I just drove a (rental) 2012 Malibu 8600 miles through 20 states in 5 weeks.
It is very comfortable, but doesn’t have much ground clearance. We scraped a bit pulling out of a driveway in South Dakota. Also the compartments to hold things are poorly arranged and the lack of a USB or power outlet in the center console was short-sighted. Pretty impressive gas mileage for such a big car though: 33.7mpg.
It’s a good rental, but I would not buy one.
Obviously, not a lot of Jalopnik readers here. :rolleyes:
The Malibu and Impala are American versions of the Camry, Accord, etc. Vehicles they should basically just slap the name “GENERIC BEIGE CAR” on the side and let it go.
They’re all fine as rentals, when you’re looking for the most inoffensive conveyance available to take you from the airport to the Ramada.
But as a daily driver, something you not only have to but WANT TO live with? Good God, have some self-respect, and find something that at least sings to you and has some character & soul.
Driving should be a pleasurable-- even fun!-- experience. It’s easy for it to be one. First step is not buying some mass-market, 800,000-cars-discounted-on-the-lot, beige fleet machine. Far better cars for the same (or less) money out there, especially if you choose to buy used.
You see, I’m NEVER get that. My car is not, in any way, a form of personal expression. I want it to drive well, get decent mileage, and fit my kids. Anything more strikes me as a … over focus on the irrelevant.
I see it’s a flex fuel vehicle. Just remember, if you use the E85, your mileage will suffer. It usually doesn’t pay to use the E85 until it’s about $1.00 per gallon less than regular unleaded and it hasn’t been that price for a long time now.
Jalopnik, as with all Gawker sites, is more concerned with being pithy assholes than conveying useful information.
anywhere between 12 and 15 million vehicles are sold in this country every year. Most of those are pickup trucks and Camcords.
Enthusiasts don’t matter, regardless of how much you wish you did.
Yes, I suspect most of the posters here are not drooling 10 year olds who occasionally watch Top Gear and think themselves experts on cars.
Obviously, not a lot of youtube commentors here. drops monocle. :rolleyes:
Got a 2012 Impala rental for a week while having some body work done on the Toyota. Loved it. Lots of power, accelerated well, smooth ride, quiet and fun to drive. I didn’t want to go back to the Camry after it was fixed.
You could have traded the Toyota on the spot for the Impala. 
Should have gotten the Impala SS!