2012 Chevy Malibu (rental) review

[d00df00d]

Fair disclosure: This car isn't remotely the kind of thing I would buy. It's very, very obviously designed for people who treat cars as nothing more than transportation appliances. That's... not me.

However....

1. The ride is very, very good. Aside from a slight lack of refinement (relatively speaking), I'd say it's comparable to the recent Mercedeses I've driven. Very smooth, and very well damped.

2. The handling is just fine. I hate the steering, but it does what it has to do and feels about right for this kind of car.

3. The Ecotec 4-cylinder is of course completely uninspiring in this big of a car, but it has enough grunt to get around town.

4. The transmission shifts smoothly. Again, comparable to what I've felt from Mercedes.

5. The interior is good. Some of the irrelevant surfaces feel cheap, but everything you actually use and see regularly (steering wheel, gauges, buttons, levers, gear selector, etc.) feels really good.

6. Forward sight lines are okay.

7. There is PLENTY of room.


A few quibbles:

1. Fuel economy was completely unimpressive. I managed 23 MPG driving fairly aggressively on the highway, which is actually slightly worse than what my car gets with the same usage. Granted, aggressive driving clearly is not what this car is for, so feel free to disregard this point.

2. The trunk seems a bit small, especially the opening.

3. Rear visibility is better than some cars I've driven, but still really bad. Park distance control or a rear camera should be standard equipment.

4. I somehow had a hard time putting the car where I wanted it on the road at all times. This seemed to be partly because of the visibility, and partly because of something in the handling that I can't quite put my finger on. The TPMS did indicate that the left side tires were 1-2 PSI lower than the right side ones, so maybe that had something to do with it.


I didn't enjoy driving it, but that's because I hate driving big, plush cars with automatic transmissions. To be honest and fair, I thought it was a very good car for its intended audience.

 

[GMBoy]

The 2013 model has been vastly improved, especially the interior.

 

[mechanicx]

Good review. You pointed out good reason why a person would want a Malibu (good ride, quiet,smooth etc) and reasons why they wouldn't (or most any other 4cylinder FWD sedans for that matter) without any nitpicking or apparent bias

. What the Malibu really is a viable alternative to a Camry and the like. It's not trying to be anything else really.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
The 2013 model has been vastly improved, especially the interior.

Sounds like one heck of a car.

Any sense on where it stands with respect to the competition? I have no idea what's out there for 2013 in this segment.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Good review. You pointed out good reason why a person would want a Malibu (good ride, quiet,smooth etc) and reasons why they wouldn't (or most any other 4cylinder FWD sedans for that matter) without any nitpicking or apparent bias

.

Thanks.

I try very hard not to confuse what I like/dislike with what I think is good/bad.


Originally Posted By: mechanicx
What the Malibu really is a viable alternative to a Camry and the like. It's not trying to be anything else really.

If that's the case, I'd say Chevy did a great job.

 

[JHZR2]

Thanks. Good review.

Isnt the Regal made on the same platform?

With MT, a turbo engine and revamped suspension, Im sure it is a more interesting and fun car.

 

[d00df00d]

One thing I forgot to mention: The seats. They look like nothing special, and feel like nothing special at first, but the real test is how you feel after sitting in them for hours, and they passed that test easily. Surprisingly, they also had some side bolstering -- just enough to keep you more or less in-place. Thumbs up on that score, too.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Isnt the Regal made on the same platform?

As of 2013, yes (from what I've heard). I don't think that was the case for 2012, though.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

My stepfather purchased a 2011 Malibu with the 2.4 motor. So far he likes it. My brother was visiting and drove it into town. If you have a tall torso, it probably is not going to be your car. My brother is over 6 ft., but has short legs. His head was almost in the headliner.

 

[daves87rs]

NOT a fan of the 2013s...more issues than I care to mention.

But, the last gen seems to be holding up quite well...

