1997 Chevy Malibu

Like the front suspension, the standard power-steering rack is mounted directly on the front steel cradle. Chevy claims that without the normally required bushings, the steering system provides crisper response, and yet still manages to isolate unwanted input from road grain and uneven surfaces.

The standard braking system is econocar state of the art with substantial discs at the front, drums at the rear, and a sophisticated four-wheel anti-lock system. Use of aluminum brake calipers further reduces unsprung weight at the front of the car.

In penning the Malibu's shape, Chevy designers obviously tore a page out of the import compact and midsize styling guide. The look is simple and clean, with oval body-color door handles and fascia detailing that projects a Teutonic neatness without looking Spartan or cheap. From certain angles, hints of Nissan Altima and even Toyota Camry appear, along with shades of the angular Lumina around the greenhouse and pert rear deck. A high-gloss clearcoat paint provides long-lasting protection and a "still-wet" shine. Even the headlamps have a bright, premium appearance, with what Chevy is calling "reflector optics."

When it was introduced back in 1995, the all-new Chevrolet Cavalier positively changed our opinion of General Motors compact-car design and quality. Our sense from looking at the engineering ingredients, multitude of standard features, and crisp contemporary styling of the Malibu is that Chevy is again set to impress, only this time in the midsize segment. True to the original Malibu concept, this is a sedan with big-dollar standard features and a smart-dollar pricetag.