DETROIT — The Chevrolet Malibu, a hometown product that is proving to be a serious competitor against its Japanese rivals, won the 2008 North American Car of the Year award on Sunday at the kickoff of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The Mazda CX-9 was named 2008 North American Truck of the Year.
"I can't tell you how gratifying it is to get this kind of validation from the experts," wrote General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz in the GM FastLane blog on Sunday after the awards were handed out.
The Chevrolet Malibu was pitted against the Cadillac CTS and the Honda Accord in the final round of voting by 46 North American men and women who review cars for a living. The Mazda CX-9 went up against the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in the final round. Last year, General Motors swept the 2007 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards, which were won by the Saturn Aura and the Chevrolet Silverado.
"Mazda's never done one like the CX-9, yet nails the bull's eye first time out," said juror James Healey, the auto critic at USA Today. "A sweet combination of utility, sportiness and thoughtful design."
Juror Jim Mateja of the Chicago Tribune described the Malibu as a "promise delivered."
What this means to you: Some of the toughest critics in North America reserved their highest praise for the Malibu and CX-9. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
"I can't tell you how gratifying it is to get this kind of validation from the experts," wrote General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz in the GM FastLane blog on Sunday after the awards were handed out.
The Chevrolet Malibu was pitted against the Cadillac CTS and the Honda Accord in the final round of voting by 46 North American men and women who review cars for a living. The Mazda CX-9 went up against the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in the final round. Last year, General Motors swept the 2007 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards, which were won by the Saturn Aura and the Chevrolet Silverado.
"Mazda's never done one like the CX-9, yet nails the bull's eye first time out," said juror James Healey, the auto critic at USA Today. "A sweet combination of utility, sportiness and thoughtful design."
Juror Jim Mateja of the Chicago Tribune described the Malibu as a "promise delivered."
What this means to you: Some of the toughest critics in North America reserved their highest praise for the Malibu and CX-9. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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