2008 Chevrolet Malibu Introduction
The Chevrolet Malibu (named after Malibu, California) is a mid-size car produced in the United States by General Motors. It is marketed in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Middle East.
The Malibu was redesigned for the 2008 model year . It is built on a revised version of the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform shared with the Saturn Aura, the Opel Signum and Pontiac G6. It is assembled in Kansas City, alongside the Saturn Aura, and also at Lake Orion, Michigan, alongside the Pontiac G6. Overall it is 3 inches (76 mm) longer with a wheelbase that is six inches (152 mm) longer. Interior room remains mid-size like the previous Malibus, and has been decreased from 101 cubic feet (2.9 m3) to 95 cubic feet (2.7 m3) despite having a longer wheelbase, although front legroom has increased from 41.9 in (1,064 mm) to 42.4 in (1,077 mm). Rear legroom has decreased from 38.5 in (978 mm) to 37.6 in (955 mm). The interior design has also been completely reworked, with a selection of two-tone color combinations(brick and tan two tone), telescoping steering wheel, higher-quality materials and a twin-cowl dash design. Drag (Cd) is at 0.33.
The 2008 Malibu offers a 169 hp (126 kW), 2.4 L inline-4 as the base engine, and a 252 hp (188 kW), 3.6 L V6 as an option. These engines have aluminum blocks and heads, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, twin balance shafts, and variable valve timing. Like the 2007 model, the 2008 Malibu is available in LS, LT(1LT and 2LT)and LTZ trim levels, however the 4-cylinder engine will now be available on the LTZ, and on that trim level it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 models all come with a six-speed automatic, the 4-cylinder LS and LT models use a four-speed automatic as standard equipment. Special order fleet vehicles have the option of replacing the 4-cylinder engine with a pushrod high value V6 engine for the 2008 base model sedan (not LTZ). For 2009 models the six-speed transmission was made available on the 1LT and standard on the 2LT. manual transmission is not offered. A BAS mild hybrid, with the base inline-4 like the Saturn Aura Green Line, is available offering an increased fuel economy of 24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp)/32 mpg-US (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg-imp), which for the 2009 model, is now 26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp)/34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp). All models are front-wheel drive sedans, as Chevrolet dropped the Malibu MAXX hatchback model.
OnStar is now standard on all Malibu models. Six air bags are also now standard: two dual-stage front bags, two side-impact curtain air bags protecting the heads of both front and rear passengers, and two side-impact thorax bags mounted in the front seats. Traction control, electronic tire pressure monitoring system, four wheel disc brakes, antilock brakes, and daytime running lamps are now all standard included safety features on all Malibus. GM's StabiliTrak brand electronic stability control is standard on all models except the very base LS model.
In January 2008, the new Malibu received the North American Car of the Year Award at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in voting among a panel comprised of fifty automotive journalists in a field of entries including the 2008 Cadillac CTS and the 2008 Honda Accord. The Malibu's win marks the second straight year that a car built on GM's Epsilon platform has won the North American COTY Award with the 2007 North American COTY Award having gone to the 2007 Saturn Aura.
The new 2008 Consumer Reports reliability survey's ratings of the Malibu are "average" for the LTZ V6 and "above average" for the LS 4-cylinder.
Initial sales have exceeded production.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu For Sale @ LemonFree.com Cars
The Malibu was redesigned for the 2008 model year . It is built on a revised version of the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform shared with the Saturn Aura, the Opel Signum and Pontiac G6. It is assembled in Kansas City, alongside the Saturn Aura, and also at Lake Orion, Michigan, alongside the Pontiac G6. Overall it is 3 inches (76 mm) longer with a wheelbase that is six inches (152 mm) longer. Interior room remains mid-size like the previous Malibus, and has been decreased from 101 cubic feet (2.9 m3) to 95 cubic feet (2.7 m3) despite having a longer wheelbase, although front legroom has increased from 41.9 in (1,064 mm) to 42.4 in (1,077 mm). Rear legroom has decreased from 38.5 in (978 mm) to 37.6 in (955 mm). The interior design has also been completely reworked, with a selection of two-tone color combinations(brick and tan two tone), telescoping steering wheel, higher-quality materials and a twin-cowl dash design. Drag (Cd) is at 0.33.
The 2008 Malibu offers a 169 hp (126 kW), 2.4 L inline-4 as the base engine, and a 252 hp (188 kW), 3.6 L V6 as an option. These engines have aluminum blocks and heads, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, twin balance shafts, and variable valve timing. Like the 2007 model, the 2008 Malibu is available in LS, LT(1LT and 2LT)and LTZ trim levels, however the 4-cylinder engine will now be available on the LTZ, and on that trim level it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 models all come with a six-speed automatic, the 4-cylinder LS and LT models use a four-speed automatic as standard equipment. Special order fleet vehicles have the option of replacing the 4-cylinder engine with a pushrod high value V6 engine for the 2008 base model sedan (not LTZ). For 2009 models the six-speed transmission was made available on the 1LT and standard on the 2LT. manual transmission is not offered. A BAS mild hybrid, with the base inline-4 like the Saturn Aura Green Line, is available offering an increased fuel economy of 24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp)/32 mpg-US (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg-imp), which for the 2009 model, is now 26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp)/34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp). All models are front-wheel drive sedans, as Chevrolet dropped the Malibu MAXX hatchback model.
OnStar is now standard on all Malibu models. Six air bags are also now standard: two dual-stage front bags, two side-impact curtain air bags protecting the heads of both front and rear passengers, and two side-impact thorax bags mounted in the front seats. Traction control, electronic tire pressure monitoring system, four wheel disc brakes, antilock brakes, and daytime running lamps are now all standard included safety features on all Malibus. GM's StabiliTrak brand electronic stability control is standard on all models except the very base LS model.
In January 2008, the new Malibu received the North American Car of the Year Award at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in voting among a panel comprised of fifty automotive journalists in a field of entries including the 2008 Cadillac CTS and the 2008 Honda Accord. The Malibu's win marks the second straight year that a car built on GM's Epsilon platform has won the North American COTY Award with the 2007 North American COTY Award having gone to the 2007 Saturn Aura.
The new 2008 Consumer Reports reliability survey's ratings of the Malibu are "average" for the LTZ V6 and "above average" for the LS 4-cylinder.
Initial sales have exceeded production.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu For Sale @ LemonFree.com Cars
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Specifications
Price as tested (MSRP): 26040
Layout: front-wheel drive
Engine: 3.6-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 252 @ 6300
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): 251 @ 3200
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: 17/26
Wheelbase: 112.3
Length/width/height: 191.8/70.3/57.1
Track, f/r: 59.6/60.0
Turning circle: 40.4
Seating capacity: 5
Head/hip/leg room, f: 39.4/53.0/42.2
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r: 37.2/52.1/37.6
Cargo volume: 15.1
Payload:
Towing capacity: 1000
Layout: front-wheel drive
Engine: 3.6-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 252 @ 6300
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): 251 @ 3200
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: 17/26
Wheelbase: 112.3
Length/width/height: 191.8/70.3/57.1
Track, f/r: 59.6/60.0
Turning circle: 40.4
Seating capacity: 5
Head/hip/leg room, f: 39.4/53.0/42.2
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r: 37.2/52.1/37.6
Cargo volume: 15.1
Payload:
Towing capacity: 1000
2008 Chevrolet Malibu For Sale
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2008 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
Question: I have a 2008 Malibu 2LT and need a bumper absorber. Why is there no availability?
I took my 2008 Malibu 2LT to the body shop for some minor collision work including a new front bumper absorber. I've been waiting nearly a month and they said that the part (bumper absorber) is on back-order. I tried calling Chevrolet Customer Service and filed a claim to no avail. Any suggestions on how I might get this resolved?
