2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid gets praise for many of the same highly rated qualities of the conventionally powered Chevy Malibu (*Est. $21,605 to $26,880). Critics say the Malibu Hybrid, like other Chevy Malibu models, is handsomely styled with good driving dynamics and a spacious, comfortable cabin. The hybrid sedan's ride is plush and quiet, but reviewers are mostly lukewarm about its mild hybrid technology, which offers only a slight improvement in fuel economy, yet slower acceleration than the conventional four-cylinder Chevrolet Malibu. Fuel economy is impressive for a midsize family sedan, but falls well below the mileage ratings of other hybrid cars. Car and Driver's Patrick Bedard writes, "Against state-of-the-art hybrids, the Malibu, at its present state of development, seems like too little too late."

With its 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, gas-electric powertrain and standard four-speed automatic transmission, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid is rated at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway by the Environmental Protection Agency. Many test drivers report averaging around 29 mpg in normal commuting. Reviewers like Edmunds.com's Josh Sadlier point out that the nonhybrid four-cylinder Chevrolet Malibu with a six-speed automatic also gets respectable mileage -- 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway -- and is a better value; the Malibu 2LT sells for an estimated $24,705 and has more standard equipment than the costlier Malibu Hybrid. The Chevy Malibu Hybrid "drinks a measly 14 percent less gas," Sadlier writes. While the Chevy Malibu Hybrid's electric motor provides some boost to the gas engine while accelerating, most critics say the extra power is not discernable. Some call the Malibu Hybrid underpowered, with its zero-to-60 mph time of a little over 10 seconds, according to Edmunds.com. That's slower than most other hybrid cars. "This is a car for folks who care more about their carbon footprints than merging confidently on the highway," comments Sadlier. Rex Roy, writing for EV-Motoring.com, thinks that "for a midsize sedan the Malibu accelerates just fine."

Chevrolet's hybrid sedan is unable to propel itself on pure electric power the way full-hybrid family sedans such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid (*Est. $26,150) and Ford Fusion Hybrid (*Est. $27,270) can. Instead, the Chevy Malibu's mild-hybrid system saves fuel by shutting down the engine when the car comes to a stop. The engine starts immediately when the brake is released, although with a noticeable vibration, critics add. While all hybrids sacrifice some trunk space for battery storage, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid's smaller battery pack allows a larger trunk, and it retains its practical fold-down rear seat, although the pass-through opening is smaller because the battery pack partially obstructs it. The Malibu Hybrid's trunk volume is 13.3 cubic feet versus 15.1 cubic feet in the nonhybrid Malibu. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, with its sizable battery pack, has just 10.6 cubic feet of luggage capacity.