Is the 2008 Chevy Malibu Comparable to the Accord and Camry?

A year ago, I got in a horrific accident, totaled my car, and, being that I lived in LA and have a serious distrust for the city's public transportation, had to get a rental. My choices were Chevy Malibu, Chevy Malibu, and oh, Chevy Malibu.

I was not happy with this selection. However, being that I only had to drive the car for a couple weeks, so I dealt with it. Imagine my surprise, when, upon reading early reviews of the 2008 model Chevy Malibu, people compared it to the Accord and Camry - and meant it this time. Naturally, my interest was peaked with car enthusiasts saying that Malibu could hang with the big boys. I couldn't help but wonder if it could.

My curiosity got the best of me - and I decided to do my homework in the midsize sedan market. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, Malibu has clearly done its own homework. Offering three trim levels - LS, LT, and LZ -and a choice of wood-grain or metallic interiors, Chevy has finally given Malibu the extreme makeover it needed to contend with American consumers desires for a rich and luxurious look in a car.

As for comfort, safety, and technical features, the Malibu fairs as a worthy opponent in the car wars with Honda and Toyota by improvements in the power train (Chevy stepped up to a 252 horsepower double overhead cam 3.6 liter V6 engine) and boasting a six-speed auto in lieu of a four-speed auto (which, could or could not be a huge difference depending on gear ratios).

However, interior comfort seems to have suffered. With a 112.3 inch long wheelbase - about 3-5 inches longer than Accord or Camry - the Malibu's stretch doesn't provide substantially more legroom in the rear than either of its competitors (and less than the 2007 Malibu itself!)