Answer: http://www.gmpartsdepartment.com/
try there, thats the GM parts store.
If you have their estimate, it should have the part number which will make the search much faster.
at least you will know if the part is available yet or not and where its at.
Question: Does anyone know why the 2008 malibu is hard to find?
I have called about 4 dealerships to get a 2008 Chevy Malibu and they either don't have any in their inventory or they have just one, and it's the top of the line model and they won't permit any discounts.
Answer: It is a recent redesign and release with a huge ad budget to push it out the door. It is also targeted to the same people who have been purchasing the Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla, which is a pretty big audience. I recently looked at them when purchasing my new car, and found the same problem. I can say, it is a sharp looking car but definitely go for the 3.6 with the toys. You won't be disappointed. To find one, there is a feature on the chevy web site called "find a vehicle" which will search all the dealerships in a 100 mile radius for the model you choose with the features you want. Additionally, a dealer can usually get whatever you want as they have a dealer version of this search feature available to them.
Question: Reset the Oil Life Monitor on 2008 Malibu 2LT?
I recently changed the oil in my 2008 Malibu and the manual does not state how to reset the Oil Life Monitor prior to activation of the system indicating the need for an oil change. Presently, the system states that I have 70% oil life remaining but this was prior to the oil change. Could someone please inform me of the procedure to reset? Many thanks.
Answer: On my Impala is...
Turn the key to On do not crank the engine and the Computer message center does a check and one is the Oil. During the test, Floor the Accelerator 3 times. The Oil should go way during the test. Now is reset.
I hope is the same way as my car.
Question: How do you take the engine cover off an 2008 Malibu 4 cyl? SEE picture?
I want to change to performance plugs and can't get the cover off without worring about breaking something.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0806_2008_chevy_malibu_quick_test/photo_07.html
Answer: If you can't even get the engine facia off then you have no business trying to work on it. Performance plugs will only lighten your wallet, the car isn't going to make any more horsepower.
Question: Anyone driving a 2008 Malibu? Are you satisfied with the ease of parking and turning radius?
I have a Pontiac Torrent that takes at least two tries to get it into a parking space. Am looking for a new car but will be looking for a better turning radius. Consumers Report doesn't make it sound too promising!
Answer: Large cars like the Malibu usually have bad turning radius.
All small cars have great turning radius'.
If you search on yahoo "2008 Chevy Malibu specs"
A link to edmunds will show up. Click on that and click on specs to see the turning radius.
Anything under 36ft turning circle is good.
Question: Is the new 2008 CHEVY MALIBU really just a SATURN AURA that had cosmetic surgery?
I think I read somewhere that the new Malibu is built on the same platform as the Saturn Aura. If so, why are they referring to it as bigger than the older models?
Answer: Yes, when two platfors get completely different bodies we call it a top hat. When two very similar bodies get different badges, like the Sliverado and Sierra, we call it a re-badge. The Malibu is essentially the same car as the Aura, which came out 2 years ago. That is why i don't see why people are making such a big fuss about it. The Aura is a good car, but they didn't do anything to really improve the car, and I personally think the Aura looks better. The Aura is a few inches wider and longer than the old Malibu, so yes, the Malibu did grow in size.
Question: Does anyone know how to remove the front bumper fascia bracket on the new 2008 malibu?
Answer: I doubt it as it's only been out for a couple of months and not too many people have worked on it yet.
Question: Is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu a car you'd consider?
I really like the new re-designed look. I personally didn't really care for the Malibu generation's before this. My Aunt has one and I found the seats to be very uncomfortable, atleast the back seats anyway. What is your opinion of this car?
Answer: I think it's a great looking car. Haven't been in one yet to tell you about the rest of the package.
I took my 2008 Malibu 2LT to the body shop for some minor collision work including a new front bumper absorber. I've been waiting nearly a month and they said that the part (bumper absorber) is on back-order. I tried calling Chevrolet Customer Service and filed a claim to no avail. Any suggestions on how I might get this resolved?
