Malibu's styling does not cry out for attention. That means it might get lost in a crowd; but it also means its looks will hold up better over time than some of the trendier designs. Though Chevrolet is as American as baseball and apple pie, the Malibu's styling shares more in common with the Toyota Camry than it shares with the Ford Taurus. The last-generation Taurus is a good example of the problem with a trendy design.For 2000, the Malibu's front fascia features a new center grille and emblem that takes a styling cue from the all-new Chevy Impala. New aluminum wheels or wheel covers and new mudguards reinforce the fresh appearance. A new optional spoiler ($175) is also available. At 190.4 inches, the Malibu is a couple of inches longer than its primary Japanese competitor, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but it is more than seven inches shorter than its main domestic rival, the Ford Taurus.
When it comes to interior amenities, often the little things count. The Malibu's ignition switch, for example, is located on the instrument panel; it's plainly visible and reachable, instead of being hidden at the base of the steering wheel as it is on most cars. Another nice touch is the rotating air vents at the base of the A-pillars that can be swiveled outward to defrost the side window, allowing maximum visibility of the outside mirrors. Then there are the six-way power seats, which offer up as many seating positions as we've seen in some high-priced luxury cars. The optional leather bucket seats ($595) are as firm, supportive and comfortable as we've seen in some luxury cars. There's commodious front-seat headroom and ample legroom for a six-foot driver. Also earning our praise is the location of the stereo system. It's higher on the dash than on many cars, making it more easily operable. Our LS cabin's decor was done up in three shades of beige-to-sienna, a scheme that will seem bland to some, comforting to others. The fabric covering the headliner and pillars is plush to the touch, and the double-console configuration is spacious enough to house a half-dozen CDs and another five or six cassette tapes, each with their own notches. The big T-shaped gearshift is a point of debate; some say it's homely. Interior door trim was redesigned for 2000. |
