Less overtly sporty compared to Maxx variant the 2004-series Malibu is winning friends thanks to its mixture of virtues, such as styling that is a match for Japanese contenders, high quality, and good packaging; it shares a lot of its floor pan using the Saab 9-3, GM Europe Vectra, and Pontiac Grand Am.

America is starting to come to terms using the notion of front wheel drive – no real surprise once the package is as well toned as this.

Low-key looks are deliberate; the model takes about the Toyota Camry and suchlike, so expect no dramatics in the styling department.