 

[bamorris2]

Thanks for the review. I own a 2011 Malibu LTZ 2.4L.

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Fair disclosure: This car isn't remotely the kind of thing I would buy. It's very, very obviously designed for people who treat cars as nothing more than transportation appliances. That's... not me.


While I certainly understand your point, I disagree with the generalization of your comment; as if everyone whose needs are met by this vehicle use it "as nothing more than transportation appliances". While this is no luxury or sports car, it is my baby (as sad as that may be). I pamper it and take very good care of it, and I take much pride in owning it (again, a sad reality for a middle aged, middle income, father/husband.


Originally Posted By: d00df00d
3. The Ecotec 4-cylinder is of course completely uninspiring in this big of a car, but it has enough grunt to get around town.


Coming from a 2006 Ford Fusion with the V6, I really miss that motor. IMO the 2.4L doesn't have much power. But in reality, the engine programming is probably equally to blame (poor throttle response, etc).


Originally Posted By: d00df00d
1. Fuel economy was completely unimpressive. I managed 23 MPG driving fairly aggressively on the highway, which is actually slightly worse than what my car gets with the same usage. Granted, aggressive driving clearly is not what this car is for, so feel free to disregard this point.


I agree. I do almost all of my driving on city streets and canyons, and my average is 20.4 MPG. That is slightly worse that I got with the V6 Fusion. Disappointing for sure.


Originally Posted By: d00df00d
2. The trunk seems a bit small, especially the opening.


Yup, the opening is small. I can't get my baby's stroller in without some serious fighting.


Originally Posted By: d00df00d
4. I somehow had a hard time putting the car where I wanted it on the road at all times. This seemed to be partly because of the visibility, and partly because of something in the handling that I can't quite put my finger on. The TPMS did indicate that the left side tires were 1-2 PSI lower than the right side ones, so maybe that had something to do with it.


It's the electric power steering assist. It's not calibrated or programmed very good in these cars. No feeling at all, and it wonder's easily. It took me some time to get used to it. At first, I was all over my lane. I'm used to it now, but still bothers me sometimes.

 

[SteveSRT8]

A nice little car, but not for me either.

There is a large segment of the buying public that will like any car that has cold AC, a decent stereo, gets good mileage, and doesn't break down much. This is a great car for volume sales.

But just like doodfood, not for me.

 

[CharBaby]

When my wife and I came back from FL in April, she and my daughter met in AZ for another 2 weeks. They got a '12 Malibu rental car and my wife liked it fine except for the 360 outward view. She said the car was smooth/quiet/good riding with nice interior materials but, lacked any soul saying, "the car is better to look at than to drive. But, still a nice car"! They also drove the Malibu to CA & LV and she did say that the Malibu was a nice hiwy cruiser!

She then went on to measure the '12 Malibu to my '04 Altima(yeah, '04 LOL) in terms of engine power, steering feel, interior room and outward view, where she likes driving my Altima better. My Altima isn't a loud car but, it's not Malibu quiet, she says! And she didn't mention my Altima's CHEAP interior materials as it is still stylish.

When I asked her if the Malibu is a car she would buy, she said, "probably not"! That she'd want to look at other cars that have better outward view. Another Altima maybe!

Outward view is only one reason that is keeping her from trading up from her '01 RX-300 to another more recent RX(off topic)sorry!

 

[Cujet]

I rented a 2012 Malibu for a month. I came away with a mild to strong dislike for the car. I would never, ever purchase one. Even with very careful driving, it returned only 26MPG. While the engine was sufficiently refined, along with the transmission. The combo became annoying. As it's lack of torque and rapid upshifting into gears it can't really pull, starts to get on one's nerves.

Yes, I understand many new cars are this way for MPG reasons. But, when a Mustang Convertible with a 300HP V6 returns far better MPG's, in the same location, same driving conditions and so on, there is something wrong.

 

[sciphi]

Good review!

