6 of 6
BACKNEXT
Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
Sticker price: $26,605
Mileage: 33 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City

By now you've heard, even if you couldn't tell by looking at it, that the new Malibu is a big improvement from the last version. In fact, it's a big improvement from any Chevrolet sedan before it.

Yes, the interior of the upscale LTZ version is nice, done up in contrasting colors -- including its leather-covered seats, front and back. What's surprising is how the deep the quality runs in this car. To really appreciate it, you've got to get in and drive it.

Even with the fuel-saving four cylinder engine and smooth six-speed transmission, the roomy Malibu drives like a car costing tens of thousands more. The ride is supple but you still feel connected to the car. The steering has just enough feel and weight. Roll up the windows and it's cozy and quiet inside.

You can find things to criticize in the Malibu but it's mostly because, given how good it is overall, you tend to forget how little it costs. Just remind yourself of the price and some cheap-looking plastic here and there starts looking like one terrific deal.

NEXT

Last updated October 22 2009: 4:22 AM ET
Email | Print | Share  |  RSS
 
google my aol my msn my yahoo! netvibes
Paste this link into your favorite RSS desktop reader
See all CNNMoney.com RSS FEEDS (close)
Find Your Next Car
More Galleries
10 of the most luxurious airline amenity kits When it comes to in-flight pampering, the amenity kits offered by these 10 airlines are the ultimate in luxury More
7 startups that want to improve your mental health From a text therapy platform to apps that push you reminders to breathe, these self-care startups offer help on a daily basis or in times of need. More
5 radical technologies that will change how you get to work From Uber's flying cars to the Hyperloop, these are some of the neatest transportation concepts in the works today. More

Special Offer

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.