With the option to drive any Malibu in the model range, we decided to first test the entry-level LS model to get a good base line for the car. Aside from floor mats — an $80 option — our test car was the $19,995 model GM has been so heavily touting in all of its Malibu ads.
Despite being the base model car with only one option box checked, our test car came rather well equipped. For the price of entry, the LS model comes standard with an MP3 player input jack, four-wheel disc brakes, power locks, windows and mirrors, power height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-wheel and manual telescopic steering column, a tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, 3 months of XM satellite radio and one year of OnStar. While that list of standard features might not be earth shattering for this segment, it almost is for a GM mid-sized vehicle.
From the outside, the LS doesn’t look all that different from the more expensive Malibu models. The Malibu LS still receives chrome trim around the green house and front grille as well as body colored door handles. Another nice detail on the LS model is that its 16 inch steel wheels are designed to be completely hidden beneath the car’s wheel covers, giving the look of genuine alloys.
The interior of the LS is also quite impressive for a car costing less than $20,000. Although steering wheel mounted climate and radio controls are not offered on the Malibu LS — they are available throughout the rest of the model range — the entry-level car does come with steering wheel mounted controls to toggle through the on board computer, which displays information — such as average fuel consumption, tire pressure, etc. — on an LCD screen located in the gauge cluster. The steering wheel itself — as well as the shift knob — are covered in plastic rather than leather, a move GM officials say is more of a matter of differentiating models than cost. Whatever the reason, it does cheapen the Malibu’s otherwise excellent interior.
Power for the Malibu LS comes from a version of GM’s ECOTEC 2.4L four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing — rated at 169 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque — and is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. While this combination does return good fuel mileage — 22/30 mpg city/highway — it left us wanting more on the open highway. GM claims the 0-60 time for this setup is a lethargic 9.6 seconds. With an estimated 70-75% of Malibu customers opting for the four-cylinder engine, it seems as though GM could have done a better job of squeezing out just a few more ponies without significantly impacting fuel mileage. On the road, the 2.4L was louder than we expected and was on the buzzy side. The four speed automatic shifted smoothly but its gears seemed to be too widely spaced for the engine’s 169 horsepower — often stranding the engine outside of its narrow powerband.
Although we were disappointed with the LS’ powertrain, we were delightfully surprised with its chassis and suspension. When we heard that GM modeled the Malibu after the Camry, we thought for sure it would be designed more for comfort than sport. Luckily, we thought wrong. The Malibu LS was just as happy on the back roads as it was on the highway. The suspension was well dampened and reacted quickly to road imperfections. The ride was stiffer than we expected but by no means was it rough. The chassis was never upset by mid-turn bumps and always felt planted. We were also happy to hear that GM engineers tried to mimic the same suspension setup through the entire Malibu range. We wouldn’t go as far as to call the Malibu a four-door sports car, but it’s not as out of place on a winding country road as you might think.
Overall, the Malibu LS is a nice package that offers a great list of standard features for under $20,000. While we’re not sold the the performance ECOTEC engine and four-speed transmission — both the Camry and Accord come standard with a five-speed — it does offer the kind of economy shoppers in this segment are looking for and should give mid-sized car buyers something to think about.
Travel paid for by GM
