good deal of money for your purchase.
The best way is to get out there and test drive the vehicle you are interested in and look it over good and you should be happy with your purchase.
Luckily there are still some people around that do it that way.

[cp-the-nerd]

@mzodarg - They had a 2.5L LTZ during Car of the Year testing (the 2.0T wasn't available). They found it equally disappointing, primarily because the car is so overweight and didn't address shortcomings of the 08-12 model.

@nutcrunch - They thought pretty highly of the 7th gen Malibu. It placed 2nd in the 2008 Car of the Year competition, ahead of the Honda Accord.

I like Motor Trend for their down-to-earth editors and reviews. When someone can't possibly test drive every car in the class they're shopping, magazines like MT give people a strong basis to narrow their search.

I hope GM takes notes better than they did when the 7th gen showed its weaknesses at the end of its run. If they had, the car would be very competitive. This one was a design by committee attempting to be a jack of all trades.

[nutcrunch]

Why can't you possibly test drive every car you are interested in?

You should always see first hand what vehicles you are interested in and not rely on a magazine or anyone's opinion on the vehicle you are getting ready to plop down a good amount of money on.

That's nice that they thought highly of the last generation Malibu but what matters to me and the wife (since we are paying the car note and living with it every day) is what we like and we think highly of the new generation Malibu. You should always get what you like too whether it be the new Malibu, Accord, Fusion or whatever. Don't let others tell you what you should like.

[MyMalibu13]

Originally Posted by nutcrunch

Why can't you possibly test drive every car you are interested in?

You should always see first hand what vehicles you are interested in and not rely on a magazine or anyone's opinion on the vehicle you are getting ready to plop down a good amount of money on.

That's nice that they thought highly of the last generation Malibu but what matters to me and the wife (since we are paying the car note and living with it every day) is what we like and we think highly of the new generation Malibu. You should always get what you like too whether it be the new Malibu, Accord, Fusion or whatever. Don't let others tell you what you should like.

Amen Brother

[MyMalibu13]

Another freaking magazine article...............Geez

[Joeyavhu]

These magazines are starting to get to me. They put the Malibu last because it does not win any particular category, like most rear leg room, most power, etc. But, when it comes down to it, it does all the things together very well.

I have an LTZ and it has more front leg room than any of the competition, where is that mentioned. Out of the 20,000 miles I drive each year, I drive 15,000 of them alone, I most likely wont even have anyone in the rear seats for the life of the vehicle. I just like the extra space the door offers. Why is this not mentioned.

I consistently get 32 mpg in mine driving around. I cant complain, especially since my last was an 11 F150 Ecoboost that only got 14-15mpg (lifted, tires, etc). Its right in line with all the competition.

I had an 08 Malibu, and this one has all the stuff I love, plus looks much better. Some people say they didn't change it enough, but to me, it looks significantly better than the previous gen, and the previous gen was my favorite car.

Long story short, they are selling around here, regardless of what you magazine readers have been seeing. I like the overall vehicles as I feel it does good in all areas, maybe there are no outstanding spots, but it certainty does not do anything poorly.

[nutcrunch]

Yep, that's why I don't go by magazine articles alone. By the sounds of it you would think the Malibu was a terrible car. If you actually drive one then you would probably realize the magazines tend to exaggerate things.
The new Malibu is by no means perfect and has things that not everyone may like but it is not a terrible car, but if you don't check it out for yourself and go by magazine articles as gospel, then you would never know that.

[cp-the-nerd]

Originally Posted by nutcrunch

Why can't you possibly test drive every car you are interested in?

You should always see first hand what vehicles you are interested in and not rely on a magazine or anyone's opinion on the vehicle you are getting ready to plop down a good amount of money on.

That's nice that they thought highly of the last generation Malibu but what matters to me and the wife (since we are paying the car note and living with it every day) is what we like and we think highly of the new generation Malibu. You should always get what you like too whether it be the new Malibu, Accord, Fusion or whatever. Don't let others tell you what you should like.

There are 10 mainstream midsize cars. How many people are going to test drive all of them before making a purchase? I sure as hell wouldn't. I'd pick out 3-4 I liked the best based on design and reviews.

However, GM went subtle with the redesign so interested consumers are even more likely to scrutinize reviews of the improvements and fuel economy versus competitors, whereas the new Fusion and Optima can get plenty of conquest sales with their stylish sheetmetal alone.