[MP81]

Good god those things are underpowered pigs.

If you get an AWD 2.4L, and think it's a race car, sure. My in-laws have one - it's fine.

The 3.6 has far more balls.

 

[MP81]

FWD 2.4 was what I had. 90% of them are the 2.4. And the 3.6 is terrible on gas for its size and can only be optioned on upper trim levels.

GM really needs to put a small turbo engine or worthwhile 4 cyl (is the GM 2.5 any better?) in one, and lose some weight. I think it's due for a complete redesign next year though.

It's old architecture - but it sells really well. Why mess with what works while also developing a new lighter program? Doesn't make sense.

Also - did you turn Eco off? On the in-laws, the tip-in felt like half the pedal with Eco on. With it off, I was perfectly happy driving it - and clearly so are over 200,000 people a year.

 

[MP81]

I've heard rumors that the Malibu's all new 1.5T will be replacing the 2.4L with the redesign, hopefully next generation will get better than 22-24MPG at 75mph(2.4L FWD).

The in-laws average far more than that, with AWD - and neither of them as a light foot.