2008 Chevrolet Malibu - Name

[mwaters]

Will the 2008 model keep the "Malibu" name or go for something different - new or retro? I think it needs a fresh moniker to distance itself from the rental queen of today.

[Cadillacfan]

There are several threads in this section with spy photos of the upcoming Malibu. They're easy to find. From what we can see it's definately not retro but there are a few cues that refer to Chevrolet's past designs, such as the circular taillights which can also be seen on the Cobalt coupe. In the front, the styling cues are borrowed from the Chevy SS concept from a few years back including a big, bold chevy grille.

Renaming the Malibu would be a mistake. So many times in the past, GM would rename vehicles in order to boost sales, but the result would be negative. The Malibu is a name that millions of Americans are familiar with whether they think positively or negatively about it. Overall, the Malibu is a decent and reliable car and people realize that. The problem that so many people have with it is the styling and the overall quality. If GM can remedy those problems and advertise the hell out if it, then they should have no problem selling it. Look at what Nissan did with the Altima. The previous vehicle, although decent, wasn't much to look at and it wasn't up to par to the Camry or the Accord in many areas. As soon as they injected some style and a faster engine into it, the public quickly forgot about the previous generation.

It looks like GM will try to do the same with the next Malibu and it just might work.

Edited November 9, 2006 by Cadillacfan

[Northstar]

Keeping the name Malibu is fine. It has been a reliable vehicle and scored high in dependability studies, so I think it as a decent reputation in that regard. Also, as Cadillacfan said, look at the Altima's turnaround.

[6t5frlane]

Keeping the name Malibu is fine. It has been a reliable vehicle and scored high in dependability studies, so I think it as a decent reputation in that regard. Also, as Cadillacfan said, look at the Altima's turnaround.

213811[/snapback]

I would change the name. While Malibu is a name known for a long time it conjurs up just that. An old name which Could translate to younger people "old mans car " and overlook it no matter what it looks like or performs like.

[Chicagoland]

If they were changing the name, GM would have announced it by now. The car is 'locked in'.

[cavalier36]

it will keep the Malibu name.. it will make its debut at the detroit auto show in january.. unlike before it will only come as a sedan, there wont be a maxx version.

engine choices should mirror those of the Saturn Aura. 2.4L base, 3.5L V6 optional with the 3.6L dohc V6 as the top engine..

[Hudson]

Not only will the new model keep the Malibu name, but the old model (which will remain in production) will revive the Classic name.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

On a related note, say hello to the face of the '08 Malibu. It's been dressed up in high-heels and crossover drag (as the "Prisma Y" concept, whatever that is), wearing considerable amounts of eyeliner and other whale-fat-based make-up products, and on the lamb down in Brazil, but it's in there, hiding.

[FAPTurbo]

I don't see it happening.

What I do see happening is if the upcoming Malibu flops or keeps the stodgy image, the following car may lose the name.

Think Cavalier -> Cobalt...

[ponchoman49]

Changing the name would be silly! People don't complain about Toyota using the name Camry for decades or Honda with the Accord. And GM's gigantic name changing that took place over the past several years has been met with lukewarm response in sales of some models and even certain editors have questioned it. I know a lot of people and many of them drive the current generation 04-07 style Malibu and love them. Other than a few electric steering issues with the first run of 04's all have been very reliable, very good on gas, very good features for the money and the Maxx is praized for it's utility. Now granted most of these people are not Import Humpers that get a woody for integrated dashes like the children of today do but some of these Malibu owners are former import owners that wanted something different like the Maxx or just wanted better mileage and more style than there 2002 Camry with it's overrated 3.0 liter V6 that doesn't put out the hp or fuel economy it was advertized at.