2008 Chevrolet Malibu

2008 Chevrolet MalibuMSRP (base): $19,345Engine: 2.4-liter, DOHC, Ecotec I4 cylinderHorsepower: 164 horsepower @ 6,400 rpmTorque: 159 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpmMPG: City: 22; Highway: 30Performance - 16/20The 2008 Chevy Malibu, much like the exiting generation, is fundamentally cropped onto GM’s ever-progressing "Epsilon" platform, the same that's found on Saab, Pontiac and Saturn/Opel variants. The suspension makes the most of a four-wheel, independent configuration with aluminum bits and hydraulic bushings.Perhaps the “G” in GM should be changed as this 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, Ecotec, inline 4-cylinder with twin-balance shafts and variable-valve timing is anything but "general." The compact block produces 164 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, and 159 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The fuel-conserving four-speed automatic (and six-speed manual optional) transmission isn’t the least bit jittery, and maintains snap reaction times that seemingly anticipate proper downshifts. A straight-arrow asphalt run clocks the Malibu’s 0-60 mph time at 8.0 seconds, flat. Not too shabby for a vehicle with a curb weight of 3,200 pounds.