Answer: http://www.gmpartsdepartment.com/
try there, thats the GM parts store.
If you have their estimate, it should have the part number which will make the search much faster.
at least you will know if the part is available yet or not and where its at.
Question: Does anyone know why the 2008 malibu is hard to find?
I have called about 4 dealerships to get a 2008 Chevy Malibu and they either don't have any in their inventory or they have just one, and it's the top of the line model and they won't permit any discounts.
Answer: It is a recent redesign and release with a huge ad budget to push it out the door. It is also targeted to the same people who have been purchasing the Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla, which is a pretty big audience. I recently looked at them when purchasing my new car, and found the same problem. I can say, it is a sharp looking car but definitely go for the 3.6 with the toys. You won't be disappointed. To find one, there is a feature on the chevy web site called "find a vehicle" which will search all the dealerships in a 100 mile radius for the model you choose with the features you want. Additionally, a dealer can usually get whatever you want as they have a dealer version of this search feature available to them.
Question: Reset the Oil Life Monitor on 2008 Malibu 2LT?
I recently changed the oil in my 2008 Malibu and the manual does not state how to reset the Oil Life Monitor prior to activation of the system indicating the need for an oil change. Presently, the system states that I have 70% oil life remaining but this was prior to the oil change. Could someone please inform me of the procedure to reset? Many thanks.
Answer: On my Impala is...
Turn the key to On do not crank the engine and the Computer message center does a check and one is the Oil. During the test, Floor the Accelerator 3 times. The Oil should go way during the test. Now is reset.
I hope is the same way as my car.
Question: How do you take the engine cover off an 2008 Malibu 4 cyl? SEE picture?
I want to change to performance plugs and can't get the cover off without worring about breaking something.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0806_2008_chevy_malibu_quick_test/photo_07.html
Answer: If you can't even get the engine facia off then you have no business trying to work on it. Performance plugs will only lighten your wallet, the car isn't going to make any more horsepower.
Question: Anyone driving a 2008 Malibu? Are you satisfied with the ease of parking and turning radius?
I have a Pontiac Torrent that takes at least two tries to get it into a parking space. Am looking for a new car but will be looking for a better turning radius. Consumers Report doesn't make it sound too promising!
Answer: Large cars like the Malibu usually have bad turning radius.
All small cars have great turning radius'.
If you search on yahoo "2008 Chevy Malibu specs"
A link to edmunds will show up. Click on that and click on specs to see the turning radius.
Anything under 36ft turning circle is good.
Question: Is the new 2008 CHEVY MALIBU really just a SATURN AURA that had cosmetic surgery?
I think I read somewhere that the new Malibu is built on the same platform as the Saturn Aura. If so, why are they referring to it as bigger than the older models?
Answer: Yes, when two platfors get completely different bodies we call it a top hat. When two very similar bodies get different badges, like the Sliverado and Sierra, we call it a re-badge. The Malibu is essentially the same car as the Aura, which came out 2 years ago. That is why i don't see why people are making such a big fuss about it. The Aura is a good car, but they didn't do anything to really improve the car, and I personally think the Aura looks better. The Aura is a few inches wider and longer than the old Malibu, so yes, the Malibu did grow in size.
Question: Does anyone know how to remove the front bumper fascia bracket on the new 2008 malibu?
Answer: I doubt it as it's only been out for a couple of months and not too many people have worked on it yet.
Question: Is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu a car you'd consider?
I really like the new re-designed look. I personally didn't really care for the Malibu generation's before this. My Aunt has one and I found the seats to be very uncomfortable, atleast the back seats anyway. What is your opinion of this car?
Answer: I think it's a great looking car. Haven't been in one yet to tell you about the rest of the package.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Blog Posts
by dlegal
My name is Daniel Legal and my background is in internet markting. My current focus is on a website called LemonFree.com. LemonFree is a free car classifieds... more »
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