The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is getting a top title, but unfortunately for the car, the title of “most disliked car of the year” is not one that any automaker wants to have.
Torque News reports that the prize was awarded by Fortune Magazine after they sorted through countless reviews and test-drives, which dated back to December 2011. The vehicle was highly anticipated, but it was received with lukewarm reviews at best.
CNN Money reports that GM announced 80% of the coverage on the car has been positive, with places like Hometown Detroit Free Press raving:
“Malibu Eco is a terrific car at a good price… Its value, fuel economy, comfort and performance add up to one of the best midsize sedans you can buy.”
Not all reviews have been good, however, as AOL’s Autoblog reviewed the car, but was less than impressed after taking a look at its price, mileage, and the competition. Reviewer Jeff Sabatini wrote:
“We’re trying to talk ourselves into recommending one. And we just might — but it won’t be the Eco. Because even though we enjoyed the Malibu Eco, we still can’t see how the car makes sense, vis-à-vis the competition — or even compared to other Chevys.”
CNN Money notes that GM bills the Chevrolet Malibu Eco as, “A smarter, more intelligent drive.” They further state that:
“Like other recent Chevrolets, the Malibu is competitive in its segment and will become increasingly competitive with the addition of the 2.5 liter engine and turbo engine later this year.”
But is it really? Because CNN Money notes that, when the car is compared to others, even other Chevys, Eco has huge shortcomings. The fuel economy rating is just 25 miles per gallon city, with 37 highway, which is less than the comparatively priced Toyota Camry, which has a rating of 40 mpg in the city and 38 highway.
Also, the Malibu Eco even comes up short compared to the Chevy Cruze. The smaller and lower priced Cruze has a larger trunk and gets better gas mileage, rated at 28 mpg city and 42 highway.
It seems, according to multiple reviews, that the Chevrolet Malibu Eco could deserve the title of “most disliked car of the year” considering all the hype surrounding a fairly average car.
