2010 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ – Handsome styling & Value Priced By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net Consumers first became familiar with the Chevy Malibu back in the 60’s.  It was a terrific car for that time, being available in either a sedan or coupe style.  But GM chose to downsize the Malibu in the 70’s and sales were not as good as hoped.  Consequently, GM discontinued production.  Like many manufacturers, Chevrolet decided to bring back the Malibu nameplate rather than create a new nameplate.  The “new” Malibu was reincarnated as a lackluster and smaller vehicle.  It became more popular with rental fleets than the public.

  Now, Chevrolet has given the Malibu a redesign and that is attracting the public’s interest.  The Malibu is suddenly becoming a strong choice among consumers.  It is comfortable, quiet, roomy, looks good, and has good performance – everything the public is looking for in a vehicle today. 

            The 2010 Malibu lineup includes several trim levels.  There is the LS, LT, and LTZ models.  The LS and LT model have a 169 horsepower, 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine.  For a test drive, I had a new LTZ model that included that same 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder engine.  The LTZ does have an option of having a 252 horsepower, 3.6 liter, V-6.  My test model 4-cylinder was matched with a six speed automatic transmission that performed smoothly and quietly.

The 2010 Chevy Malibu has attractive, yet distinct tailored lines on the exterior and looks more like a premium sedan than a simple rental car.  My test model was a beautiful silvery chocolate color called “Mocha Steel Metallic.”  Inside, the cabin is also very upscale.  The materials, fit-and-finish, and quality are all premium.  The primary color scheme of my test model was “Ivory”, but all the Malibu vehicles feature two-tone interior schemes.

The LTZ trim level offers a huge list of standard equipment including a lot of chrome trim.  It has chrome door handles, a chrome exhaust tip, touring tires, 18 inch wheels, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors that fold, leather seats, rear window defogger, leather wrapped steering wheel, and much more.
The base MSRP of the test model was only $26,955.  The optional sunroof, splash guards, premium floor mats, and delivery charges bumped the bottom line sticker price up to $30,615.  The 2010 Malibu is EPA mileage rated at 22 city and 33 highway.  The Malibu is in a huge class of cars called Mid-Size and the competition includes the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Kia Rondo, Ford Fusion, and others.

The new 2010 Chevy Malibu is a family-oriented sedan, is conservative but premium in looks, has great gas mileage, and is price-sensitive to the market.  Check it out yourself at a Chevrolet or General Motors dealership.