Although, I don't know why somebody would purchase a '12 Malibu when a '12 Cruze offers much better fuel economy with very similar interior and trunk space. It also addresses many of the dynamic shortcomings without sacrificing ride quality. And, the Cruze can be ordered with a MT in all but the top-trim LTZ, if rowing your own is important.

I do suppose there is a segment who won't be caught dead in a "compact" car that the Malibu has a great shot at enticing into Chevy dealers.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: bamorris2
While I certainly understand your point, I disagree with the generalization of your comment; as if everyone whose needs are met by this vehicle use it "as nothing more than transportation appliances". While this is no luxury or sports car, it is my baby (as sad as that may be). I pamper it and take very good care of it, and I take much pride in owning it (again, a sad reality for a middle aged, middle income, father/husband.

That's nothing to be ashamed of.

I should have been more specific in what I said. What I meant was that it doesn't respond and give feedback in ways that reward an active and involved driver. It's too soft, too numb, and too ponderous.

What it does is get you from A to B comfortably, predictably, safely, and without demanding too much from your wallet. It's good for just cruising in your lane and letting the miles roll by. If that's what you want from your car, I can completely understand why you'd be very happy with this one.


Originally Posted By: bamorris2
Coming from a 2006 Ford Fusion with the V6, I really miss that motor. IMO the 2.4L doesn't have much power. But in reality, the engine programming is probably equally to blame (poor throttle response, etc).

I actually thought the throttle response was fine. Not great, but not too bad. It was the power that was lacking. There was plenty of torque at low RPMs but nothing above that.

 

[bamorris2]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
Good review!

Although, I don't know why somebody would purchase a '12 Malibu when a '12 Cruze offers much better fuel economy with very similar interior and trunk space. It also addresses many of the dynamic shortcomings without sacrificing ride quality. And, the Cruze can be ordered with a MT in all but the top-trim LTZ, if rowing your own is important.

I do suppose there is a segment who won't be caught dead in a "compact" car that the Malibu has a great shot at enticing into Chevy dealers.


I actually went into the dealership with the full intention of buying a Cruze. I had already negotiated the price sight-unseen with the salesman. My plan was to go there, test drive it to ensure that there were no problems, and sign the paperwork. However, after just a few minutes in the driver’s seat, I knew that the Cruze wasn’t for me. There were two reasons, one major (show-stopper), and one a little less than major (could work around it).

The major issue was the driver’s seat bottom was painfully uncomfortable for me. The bolstering hit me right in the middle of my thighs and hurt. It’s probably because I’m not a small/skinny/narrow guy. The 2nd (smaller) problem was that the baby car seat would not fit behind the driver’s seat. I said above that I could probably have worked around it, by placing it in the middle, but that was less than ideal for me.

I test drove the Malibu, and it fit me and my family much better. More comfortable all around. The only things that I really liked about the Cruze was the peppy motor and the exterior styling.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: bamorris2

Thanks for the review. I own a 2011 Malibu LTZ 2.4L.

While I certainly understand your point, I disagree with the generalization of your comment; as if everyone whose needs are met by this vehicle use it "as nothing more than transportation appliances". While this is no luxury or sports car, it is my baby (as sad as that may be). I pamper it and take very good care of it, and I take much pride in owning it (again, a sad reality for a middle aged, middle income, father/husband.

I understand completely.

I think GM did an admirable job of transforming the previous Epsilon chassis Malibu into a car that is competitive. They can't aim at the enthusiast crowd with a car they want to sell to the mainstream so there are some comprimises. You don't want to end up a niche marketer with the bowtie on the grill. You already have the Corvette and Camaro for that. Your mainstream car has to be mainstream.

But I feel the same way about my Mazda that you do about your Malibu.
"That car is wrong wheel drive....you can't corner in that thing...."
Oh, I can't?!

"Mazdas are junk. They won't even last 100,000 miles..."
Is that so?