2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

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What is it?
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

What's special about it?
Don't get too excited about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu just yet. Although it's based on the all-new and significantly improved Chevrolet Malibu, this hybrid is not of the two-mode variety like the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid that also debuted in L.A.

Instead, this Malibu uses GM's mild hybrid system. It's essentially the same system used in the Saturn Aura Hybrid that competed in our hybrid sedan comparison test. Instead of using multiple electric motors for propulsion, the Malibu Hybrid has a single motor-generator that primarily serves to restart the car, which automatically shuts its gas engine down at a stop.

The same electric motor also provides some added boost to the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine at wide-open throttle. Together, the Malibu's gas engine and electric motor deliver 164 horsepower and 159 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Nickel-metal hydride batteries behind the rear seat store the juice for the Malibu's electric motor, while a regenerative braking system keeps the batteries charged.

The result of the Malibu's modest hybrid system is a 2-mpg improvement in fuel efficiency during both city and highway driving. This puts the Malibu at 24 city and 32 highway according to the EPA, which has adopted a more stringent test cycle for 2008. A couple extra miles per gallon might not seem like much, but it's a significant gain given this Malibu's price. With a base sticker of just $22,790, the Malibu Hybrid is considerably cheaper than the full hybrid versions of the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima.

What's Edmunds' take?
It may not have the same cool factor as a Prius, but the Malibu Hybrid makes sense for those who don't want to spend big money up front for an economical family sedan. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor