The redesigned Malibu shares its platform with the Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6, and has a fairly long 112-inch wheelbase. Two engines are offered: a 164-horsepower four-cylinder and a 252-hp V6. A mild-hybrid version of the four-cylinder is also expected.

CR's take. The old Malibu was a practical but dowdy car. The new one looks like a more promising entry in this competitive class. It's bigger, with a nicer interior and roomier rear seat. However, during testing for our 2008 new cars review, we found the four-cylinder engine very noisy in the G6 we tested; the V6 is more refined. The Malibu Maxx hatchback is being discontinued.

On sale: December 2007