Kelley Blue Book the leading provider of new and used vehicle information, announces the Chevrolet Malibu as the winner of the "2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle" award. According to the kbb.com editorial team, the newly redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is being honored for taking the important mid-size car category to a new level of overall refinement. Specifically, its stylish sheetmetal, attractive interior, well-sorted ride-and-handling characteristics and quiet — all in a very affordable vehicle — combined to produce a value equation that set it apart from the pack.
More than 30 vehicles were redesigned for the 2008 model year. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com editorial team reviewed the complete list to identify vehicles that demonstrated the greatest improvement relative to their predecessors and competitors. Factoring into the final decision were judgments on exterior and interior styling, technology, comfort and convenience features, performance/capability, driving dynamics, safety, fuel economy, overall refinement and value. A major factor contributing to the Malibu’s 2008 win is the vehicle’s market significance.
"The 2008 Malibu solidified its case for kbb.com’s ’2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle’ with a top-to-bottom, inside-and-out remake that’s nothing less than game-changing," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "The new Malibu has earned its place at the top of one of the toughest and most competitive categories in the industry. It can take on any competitor head-to-head."
Rounding out the top 10 finalists for kbb.com’s "2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle" were (in alphabetical order) the Audi TT, Cadillac CTS, Honda Accord, Infiniti G37, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mitsubishi Lancer, Porsche Cayenne, Saturn Vue and Toyota Highlander.
"As we’ve come to expect in recent years, each vehicle on this year’s list of finalists represents a huge step forward versus its predecessor," said Nerad. "The presence of the CTS and Vue along with the Malibu marks a significant resurgence in product offerings from the domestic manufacturers. The domestics have proven they can play in the big leagues again with no excuses."
Kelley Blue Book’s "Best Redesigned Vehicle" History
2004 - Ford F-150
2005 - Ford Mustang
2006 - Honda Civic
2007 - Chevrolet Silverado
2008 - Chevrolet Malibu
