In light of the less-than-stellar media reviews of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, General Motors CEO Dan Akerson announced to Automotive News that the crucial mid-sized sedan will receive a refresh late next year — a mere 18 months from when the redesigned model hit the market.
The only details provided was that the refreshed ‘Bu will have a restyled front-fascia, which we imagine will resemble that of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. But if you ask us, the vehicle’s principle issues are the unimpressive fuel economy numbers, coupled with underwhelming interior space — not lackluster styling. Still, with such formidable competition in the Malibu’s segment, anything that The General’s engineers can do to make the vehicle better will be welcomed.
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Just read an article and they cited both bad engine and interior issues. Thought the 2.5 was better than 2.4?
I'm shocked. And disappointed. If it's true that they're redoing the front end, they're redoing one of the few parts of this car that isn't broken.
The new Honda Civic
Yeah, I read that article; Honda reheating the Civic in 18 months.
They turned off plenty of buyers by not offering a V-6. A car that size won't get as great mileage with 4 cylinders, a midsize is just a little too big. Ford is making the same mistake with their new Fusion. I know they have CAFE breathing down their necks, but the buying public isn't looking for neutered cars.
Then why are they buying the Camry like crazy???
#1 Car Buying Factor is Fuel Economy:
By not addressing this, GM is sidestepping the MOST important Feature consumers are looking for.
http://pressroom.consumerreports.org/pressroom/2012/05/my-entry-5.html
FORD gets it, i hear thier commercials.
In a high style segment -- the new Fusion is gorgeous -- Sonata, Accord and Altima are no pushovers either -- the ho-hum family front end doesn't turn my crank.
Do they clinic the designs? I would certainly hope so. Do they listen to the clinic feedback? That I'm not sure of -- there's too many misses.
forget a mild refresh.......They need an entire refresh, the interior of the car, the exterior isnt up to par with the competition at all.......The ford none to say is stunning, with a wide engine variety and stellar hybrid system and that is just domestic........not saying this malibu is a bad car, it isnt up to line or even close......and i am a huge Gm fan......Gm is doing so good with design that idk what happened when the new malibu came out...they tried to meld way to many different design motifs together and it came out for the worst
I don't see what is so wrong with the interior? Especially compared to anything Ford, Toyota or Nissan.
You're right, Manoli, except for the Bangle Butt I have no issues with the styling. But unimpressive mpg figures even with an all 4 cylinder engines, a reduction of interior space, the removal of shift paddles will keep me in my '09 V6 SE.
..........not saying this malibu is a bad car...........it just needs an entire refresh, interior and exterior???
It does sound a bit contradictory, but it isn't a bad car.......it isn't up to par with the competition....
Next to Purchase Price, Retail Consumers care most about Fuel Economy - So GM does NOT have the technology to compete head on with Hybrids like Camry & Fusion - Fine. These are Family Sedans on Family Budgets so Fuel Eocnomy is King here.
But why is a 2.4 Liter required in a 4 cylinder? The Mailbu needs to compete at least in this space and if Failing outside of the Rental Fleet Market where no one cares. It is NOT competitive even at its BASE.
Ford Fusion is offered as a 2.0 L & a 1.6 L (28 Combined MPG with NO E-assist)
Hyundai Elantra - 1.8 L
Why cant GM do that? Why not a 1.4 Turbo or a 1.6 Turbo? (Not a Turbo for Performance but for Efficiency)
If its one of the smallest internal cabins to begin with (95 according to EPA, 101 according to GM), then shouldnt it also have class leading MPG #'s?
Dissapointing....no wonder Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Elantra etc are eating GMs lunch.....Its sad because it doesnt need to be this way.
First off, Elantra is not a competitor vehicle, so its use of a 1.8L is irrelevant. The Malibu does offer a 2.0L turbo if that makes you happy. But its use of a 2.5L base engine is no different than what is offered by the Camry or Altima, but I don't hear you bashing them. The 2.4L you talk about is offered in the Eco model, which is likely to be low volume. And yes, I am aware that the Eco is not a good competitor for the Hybrid competitors, but it is less expensive. The bottom line is that the volume is still in the non-hybrid market, and I think the Malibu competes well there with class competitive power out of the 2.5L and the turbo.
I really like this front end, its the bifocal-like taillights I have a problem with