The Chevrolet Malibu represents GM's latest attempt to hit a home run in the family sedan market, a market the brand once owned. The best mid-sized sedan offered by GM, the Malibu is hamstrung by aging engine technology and conservative design. New models from Hyundai, Toyota and Ford are fresher and, in some cases, offer the consumer a significant savings over the ownership cycle based largely on better resale value. The new SS model may counter the base car's shortcomings, especially in the eyes of younger consumers.