The driving dynamics of the Malibu exceeded our expectations. The 2004 Chevy Malibu is built on GM's new global platform it calls Epsilon, a front-wheel-drive architecture developed by a team of American, German and Swedish engineers. The architecture serves as the basis for the highly successful Opel Vectra in Germany, and the Swedish-made Saab 9-3. In the U.S., Epsilon also will be used for the Pontiac Grand Am replacement. Bottom line is the Epsilon platform provides good bones for the Malibu sedan.
Malibu's body structure is rock solid to make it quiet and responsive as well as safe, presumably. Its steering is an electronic system to boost fuel economy, reduce noise and require less maintenance. It provides the driver with assistance at low speeds, such as in parking lots, and less at highway speeds for better feel.
Engineers have deliberately tuned the steering, handling and ride to be smack dab in between the Accord's firmness and the Camry softness. We think it was exactly the right decision. The rock solid body structure provided us with a very quiet and comfortable ride yet still allowed us a relatively spirited driving experience.