I was thinking of getting out my 2.4L Cobalt SS coupe and into a Malibu SS.
Nothing wrong with the Cobalt--I just miss low end torque and an auto would be nice sometimes. Plus now that I have a kid--4drs would work better.
I have always liked the SS Malibu--its sqaure, angular lines and SS exterior treatment look far more interesting the Accords, Camrys ect.
I like this short wheelbase epsilon...much neater, tider dimesnions then it's long wheelbase brethren (G6, Aura)
And I still do but after test driving the car it has too many faults for me. Namely the powertrain and a couple of very minor sqeaks/ratles that my Coblat does not have.
The 3900 provided very strong launches, spinning the tires pretty good, it would hook and leap out of the gate. It is for sure a bit faster then my 2.4L SS.
But the 4 speed auto is a letdown. Oh it shifts nice but needs more ratios. Crusing at a certain speed, where there was no lower gear to downshift to--you were left with ho-hum forward progress.
I did like the manumatic shifter buton on the gear selector.
And then there is the sound. Under part to medium throttle the engine sounded good. Under full throttle however, it was awful. Very agricultural, industrial..very bad.
I was a bit surprised by this. I drove an Aura with the 3.5L and it sounded much better. Although it was quieter, the tone and note were far different. You can't attribute that to extra sound deadening.
Interior accomadtions were very good. Although its a bit too black and stark for me. Aluminum or silver accents would go a long way.
Visibilty was great--paticulary out of the front--you can nearly see the end of the hood.
Did not push at all in the handling dept. It rode very very but not too harsh. It did seem to have a high speed wander.
I think at sticker its too much money. If the 3.6L HF/6 speed auto were in this car..maybe I would get it. I have driven the Aura with this combo it it was a bit faster and sounded great. Oh well--I look forward tot he 08 Malibu.....I just hope its not tooo aerodynamic and boring.