With all the discussions and internet talk surrounding the electric and hybrid vehicles that are still years away from production, what about cars that are available right now? Sure there is the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, not to forget the Ford Fusion and a few others, but what about the 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid.
The 2009 Malibu Hybrid is often overlooked in terms of hybrid cars because it is a mild hybrid, meaning incapable of moving under electric power only and only achieving slightly better fuel economy than its gasoline counterpart. However, it is still a solid car is aggressively price.
Staring at only $24,700, the Malibu Hybrid offers a nice package for a small premium over the standard Malibu. The Malibu Hybrid is powered by a 2.4 liter 164 hp gasoline engine. The engine is mated to an electric motor that is powered by a nickel metal hydride battery pack located in the trunk area. The gasoline engine along with the electric motor provides ample acceleration and close to V6 performance, but still manages to return 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway in a relatively large vehicle.
Though the mpg is not sensational it still offers an improvement of the standard 4 cylinder Malibu which returns 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway but has less power, and the V6 version which offers 17 mpg cit and 26 mpg highway.
The 2009 Malibu Hybrid comes in only a couple thousand over a comparable 4 cylinder model and is lower priced than a comparable V6 model. It offer goes gas mileage, relatively strong engine performance and a solid car overall. The redesigned Malibu is a great product from GM and adding a hybrid power train gives options for domestic car buyers interesting in entering into the hybrid craze.
Pros:
Hybrid version of one of the top midsize sedans; smooth ride not often associated with hybrid sedans; spacious interior with supportive seating.
Cons:
Not as fuel-efficient as other hybrid sedans; limited availability.
MPG: 26 City / 34Hwy
MSRP: $25,555
