While the Chevrolet Malibu was busy barely getting by with its bankruptcy development dollars, the brand was also busy developing its crossover lineup. Thankfully, the Equinox and Traverse arrived at the right times, as CUV sales began to explode, and certainly helped offset the ho-hum Malibu.
That has changed, however. Chevrolet introduced the all-new 2016 Malibu with all-new everything. New platform, new engines, new styling. All. New.
Therefore, Car and Driver has taken the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, and pit it against two sales champs, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and the enthusiast underdog, the Mazda 6.
The 2016 Malibu doesn’t place in last place. That’s all we’ll give you, as we invite you to read C&D’s words, rather than have us regurgitate them. But, Chevrolet should be mighty proud at its placing, even if the Mazda 6 is hands down a better driving sedan.
Now, hopefully the brand can get back to selling cars while it continues to move Equinoxes and Traverses at a high pace.
Comments
The Malibu didn’t “win” for just three points (one was price and one was performance) so it is a virtual tie with the winner. As such it is a vastly improved version of the most famous mid-sized sedan in American history, and therefore should displae all of those imports who come to the U.S. and take our money. GM has a true winner which is manufactured locally. But the new Malibu Hybrid will be a greater surprise and can even kick out all the hybrid leaders.
Wow, the one opening the link can navigate to the page where Malibu ranks above Camry and Accord! That’s seriously impressive! The comparison is for the cars with base engines (though there is only one available for Mazda 6 anyway).
BTW, I sat in a fully loaded 2016 Malibu Premier (before that was called LTZ all the time) at 2016 Toronto Auto Show last months. What can I say – looks good, inside and out. GM fans attending this website, looking for an affordable mid-size sedan, now only have pretty much one option. Guessing what it is? 2016 Chevrolet Malibu! 🙂
This new Malibu is indeed a huge improvement – overall very good job here GM
I did notice in the Car & Driver review the Malibu lost some points in the power train section but the real loss came in the totally subjective section of Experience. The Fun to drive section. Take the fun to drive out of it and the Malibu wins. Fun to drive isn’t really a measure of reviewing a car.
“Fun to drive isn’t really a measure of reviewing a car” How so?
The Malibu being brand new should of walked the competition. The Mazda 6 is a nice car and probably reliable to, but they don’t have the reputation yet. Plus dealer coverage isn’t so great in many areas.
Chevy’s new Malibu might do better if it had the LWC 1.6L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo that is used in Buick’s Cascada as the the LWC generates 200 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 206 lbs-ft of torque @ 2200 rpm; this would make the Malibu more fun to drive without needing to opt for the LTG.
I agree for this engine as well. The lwc is a pretty good engine for the size that it is. Not only that it has a overboost mode that adds more power for 15-30 secs as well. Granted the fuel economy numbers will drop if they were to put this engine in the Malibu as well.