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Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (2008) - enlarge

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, was founded in 1911. It is the top-selling GM marque and the best known brand of GM worldwide, with "Chevrolet" or "Chevy" being at times synonymous with GM.1 Chevrolet is GM's largest brand, currently offering over 20 vehicles and many different enhanced versions in its home market.2 Its current headquarters are located in Detroit, Michigan.

Its present lineup starts with the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo subcompact sedan (MSRP: $10,895.00 - $14,580.00, Invoice price: $10,332.08 - $13,814.40), which has four-door (large vehicle and five-door (compact hatchback) versions. Both versions are available with a 103-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder configuration engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and front-wheel drive system. The Aveo sedan competes with the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Smart Fortwo, and Toyota Yaris.

Next is the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, which is available as a compact coupe (MSRP: $14,585.00 - $22,995.00, Invoice price: $13,819.13 - $21,766.58) and compact sedan (MSRP: $14,585.00 - $19,870.00, Invoice price: $13,819.13 - $18,813.45) versions and LS, LT, and Sport trim levels. The LS and LT trim levels are available with a 148-horsepower, 2.2-liter engine while the Sport trim level is available with a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. All trim levels are available with an inline 4-cylinder configuration engine, a 5-speed automatic and manual transmission, and a front-wheel drive system. This model competes with the Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Kia Spectra, Mazda Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac G5, Subaru Impreza, Outback Sport, Suzuki Reno, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Prius, and Volkswagen Jetta.

Next is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan (MSRP: $19,995.00 - $27,445.00, Invoice price: $19,027.75 - $25,971.28), which competes with the Buick Lucerne, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mercury Milan, Mercury Sable, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Jetta. It is available in LS, LT, and LT with 2LT trim levels. The LS, LT, and LT with 2LT trim levels are available with a 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter I4 engine, while the LTZ trim levels comes with a 252-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine (also optional on the LT with 2LT trim level).

Then, there is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic midsize sedan (MSRP: $20,970.00, Invoice price: $19,954.00) and hybrid sedan (MSRP $24,290.00, Invoice price $22,989.80), which competes with Buick Lucerne, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Honda Civic Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mercury Milan, Mercury Sable, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid and Volkswagen Jetta. It is available with a 219-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, front-wheel drive system, and four-speed automatic transmission. Up next is the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid midsize sedan (MSRP $24,290.00, Invoice price $22,989.80). This model has a 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter I4 hybrid engine and other engine features include regenerative braking system, starter/belt alternator, deceleration fuel cut-off, nickel-metal hydride electric motor battery, and engine auto stop/start.

Next on the list is the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette, which comes in coupe (MSRP: $46,950.00 - $72,125.00, Invoice price: $42,109.50 - $64,641.13) and convertible (MSRP: $55,425.00, Invoice price: $49,694.63) versions. This model competes with the Audi S4, Audi S5, BMW 650, BMW M Coupe, BMW M Roadster, BMW M3, Cadillac Alante, Dodge Viper, Ford Shelby GT500, Infiniti G37, Jaguar XK, Lexus SC 430, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman, and Porsche Cayman S. Available engine choices are a 430-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 505-horsepower, 7-liter V8 engine. It also comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive system.

The 2008 Chevrolet Uplander Minivan/Van comes in passenger (MSRP: $22,320.00 - $30,110.00, Invoice price: $21,135.30 - $28,203.55) and cargo (MSRP: $23,860.00, Invoice price: $22,359.80) versions. It is available in LS, Cargo Ext, LS Ext, and LT Ext trim levels. All trim levels are available with a 240-horsepower, 3.9-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive system. This model has 17-inch steel wheels, a seven-person seating capacity, a removable bucket rear seat, cloth upholstery, and bucket front seats. It also has power features, air conditioning, an XM satellite radio, a radio data system, and an OnStar telecommunications service. The Uplander competes with the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and the Honda Odyssey. Other competing models are the Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, Nissan Quest, and the Toyota Sienna.

