More Insight From Mac Gordon - Shhh, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Is a Very Quiet Midsize Bargain

2013 Chevrolet Mailbu

Detroit January 15, 2013; Detroit and Ontario autowriters stole a gold medal away from rivals at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) by awarding a top honor to decibels, making the 2013 Malibu a top contender and GM's 'quietest car ever.'

Recognizing the importance of sound as a category in new-car construction, the jury gave the aero-styled Malibu sedan points topping those of previous winners such as Hyundai Elantra (2012), Honda Accord and Chevy Volt.

Square-cut front-end and rear-end diode-loaded modules aced the voting for Malibu, even though NY Times critic Lawrence Ulrich wrote off the Malibu's riding performance vis-a-vis the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.

In fact, German and Japanese brands have surpassed Malibu in handling through most recent years, said the Times.

Audi A4, VW Passat, Accord and Nissan Altima-to name a solid few, steer better and ride smoother in the opinion of NAIAS testers.

Well, well. The “good gray” NY Times finally finds silence a worthwhile trait, which should but probably won't steer the hotrod rider pack away from its devotion to top speed, utmost economy and unneeded engine and tire noise!

It's about time! Watch for Malibu ads applauding its “quiet ride.” This, says the Times report in its January 6 edition, will buoy Malibu's resale value and stir higher sales incentives.

“Malibu,” declares Ulrich, “is good but not great at any single thing “ (except price)... not comfort, nor handling, nor torque steer, nor fuel economy, nor spring comfort. Well, then what? The Eco 4-cyl-model at $26,095 to $34,145 with Turbo V-6 is economy personified, a bargain midsize family sedan!