Are you kidding me, NO V-6? In reading many reviews on this car, I keep seeing that the American public prefers and wants a 4 cylinder. This is so wrong and another fine example of how GM has missed the mark. The American public demands fuel economy and refinement, not a 4 cylinder engine. GM's best bet is to refocus on the development of a fuel efficient highly refined silky smooth V-6 - this is how you become the market leader. This V-6 does not have to produce 300 horses for a midsize family sedan like the Malibu. Let's be conservative 200-225 HP is more than enough. I've driven the newest 4-cylinders, and they still feel like the same engine that was in my mother's 1983 Buick Century. Noisy, loud, and under-powered with 4 adults in the car. I can't fail to mention that constant gear hunting and engine vibration when trying to maintain consistent inner-city speeds that is very pronounced and ruins the entire driving experience. This is true of GM 4-cylinders even today. More fuel efficient, yes. More refined, NO. I am a fan of GM cars, but not anything with 4 cylinder. Clearly other manufacturers of the mid-size sedan segment still retain a V-6 option for those that demand a smooth refined driving experience. KUDOS to them and shame on you GM. Apparently, the V-6 Malibu is available in Europe and not in the company's home country, the USA. Explain that. AWESOME looking car, but having no V-6 is a deal breaker to me. Sorry.
Eric - 11 years ago
I agree, BIG MISTAKE and BIG DISAPPOINTMENT with no V6 offering. And you know the 3.6 offered on the previous generation Malibu would fit in the 2013 like a glove. And, I'd buy the 2013 TODAY if that were the case. I absolutely love the looks of the new 2013 Malibu, but a 4 cylinder is most definitely not an option for me at all. I've been very brand loyal to GM for over 20 years. And, well, to be honest, I can't afford the Buick's anymore, and Cadillac's have never been an option for me (not by choice of course). Pretty simple needs here... I'm looking for mid to full size sedan with a V6 and a 5 star overall (driver&passenger) crash test rating. It's a sad day ... I guess I am saying goodbye to GM after many many loyal years (such a shame) as it looks like my next car will be an Accord, Altima, or Camry with a V6.
Ken - 12 years ago
"No six? No purchase! No weaklings allowed in my driveway!
Curt - 12 years ago
Big, Big, Big disappointment that the 2013 Malibu has no V6 offered. Chevrolet should offer one V6 and one 4 cylinder in the new Malibu. The multitude of engine offerings produced rises the costs associated with the vehicle and creates confusion with the buyer. Offer both a 6 and a 4, but only one of each, keeps everyone happy. Those of us age 30 on up grew up getting to know V8's and V6's and have become accustomed to the power, the smoothness, noise level, and the responsiveness of these engines. Granted, there has most definitely been some improvements in 4 cylinders over the years, however after driving many late model 4 cylinder equipped cars, I continue to be unimpressed. My local Chevrolet dealer gives me a loaner car every time I bring my vehicle in for service (even oil changes). I've driven the latest and entire lineup and I've only been compelled to purchase the ones with the V6. Yes, I realize these engines aren't as efficient, however with my typical commute, I'm not concerned with fuel efficiency as much as I am with a smooth, quiet, and responsive engine. A V8 is likely overkill in my situation, so the V6 is a nice choice in between. Let's face it, a 4 cylinder is loud and course, and lacks that low-end power that I look for in a car. Plus, the way people drive inner city with the jack rabbit starts and the constant pumping of the accelerator is extremely hard on a car, particularly a 4 cylinder. As of late, the only 4 cylinder I have been impressed with is in the latest Honda Accord EX models only. It has some get-up and go, but still leaves you unimpressed with the noise level of the engine. My car is over 10 years old and has over 100K miles on it. I'll be looking for a new one soon, but I can most definitely say, it won't be a 4 cylinder, which rules out one very attractive car, the Malibu. I understand we are trying to push people into fuel efficiency, but there is absolutely a V6 demographic out there that will walk away from the new Malibu with no offering of a V6. I wish we'd focus on a silky smooth V6 with better fuel efficiency for those that are concerned about the dollar at the gas pump. I will say this...most people would be impressed with the mpg numbers coming from a V6 if they'd change their driving habits slightly. Ease up on the gas from a stop for one or maybe stop tail-gating people that you're not constantly pumping the gas and pumping the brake. I mean really, you might as well be throwing cash out the car window. Aside from it being rude and very dangerous, you're wasting precious gas. It's unfortunate Chevrolet has left us V6 only buyers standing in the showroom of a competitors dealership.
Sharon - 13 years ago
I've been looking to buy a new car to replace my 2004 Grand Prix that I'm giving to my son. (I don't think GM should have stopped making Pontiacs!) If you first started driving V8s and then dropped to a V6, it was something you could still live with. But the 4 cylinders just don't get it unless you're driving a tiny car. You can't pull 3500 pounds+ with this. I drove the Regal and was disappointed. The LaCrosse is nice with a lot of great options but the back window is small that restricts visibility and you definitely need a V6. The head rests are huge and cannot be adjusted for a short person. I hear the 2012 Malibu will offer a V6 and is suppose to have a "face lift." This is now the car I'm waiting to see. The gas mileage won't be the greatest but I'm retired and don't put that many miles on my car now. I figure I had better get a car this year before they "retire" the V6 like the Pontiacs.
Mark - 13 years ago
My wife has the Regal, for everyone who thinks the 'four makes power' you will be dissapointed unless you truly don't want or need any power. It is a great little motor and good around the town but step on the gas or try dragging a few adults around and you'll be wondering when your lease is up...
