Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

 I wouldn't mind trying out the new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - the engine shutting down every time you stop sounds pretty cool to me - even though it may not technically be a hybrid... I really think all vehicle engines should be designed that way... does not make much sense to have the motor running if you're standing still, does it?

Has anyone had a chance to try it? According to the video test here on kbb.com it shifts slowly between gears... has anyone else had the same experience?

Thanks!

I haven't driven it yet, but I think it looks pretty cool. I agree engines should shut down effectively while at a stop for more than a certain amount of time.

The only real issue I have with these quiet Hybrid cars is the fact that they are so quiet, you can't hear them coming on a residential street all that well. A hazard for kids (?)

 As the owner and driver of a hybrid I have to say there are extra precautions you must take while in parking lots.  I have lost count of how many people walking in the middle of the parking lot just don't hear the car and get out of the way.  We have extra careful in the neighborhood to watch and predict where kids might run in front of the car.

 An you know, I need to be extra precautious when walking. 'cause I'm walking very quietly and people walking in front of me just don't hear me walking behind...

People walking on the parking lot should be aware of the cars regardless of how quitet the car is! Kids should know that they must LOOK for the car not listen for it before stepping on the road!

 That's interesting... so there is a MINUS to the really quiet cars... (perhaps not related to the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, but anyway!)

Are they too quiet? Would it be better if they made some noise? Perhaps cars where the car's own noise is below a certain level should have some kind of artificial noise apparatus? Especially at lower speeds so that you can hear them in parking lots, residential streets etc? Like the beeping of trucks when they are in reverse? Not trying to be funny - perhaps there are some real safety issues here...?

Gee, one mile per gallon better than the gas engine, Thanks for nothing.

I wouldn't write that off that quickly - You do get TWO miles more per gallon - not one, that is still a 7-9% increase. Plus, it is also a little friendlier on the environment

Some Math:

Malibu Hybrid $23,000 - 24/32mpg (28mpg used for calc)

Malibu Gas Engine $20,000 - 22/30mpg (26mpg used for calc)

If I drive 15,000 Miles Per Year with gas at $4 per gallon (cheap these days). The cost per year for gas for the Hybrid = $2,142.84, for the Gas Engine = $2307.69, for a difference of $164.85.  So with the premium of $3,000 for the Hybrid, it would take 18 years to break even. Lame

Ah, math. Wonderful art form.

But here's a reality check:

A year ago gas was $3 per gallon, now it is $4 per gallon (or actually closer to $4.50 for most of us). I wouldn't bet on a $4 gas price for the next 18 years. Sorry. I wish I could.... but no.

Let's start with $5 a gallon gas and make the assumption that gas goes up a $1 a year for the next 7 years (which is when the batteries would be scheduled to be replaced). At the end of 7 years (with $11 gas) the gas car is still $760 cheaper and you wouldn't have to pay the estimated $3000 fee for battery replacement. $3760 loss over 7 years. Sounds like a loser to me.

As for helping the environment, I don't think lead, nickel, lithium and highly caustic acid are considered "environmentally friendly."

 Today, GM kills off all mild hybrids inlcuding the Malibu, Saturn Vue and some other one, becuase - drum roll - they suck! and no boby is buying them.

They should have done it sooner! 

This car utilizes GMC's mild hybrid system rather thank its 'dual mode full hybrid system.' As for user reviews, Malibu already a big hit among auto critics. It offers a 36 volt electric motor coupled with a 2.4 liter Ecotec VVT, chevy engine block and a 4 speed transmission.