During Halloween people often dress up and pretend to be something they are not. Well automakers do this with cars every day. Most of the time it's a car with a rather ordinary architecture and foundation squeezed into a costume that makes the car appear more powerful, luxurious, sporty or prestigious than reality.

The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu also is disguised as something that hides its origin. But its foundation exceeds its outward appearance.

In the super competitive segment of economical midsize sedans, models like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and even Mazda 6 make for brutal competition. General Motors had to introduce an all new Malibu that exceeded expectations and could still be bought for under $25,000. The base Malibu starts at $18,995.

My experience this week with the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu left me somewhat confused. First impressions should not be the judge of this vehicle. While the new crisp clean lines of this new Malibu are pleasing, the body hides the real excitement and value of the "Epsilon Platform" currently shared by the Saab 9-3 and Opal Vectra.

Just as a foundation in a house is important, so is the basic architecture or foundation of an automobile. This new Epsilon architecture produces a world class driving experience by providing a much stiffer foundation for the more solid and quite ride than the previous Malibu. The advanced chassis and suspension are from a European luxury performance sedan and disguised as a midsize economy sedan.

Inside the new 2004 Chevrolet Malibu the deception continues. The soft touch thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) interior trim may have double the life of conventional materials by resisting fading and sun damage but it does not inspire a feeling of prestige and luxury. However as I enjoyed the extensive benefits of this feature-laden sedan, I did not miss the pretentious fake wood that many near-luxury cars use.

My test vehicle was the LT version with loads of attractive accessories such as XM radio, the 6-disc in-dash CD player and OnStar system. The most exciting accessory for a gadget lover like myself was the remote starter system, standard on the LT. Imagine on cold days starting the vehicle and having the climate control reach the target temperature before you leave your home of office.

With an equipment list exceeding most luxury sedans, you will find many of these luxuries become necessities once experienced. For instance, how do shorter people get by without the adjustable pedals and tilt-telescopic steering wheel for perfect individual fit? Of course heated, perforated suede like leather seats are simply not expected on domestic mid size sedans. Rear seat passengers are treated to a spacious environment with plenty of legroom for even the tallest person.

When you talk Malibu, performance is not something you would expect to discuss but even this is deceptive. The 3.5L V6 is standard on the LS and LT and at 200hp provides almost too much power for a car weighing slightly over 3,300 pounds. Many people would be shocked to find the 200 hp 2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT will outperform the 1975 Corvette that produced only 165hp. Of course it does this with and EPA rating on the highway of 32 MPG and a city rating of 23MPG.

In addition to power this is a vehicle has a safety pedigree that includes standard four-wheel disc anti lock brakes with traction control. Head curtain air bags complement the crash protection devices and the more important crash avoidance features.

Just a few generations ago much of America was inhabited by broke farmers whose world consisted of the ten miles their horse could travel in a day. But the adoption of the automobile has changed America for the better. Locally one in five are employed in some segment of the automotive business. Kansas is home for two automotive assembly plants both producing new versions of popular vehicles. The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is produced right here in Kansas City, Kansas, and every purchase of this vehicle helps to keep your neighbors employed.

Space will not permit me to continue to extol the virtues of this deceptive vehicle. The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is really the heart and soul of a luxury performance sedan, shoehorned into the skin of a midsize economical domestic sedan. It may not have the prestige of a European luxury sport sedan but it certainly has the pedigree and foundation. This time you get more than you bargained for.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu

Base Price $22,870
Price as tested: $25,720

www.chevrolet.com

Available now at your local Chevrolet dealer

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