Chevy Malibu LT rental car is so yucky

[RobMarkToo]

What is it with GM making all their cars have tiny side windows, huge pillars and a windshield that is so swept back it actually distorts your view to the outside? My parents banged up their Leaf and I got to drive the loaner Chevy. Feels like it might have some power when you first take off but if you mash the pedal, nothing much happens. Getting 20mpg average it says. Seats are this annoying suede that you stick to and makes it difficult to move around to say, look at something in the back seat. Just a terrible car to drive.

[classicjetta]

Welcome to 2012, where all cars have crappy visibility. I thought the Malibu I rented wasn't half bad actually.

[Wheelwright]

Welcome to 2012, where all cars have crappy visibility.

Not all the cars. My BMW 128i has thin pillars and an excellent all-around visibility. At least the Germans still remember that form follows function and not the other way around.

[chrismkay3]

Not all the cars. My BMW 128i has thin pillars and an excellent all-around visibility. At least the Germans still remember that form follows function and not the other way around.

unfortunately, these traits add to the 1-series awkward proportions. i have had a few malibu rentals, i didn't find them bad at all. not very exciting, but certainly not bad.

[-DWM-]

What is it with automakers these days making all their cars have tiny side windows, huge pillars and a windshield that is so swept back it actually distorts your view to the outside? My parents banged up their Leaf and I got to drive the loaner Chevy. My VW is the nicest car ever.

Consider this post repaired.

[Air-over-water]

Not all the cars. My BMW 128i has thin pillars and an excellent all-around visibility. At least the Germans still remember that form follows function and not the other way around.

Well, kinda.
The windows are still a little high, but that is due to safety standards and not design choice.(or so I hope)

[Lifelong Obsession]

I remember when these Malibus first came out, the magazines were gushing about how great it was. Of course, they were probably just comparing it to the "Warsaw Pact" interiors and driving dynamics of the previous two generations of Malibu.

[Wanganrunner]

The current Malibu isn't a bad car at all, at least compared to the cotemperaneous Accord and Camry, which is the only fair comparison.

[RobMarkToo]

The inside door panel plastics are really cheap too. That textured but completely hard to the touch kind of plastic. Cheap looking fake wood trim all over the dash, radio display that looks like it is straight out of a 90s Celebrity or something.

[BRealistic]

The inside door panel plastics are really cheap too. That textured but completely hard to the touch kind of plastic. Cheap looking fake wood trim all over the dash, radio display that looks like it is straight out of a 90s Celebrity or something.

Yes, because a large inxespensive rental car should be trimmed out like a luxury import.

Most people renting just want the room and a decent power/economy compromise for a low rental price.
The rental companies want low cost to buy and maintain rental cars.
The Malibu is fine.
I had a relatively low spec four banger Malibu rental two years ago and thought it was actually a nice car other than the crappy cruise control, but it did return good fuel economy.

[Nourdmrolnmt]

Yes, because a large inxespensive rental car should be trimmed out like a luxury import.

Most people renting just want the room and a decent power/economy compromise for a low rental price.
The rental companies want low cost to buy and maintain rental cars.
The Malibu is fine.
I had a relatively low spec four banger Malibu rental two years ago and thought it was actually a nice car other than the crappy cruise control, but it did return good fuel economy.

No!

When I rent a full size car that costs $23k I want it to be as well equipped as my compact car that costs $38k

[RobMarkToo]

No!

When I rent a full size car that costs $23k I want it to be as well equipped as my compact car that costs $38k

LT I am hoping is the base model at least. I didn't expect luxury, I just hate the pretentious "fake luxury" that they are going for. It looks nice from the outside, that's its only selling point.

[devianb]

I drove a Malibu rental about a year ago. When I was backing into my driveway and looked out the window all I could see was sky, had to look out the side of the window to see anything behind me. Seats were comfortable. Lol when it starts to really pour rain out of no where it is not a good time to figure out how the wipers work. I'm not used to driving new cars so took me a few minutes to figure out all the settings. It kind of floats when taking corners a little too hard. Trunk was big enough for my bicycle and some bags. As technologically dated as my Trans Am is I still prefer to drive it over the Malibu. The Malibu had air conditioning, was comfortable, and got great mileage, which is all I really care about when traveling 100+ miles. I would have taken a compact, but they were all taken so I had to get that or a Jeep Liberty.