Next up is the 2008 Chevrolet Express fullsize eight-seater van (MSRP: $26,960.00 - $32,314.20, Invoice price: $24,742.78 - $29,642.23), which is available in five trim levels - LS 1500 with rear-wheel drive system, LS 1500 with all-wheel drive system, LS 2500, LS 3500, and LS 3500 with additional features. The Chevrolet Express fullsize van competes with the Dodge Sprinter Van 2500, Dodge Sprinter Wagon 2500, Ford E-150, Ford E-350 Super Duty, and the GMC Savana. The LS 1500 is available with a 301-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 engine, while the LS 2500 and 3500 are available with a 323-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8 engine. Then, there is the 2008 Chevrolet Express Cargo van (MSRP: $23,505.00 - $28,384.20, Invoice price: $21,581.45 - $26,046.28), which is also available in 1500, 2500, and 3500 trim levels. All Express Cargo trim levels have a two-person total seating capacity and are equipped with bucket front seats.

Up next is the 2008 Chevrolet HHR compact wagon (MSRP: $17,460.00 - $23,350.00, Invoice price: $16,534.90 - $22,100.95). This wagon competes with the Acura RSX, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Escape, Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix and Toyota RAV4.

The 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer midsize Sport Utility Vehicle (MSRP: $28,150.00 - $34,695.00, Invoice price: $26,368.68 - $32,488.25) is next, available in ten trim levels and competing with such models as the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Dodge Nitro, Ford Expedition, Ford Expedition EL, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, GMC Envoy, GMC Yukon, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Ascender, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus RX350, Mazda CX-5, Mercury Mountaineer, Nissan Pathfinder, Saturn Outlook and Toyota 4Runner. It Available are a 285-horsepower, 4.2-liter I6 engine mated with a four-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of rear-wheel and four-wheel drive system; and a 390-horsepower, 6-liter V8 engine mated with a four-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive system.

Next is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox midsize Sport Utility Vehicle (MSRP: $23,355.00 - $30,060.00, Invoice price: $21,876.90 - $28,146.08), which is available in LS FWD, LT FWD, LS AWD, LT AWD, LTZ FWD, SPORT FWD, LTZ AWD, and SPORT AWD. All trim levels except the Equinox Sport FWD and AWD are available with a 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission and a choice of all-wheel and front-wheel drive system. The Equinox Sport FWD and AWD are available with 264-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, a choice of all-wheel, and front-wheel drive system. The Equinox competes with the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Dodge Nitro, Ford Expedition, Ford Expedition EL, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, GMC Envoy, GMC Yukon, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Ascender, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus RX350, Mazda CX-5, Mercury Mountaineer, Nissan Pathfinder, Saturn Outlook and Toyota 4Runner.

Next on the list is the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban fullsize Sport Utility Vehicle (MSRP: $40,395.00 - $44,160.00, Invoice price: $37,037.93 - $44,160.00). The Suburban LS 1500 RWD, LT 1500 RWD, LS 1500 4WD, and LT 1500 4WD trim levels are available with 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 engine, (for the RWD) and 310-horsepower (for the 4WD), 4-speed automatic transmission, and choice of rear-wheel and four-wheel drive system. The Suburban LS 2500 RWD, LT 2500 RWD, LS 2500 4WD, and LT 2500 4WD trim levels are available with a 352-horsepower, 6-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of rear-wheel and four-wheel drive system. The Suburban competes with Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Jeep Commander, Lexus GX 470, Lincoln Navigator, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Armada, Toyota Landcruiser and Toyota Sequoia.

Another is the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe fullsize Sport Utility Vehicle (MSRP: $35,530.00 - $53,295.00, Invoice price: $32,586.45 - $49,627.35), which comes in LS and LT trim levels. The LS RWD is equipped with a 295-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8 engine, while all other trim levels are equipped with a 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 engine. It competes with the Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Lexus GX 470, Lincoln Navigator, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Armada, Toyota Landcruiser and Toyota Sequoia.

Then, there is the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe fullsize Hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle (MSRP $50,490.00 - $53,295.00, Invoice price $47,018.70 - $49,627.35), which comes in Base 4WD and Base RWD trim levels. It is equipped with a 332-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, hybrid engine, regenerative braking system, multi-link rear suspension, cylinder deactivation, deceleration fuel cut-off, variable valve timing, front and rear stabilizer bar, nickel-metal hydride electric motor battery, short and long arm front suspension, electric motor output of 120 kilowatts, front independent suspension, and engine auto stop/start. Currently the only hybrid competitors include Chevrolet Suburban Hybrid, GMC Yukon Hybrid, and Lexus RX 450h.

