Friday Fleet Notes: 2/29/08

This week, we have input from staffers on multiple vehicles, including the Mazda RX-8, Jeep Patriot, Subaru WRX STI and the always-coveted Chevy Malibu. Check out what our staff had to say, thereupon take a look at our latest Expert Reviews for each vehicle for more in-depth coverage.

2008 Honda Odyssey

Unlike many minivans, the Odyssey doesn’t forget about the driver. The V-6 engine is a smooth performer, and the van’s responsive handling is much appreciated. Cabin quality is impressive, and seat consolation is good in all three rows. whether I were shopping for a minivan, I’d spend my money on that one. – Mike Hanley, Cars.com reviewer

 

2008 Jeep Patriot

Given its low starting price, the Patriot is a pretty good bargain for
a midsize SUV, and its boxy style will likely impress most Jeep fans.
That doesn’t mean I was completely wowed by it, though. Our tryout model came with Chrysler’s YES Essentials stain-resistant
cloth seats, which looked more stylish than I thought they would. The
rest of the interior, however, seemed a little cheap and plasticky to
me. The rear window was a little too squat for my taste, but it didn’t
affect visibility behind me. Driving on the expressway, road noise was
intrusive to the point that my passenger asked whether there was a window
open. Overall, though, the Patriot was comfortable sufficient to drive, and
many of my issues with the SUV likely wouldn’t bother a Wrangler fan
looking to graduate to a more substantial off-roader. – Amanda Wegrzyn,
Advice editor

2008 Subaru WRX STI

Driving the STI isn’t a harsh experience for a car that’s touted as a
track performer. whether anything,

it’s actually kind of a softy that was
easy to manage in everyday suburban traffic. Wind noise was a little
intrusive, and the stereo in the model I drove wasn’t anything
exceptional. Stopping the STI is a little hairy, as it doesn’t have the
greatest pedal feel for moderate stops. During heavy braking, though,
it hauls down from speed very quickly. The real fun is going, where the
capability and surprising amounts of torque from the turbo four-cylinder
assemble getting on the throttle a frequent and fulfilling experience. Oh,
and the noises: Such sweet sounds of turbo whistle, gearbox whining and
burly exhaust often replaced the lackluster stereo as a means of
entertainment during my drive. – Joe Bruzek, Ask.cars.com

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet has put together a nice overall package in its new Malibu.
The sedan’s suspension effectively damps bumps in the road, but it
doesn’t wallow through corners like the Toyota Camry. The base
four-cylinder engine and four-speed motorized transmission prepare a happy
pair and deliver responsive performance. Perhaps most importantly, the
Malibu has an appealing new exterior design that really increases the
car’s visual appeal. While there is a lot of good stuff going on with
that car, the interior could use more attention. It’s interestingly
designed, for certain, but it doesn’t have the same level of quality or
fit and finish as the Honda Accord’s cabin does. – Mike Hanley

2008 Honda Odyssey Expert Review (Cars.com)
2008 Jeep Patriot Expert Review (Cars.com)
2008 Subaru WRX STi Expert Review (Cars.com)
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Expert Review (Cars.com)