[AJB]

My sister has a fully loaded 2010 model. It pretty nice inside for a GM product. Roomy, nice materials I mean they are not Audio quality by any means, but big step in the right drection.

[LordBass]

I rented a Malibu LS and found it comfortable and competent for putting around rural western Missouri. Not the least bit sporty but a very adequate car for the class, easily got 30mpg highway, and was fine even with the base 4-speed auto. Much better than GM's previous mid-size sedans. I like the rear 3/4 view a lot, too.

I realize it doesn't fit the high standards of MkII owners, though.

[KahviVW]

I think the exterior styling of the Malibu is excellent.

[gti_matt]

Yes, because a large inxespensive rental car should be trimmed out like a luxury import.

Most people renting just want the room and a decent power/economy compromise for a low rental price.
The rental companies want low cost to buy and maintain rental cars.

All true, but I would think that manufacturers would want to put at least a reasonably decently equipped, and reasonably NOT bottom-of-the-barrel vehicle into the hands of consumers. If you got your product into consumers' hands for a few days or a week to try, wouldn't you want at the end of that timeframe to have the consumer think "Hmmm that was actually a nice car...maybe my next one should be a ?" It's an opportunity to possibly gain a potential customer in the future, especially if they don't already own your brand.

[Nourdmrolnmt]

All true, but I would think that manufacturers would want to put at least a reasonably decently equipped, and reasonably NOT bottom-of-the-barrel vehicle into the hands of consumers. If you got your product into consumers' hands for a few days or a week to try, wouldn't you want at the end of that timeframe to have the consumer think "Hmmm that was actually a nice car...maybe my next one should be a ?" It's an opportunity to possibly gain a potential customer in the future, especially if they don't already own your brand.

because the manufacturers own the rental companies?

[UnimogR]

All true, but I would think that manufacturers would want to put at least a reasonably decently equipped, and reasonably NOT bottom-of-the-barrel vehicle into the hands of consumers. If you got your product into consumers' hands for a few days or a week to try, wouldn't you want at the end of that timeframe to have the consumer think "Hmmm that was actually a nice car...maybe my next one should be a ?" It's an opportunity to possibly gain a potential customer in the future, especially if they don't already own your brand.

Good point Matt.

Some manufacturers have factored this in and done just as you have mentioned, although it does cost them initially.

[curvedinfinity]

VAG fanboys

[WhistlerYOW]

What is it with GM making all their cars have tiny side windows, huge pillars and a windshield that is so swept back it actually distorts your view to the outside? My parents banged up their Leaf and I got to drive the loaner Chevy. Feels like it might have some power when you first take off but if you mash the pedal, nothing much happens. Getting 20mpg average it says. Seats are this annoying suede that you stick to and makes it difficult to move around to say, look at something in the back seat. Just a terrible car to drive.

Ya, I'm with ya, and no bench seats or column shifters! Bring back the studebaker I say!

[leaftye]

Seats are this annoying suede that you stick to and makes it difficult to move around to say, look at something in the back seat.

Complaining about grippy seats? Most people around here complain about slippery seats.

Yes, because a large inxespensive rental car should be trimmed out like a luxury import.

Crazy eh? How dare manufacturers build to the price point that rental companies want, and then the rental companies to purchase those with complete knowledge of what they're getting into.

[gti_matt]

Good point Matt.

Some manufacturers have factored this in and done just as you have mentioned, although it does cost them initially.

Yes - the vehicles in question couldn't be the cheapest versions to do this, but still seems like an effective way to get your product into someone's lifestyle even if for just a week. Even if they don't run out and buy one ASAP, you really would not want a consumer to walk away from one of your rentals saying "Geez sure makes crap!" If they walk away with that impression, they not only won't be likely to buy one, but they might even discourage friends from buying one (e.g.: "oh yeah I rented a what a turd.").