Up next are the Chevrolet pickup trucks, starting with the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado compact Pickup Truck (MSRP: $16,050.00 - $25,835.00, Invoice price: $15,204.93 - $24,200.25), which is available in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab versions. It competes with the Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Isuzu i-290, Isuzu i-370, Mazda B-Series, Mitsubishi Raider, Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma. Then, there is the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche fullsize Crew Cab Pickup Truck (MSRP: $37,385.00 - $41,725.00, Invoice price: $34,283.78 - $37,700.68). This model is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. The Avalanche competes with the Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Ram Ford F-150 SuperCrew, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra. All trim levels are available with a 310 (4WD) or 320-horsepower (RWD), 5.3-liter V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission.

Next is the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fullsize Pickup Truck (MSRP: $18,425.00 - $39,785.00, Invoice price: $17,462.50 - $36,481.90), which is available in regular cab pickup truck, extended cab pickup truck, and crew cab pickup truck versions. The regular cab pickup truck version has a 3-person seating capacity and choice of either the standard 6-foot, 6-inch bed or an 8-foot long bed. The extended cab pickup truck version a six-person seating capacity and choice of short (5-foot, 8-inches), long, or standard bed. Lastly, the crew cab pickup truck version has a six-person seating capacity and comes equipped with a short bed. Silverado 1500 competes with Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Ram, Ford F Series, Hummer H3, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra.

Up next is the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Heavy-Duty or HD fullsize Pickup Truck (MSRP: $25,295.00 - $41,605.00, Invoice price: $23,223.55 - $38,147.20) which is also available in Regular Cab Pickup Truck (MSRP $24,370 - $24,370, Extended Cab Pickup Truck, and Crew Cab Pickup Truck versions. Buyers may choose from a 353-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8 engine and a 365-horsepower, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine; and a 4-wheel drive (4WD) and a rear-wheel drive (RWD) system. Silverado 2500 competes with Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Ram, Ford F Series, Hummer H3, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra.

Last, and rounding out the list of Chevrolet vehicles is the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD pickup truck (MSRP: $29,920.00 - $40,925.00, Invoice price: $27,455.43 - $37,525.00). Like the 1500 and 2500HD pickup trucks, this model is also available in Regular Cab Pickup Truck, Extended Cab Pickup Truck, and Crew Cab Pickup Truck versions. Buyers may choose from a 353-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8 engine and a 365-horsepower, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine; and a 4-wheel drive (4WD) and a rear-wheel drive (RWD) system. Six-speed automatic transmission is available in all versions and trim levels. Silverado 3500 competes with Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Ram Ford F-150, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra.

A look at Chevrolet's reliability ratings (ConsumerReports.org) showed that the Chevrolet Corvette received Excellent ratings for its engine, transmission (major), fuel system, brakes, exhaust, and paint and trim; Very Good ratings for its transmission (minor), drive and climate systems, suspension, and power equipment; and Good ratings for its electrical and audio system, squeaks and rattles, and body hardware. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (V8, AWD) received Excellent ratings for engine, transmission, suspension, exhaust, and drive, electrical, and climate system trouble spots; Very Good ratings for brakes, paint and trim, and fuel and audio system trouble spots; Good ratings for its body hardware and power equipment; and Fair ratings for its squeaks and rattles trouble spots.

Chevrolets are also equipped with security features and have been tested and proven safe. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reflect that the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox SUV received five stars out of five in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars out of five in rollover tests (FWD and AWD). Meanwhile, the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Crew Cab Pickup Truck received five stars out of five in frontal and side crash tests and three stars out of five in rollover testing (2WD and 4WD).

A 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (MSRP $14,585.00) is priced lower than competing model 2008 Honda Civic (MSRP $15,645.00). Depreciation-wise, however, the Honda Civic is at an advantage; a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt priced with an MSRP of $12,400 now has a selling price around the $10,075-range, while a 2006 Honda with an original MSRP of $14,560 still goes for $13,425.

Prospective Chevrolet buyers are also presented with options for customization and accessorizing. On its website, those shopping for a Chevrolet can view the automaker's comprehensive vehicle lineup, as well as get information on its fuel solutions and warranty and coverage. Upcoming Chevrolet vehicles to watch out for are the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse four-door crossover vehicle (which will compete with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook), the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro coupe, and the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the automaker's first plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.

Footnotes and References




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