MotorMouths

From a driver’s perspective, the Malibu is really quite agreeable.
But the Eco system doesn’t approach the fuel economy of full hybrids,and a glance at some competitors’ pricing shows that the Malibu Eco is not really much cheaper.

The 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco follows in the brand’s new-found tradition of comfort, quietness and composure. What’s less clear is if shoppers will deem the mileage worthy of the Eco’s higher price.

A funny thing happened when we got behind the wheel of the Malibu Eco for a week. We warmed up to it. We actually liked it. While Chevy is making a big deal about the aerodynamic justification for the design, the exterior styling just plain looks good.

Most people aren’t aware of this, but since the late 1990s the Chevrolet Malibu’s success has roughly tracked the career of Robert Downey Jr. This Malibu Eco is less like “Iron Man” and more like “The Shaggy Dog.”

Interior fit, finish, and design are a cut above the last-generation and certainly won’t disgrace it against competitors. But the Eco uses less-well-conceived hybrid tech, to achieve worse-than-average hybrid fuel economy, and for just about the same money as its toughest competitors.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is much better than “good enough”. It is arguably better-looking and feels tighter and lighter than its Camry counterpart, ans its interior beats the Camry’s in overall feel.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is a competent highway cruiser with a good baseline of cabin tech, but its eAssist mild-hybrid system doesn’t really deliver the miles per gallon.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is more than just the eighth generation of a fabled nameplate. With this car, GM is back in the mid-size family sedan game with stylish looks, an upscale interior, and fine fuel economy.

The new Malibu is smooth and quiet. But we found the driving characteristics to be lackluster, and isn’t exactly a value leader. The Malibu Eco’s current position as a mid-pack contender is, even at its launch, in doubt.

The Malibu Eco acquits itself reasonably. This is a cruiser, with a nice ride and quiet environment. Anyone considering a comfortable competent sedan would be making a mistake if they didn’t give the new Malibu Eco a chance.

The Chevy Malibu Eco is almost there. But the overdamped chassis could stand to loosen up, the car wanders a little too much when traveling straight, and can someone get rid of the chromed plastic?

The Malibu Eco isn’t terribly fuel efficient, and also certainly isn’t a driver’s car. But Chevrolet has done a very good job with the new Malibu’s interior and an outstanding job with noise suppression.