[compy222]

my wife has a 2LT 2010, all the options, sun roof, heated seats, leather, etc. It's a very nice car. Super reliable (no issues in the first 40k miles), gets a consistent 30mpg average, seems plenty torquey to drive around town, and the 6 speed is pretty good. for a 23k out the door car, it was a great deal. its easily as nice inside as any other car in its class. its also very quiet to cruise in...quieter inside than an audi a6 of the same year.

i feel your argument is invalid, or you just got a beat to **** rental car.

[gonzo08452]

I had one as a loaner from Enterprise. It had about 3k miles on it but cant remember which trim except that it had a moonroof which was odd for a rental. I just remember the lousy sounding 4cyl trying to accelerate. The sound made me cringe sort of like how scratching a chalkboard would.

[burtonxbordr94]

VAG fanboys

Not a VAG fanboy... but a straight up GM hater.

[thetopdog]

What is it with GM making all their cars have tiny side windows, huge pillars and a windshield that is so swept back it actually distorts your view to the outside? My parents banged up their Leaf and I got to drive the loaner Chevy. Feels like it might have some power when you first take off but if you mash the pedal, nothing much happens. Getting 20mpg average it says. Seats are this annoying suede that you stick to and makes it difficult to move around to say, look at something in the back seat. Just a terrible car to drive.

This might be the most nitpicky list of complaints I have ever seen

[AKADriver]

Yes, because a large inxespensive rental car should be trimmed out like a luxury import.

The rental Malibu is identical to the retail spec Malibu. It should be trimmed like any other $20k midsize car.

That said, I think people are blowing its flaws out of proportion.

[Señor Peligro]

lol at a dude saying "yucky"

[BRealistic]

The rental Malibu is identical to the retail spec Malibu. It should be trimmed like any other $20k midsize car.

That said, I think people are blowing its flaws out of proportion.

Bull****.
Nobody ever exaggerates on the internet.

But seriously.. when I hear people severely bash a normal and acceptable rental car to the extent the OP did, I have to assume the person complaining was looking for things to complain about.
Either that, or their brain can't adjust to slightly different things in a short period of time.
So the interior just being different makes it a bad place for them to be.

And let's look at the facts:

http://www.insideline.com/honda/acco...ly-sedans.html

The Malibu is normal four banger form beat the Camry and almost beat the Accord in the 2008 comparison.

I had one and almost took it to the auto-cross (my RX8 was waiting for coil pack)... because it was quite easy for me to hustle around corners. (shrug)

[invisiblewar]

Are we talking about the new generation or the older generation?

[BRealistic]

Are we talking about the new generation or the older generation?

.. good question.

I just assumed it was the 7th gen since I assumed they sent the all new model out to dealers before making rental fleet deals.

Lots of assuming.

[blue70beetle]

Yes - the vehicles in question couldn't be the cheapest versions to do this, but still seems like an effective way to get your product into someone's lifestyle even if for just a week.

On that note, my wife currently has a new 300C (paid $8/day extra to get that instead of the Malibu Enterprise offered) while her SRX is getting a new bumper, etc., after hitting a brake drum that came off of a semi trailer on the highway the other night. We never would have even considered one because of the horrid taste Chrysler left in our mouths about ten years ago, but after having both driven it, we would absolutely consider it when it's time to replace her SRX...particularly for her needs (she's a Realtor), it's about impossible to find something to dislike about this car.

Speaks to the benefit of getting a car in a potential buyer's hands...

Now back to bashing on the Malibu and its pointy elbows...

[Inspector Detector]

Some things never change, long ago when I worked for Budget both FoMoCo and The General left a bad taste in my mouth. If Walmart was in the business of designing Great Value cars, that's what I was driving then. Especially the Escort, Lynx and dreaded Cavilers.

[invisiblewar]

.. good question.

I just assumed it was the 7th gen since I assumed they sent the all new model out to dealers before making rental fleet deals.

Lots of assuming.

Didn't the 7th gen debut right at the end of old GM and the beginning of new GM? I know it's not a real excuse but everyone here is pandering a car that is a generation old. Every review I read said it was a great car. Every person who owned one said they were happy with it.

And whats funny is when this car came out, everyone here seemed to be quite impressed with the improvement GM made with this. I remember some saying it was actually a great car for its purpose.