MotorMouths

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco’s highway fuel economy seemed too good. Its price versus the competition looked too low. The new Malibu Eco is a terrific car at a good price.

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.

Chevrolet got all the basics right with this Malibu. The ride quality is perfectly suited, the steering is precise and the engine is smooth, silent and sufficiently powerful. The design might not be the most sophisticated we’ve ever seen, but the controls are easy to use and all the right convenience features are there.

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 Chevy Malibu Eco is supremely quiet on the road. It won’t blow anyone’s doors off, though. Should you buy one? If you’re looking for a big sedan that will net you an easy 30 mpg on the freeway, then yes.

In the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Chevy has delivered a car for today, a solid midsize sedan that’s got a legitimate shot at the top of the pack. But the Malibu has only opened up a small lead, not a commanding one.

Chevrolet got all the basics right with this Malibu. The ride quality is perfectly suited to the segment. The steering is precise and the engine is smooth, silent and sufficiently powerful. It is still plenty comfortable inside.

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.

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 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.

There’s definitely something Camry-like about the feel of the new Malibu Eco. That translates into a car less than thrilling to drive but solid, well-built, affordable, and comfortable, with very good fuel economy. It should be a winner.

The Malibu continues on as a stylish, premium-feeling, nice-driving car that bows down to no competitors. But the Eco is wedged uncomfortably between cheaper four-cylinder competitors and far more efficient hybrids.