STATUS QUO; Chevy's next Malibu shoots par for the course.(News)

Byline: JOHN D. STOLL General Motors is betting big bucks its new Malibu will capture the hearts and minds of midsize car owners, as well as those who have opted in to the import camp. GM spent $750 million on its new Malibu, the car that replaces the 2003 model, which according to J.D.

Power ratings is the most reliable mainstream midsize car on the road. The 2004 Malibu is built on the same chassis that carries the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra, a chassis with potential to be far better than the car it replaces. Malibu's front bushings have been positioned rearward to lessen ...

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