Are you kidding me, NO V-6? In reading many reviews on this car, I keep seeing that the American public prefers and wants a 4 cylinder. This is so wrong and another fine example of how GM has missed the mark. The American public demands fuel economy and refinement, not a 4 cylinder engine. GM's best bet is to refocus on the development of a fuel efficient highly refined silky smooth V-6 - this is how you become the market leader. This V-6 does not have to produce 300 horses for a midsize family sedan like the Malibu. Let's be conservative 200-225 HP is more than enough. I've driven the newest 4-cylinders, and they still feel like the same engine that was in my mother's 1983 Buick Century. Noisy, loud, and under-powered with 4 adults in the car. I can't fail to mention that constant gear hunting and engine vibration when trying to maintain consistent inner-city speeds that is very pronounced and ruins the entire driving experience. This is true of GM 4-cylinders even today. More fuel efficient, yes. More refined, NO. I am a fan of GM cars, but not anything with 4 cylinder. Clearly other manufacturers of the mid-size sedan segment still retain a V-6 option for those that demand a smooth refined driving experience. KUDOS to them and shame on you GM. Apparently, the V-6 Malibu is available in Europe and not in the company's home country, the USA. Explain that. AWESOME looking car, but having no V-6 is a deal breaker to me. Sorry.
I agree, BIG MISTAKE and BIG DISAPPOINTMENT with no V6 offering. And you know the 3.6 offered on the previous generation Malibu would fit in the 2013 like a glove. And, I'd buy the 2013 TODAY if that were the case. I absolutely love the looks of the new 2013 Malibu, but a 4 cylinder is most definitely not an option for me at all. I've been very brand loyal to GM for over 20 years. And, well, to be honest, I can't afford the Buick's anymore, and Cadillac's have never been an option for me (not by choice of course). Pretty simple needs here... I'm looking for mid to full size sedan with a V6 and a 5 star overall (driver&passenger) crash test rating. It's a sad day ... I guess I am saying goodbye to GM after many many loyal years (such a shame) as it looks like my next car will be an Accord, Altima, or Camry with a V6.
"No six? No purchase! No weaklings allowed in my driveway!
Big, Big, Big disappointment that the 2013 Malibu has no V6 offered. Chevrolet should offer one V6 and one 4 cylinder in the new Malibu. The multitude of engine offerings produced rises the costs associated with the vehicle and creates confusion with the buyer. Offer both a 6 and a 4, but only one of each, keeps everyone happy. Those of us age 30 on up grew up getting to know V8's and V6's and have become accustomed to the power, the smoothness, noise level, and the responsiveness of these engines. Granted, there has most definitely been some improvements in 4 cylinders over the years, however after driving many late model 4 cylinder equipped cars, I continue to be unimpressed. My local Chevrolet dealer gives me a loaner car every time I bring my vehicle in for service (even oil changes). I've driven the latest and entire lineup and I've only been compelled to purchase the ones with the V6. Yes, I realize these engines aren't as efficient, however with my typical commute, I'm not concerned with fuel efficiency as much as I am with a smooth, quiet, and responsive engine. A V8 is likely overkill in my situation, so the V6 is a nice choice in between. Let's face it, a 4 cylinder is loud and course, and lacks that low-end power that I look for in a car. Plus, the way people drive inner city with the jack rabbit starts and the constant pumping of the accelerator is extremely hard on a car, particularly a 4 cylinder. As of late, the only 4 cylinder I have been impressed with is in the latest Honda Accord EX models only. It has some get-up and go, but still leaves you unimpressed with the noise level of the engine. My car is over 10 years old and has over 100K miles on it. I'll be looking for a new one soon, but I can most definitely say, it won't be a 4 cylinder, which rules out one very attractive car, the Malibu. I understand we are trying to push people into fuel efficiency, but there is absolutely a V6 demographic out there that will walk away from the new Malibu with no offering of a V6. I wish we'd focus on a silky smooth V6 with better fuel efficiency for those that are concerned about the dollar at the gas pump. I will say this...most people would be impressed with the mpg numbers coming from a V6 if they'd change their driving habits slightly. Ease up on the gas from a stop for one or maybe stop tail-gating people that you're not constantly pumping the gas and pumping the brake. I mean really, you might as well be throwing cash out the car window. Aside from it being rude and very dangerous, you're wasting precious gas. It's unfortunate Chevrolet has left us V6 only buyers standing in the showroom of a competitors dealership.
I've been looking to buy a new car to replace my 2004 Grand Prix that I'm giving to my son. (I don't think GM should have stopped making Pontiacs!) If you first started driving V8s and then dropped to a V6, it was something you could still live with. But the 4 cylinders just don't get it unless you're driving a tiny car. You can't pull 3500 pounds+ with this. I drove the Regal and was disappointed. The LaCrosse is nice with a lot of great options but the back window is small that restricts visibility and you definitely need a V6. The head rests are huge and cannot be adjusted for a short person. I hear the 2012 Malibu will offer a V6 and is suppose to have a "face lift." This is now the car I'm waiting to see. The gas mileage won't be the greatest but I'm retired and don't put that many miles on my car now. I figure I had better get a car this year before they "retire" the V6 like the Pontiacs.
My wife has the Regal, for everyone who thinks the 'four makes power' you will be dissapointed unless you truly don't want or need any power. It is a great little motor and good around the town but step on the gas or try dragging a few adults around and you'll be wondering when your lease is up...
Congradulecion mr. GMC.2.5 liter is #1 in eny compac like malibu.Ilove tha Ingen.is tha best of tha best.