Chevrolet Malibu

Lest you think the Malibu is here as our token domestic car, let me make this perfectly clear: The Malibu earned its place on the Best New Cars of 2008 entirely on its own merits. Compared to its Japanese and European competitors, the Malibu is quiet, comfortable, and exceptionally well trimmed out. And aside from the somewhat-dorky taillights, it's also quite handsome -- much better looking in person than it is in pictures. It still remains to be seen whether American buyers will put their trust in the Malibu; build quality will remain an unknown until the first few owners start racking up the miles. One thing we do know: Feature for feature and dollar for dollar, the Malibu has what it takes to run with the Camry, Accord and Altima.