The all-new Malibu wipes away its former self. In this incarnation, the 2008 Malibu gains three inches of length and six inches in its wheelbase. Thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension, the Malibu offers a very comfortable ride and a startlingly wonderful command through curves and cornering. Malibu is offered in three trims (LS. LT and high-end LTZ). All three versions provide standard head-curtain side airbags and front seat-mounted thorax airbags. A host of other safety features are offered, including traction control and electronic stability control with panic brake assist. The seventh generation of OnStar brings with it turn-by-turn navigation. Simply press the blue OnStar button, tell an OnStar advisor the desired destination, and the directions are downloaded to your vehicle by the advisor. In the 2008 model year, the front wheel drive Malibu offers two engine choices: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 164 horsepower, or a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 252 horsepower. Transmission choices are a four-speed automatic and a six-speed automatic. Malibu’s interior means a ride not hindered by unwanted road and powertrain noises. The cabin benefits from use of liquid spray-on sound deadener, composite wheel liners and other noise-reduction treatments to the body structure. Unlike past Malibu offerings, the 2008 model is available with two-tone interior combinations and those light-dark colors really do accent the overall richness conveyed inside Malibu’s cabin. Four-door Malibu LTZ when fitted with six-speed transmission and 4-cyclinder engine gains mpg fuel economy numbers of 22 city and 32 highway and carries a MSRP of $26,795.