do not buy the malibu. it is simply a rebadged opel/vauxhall vectra, and in europe, these cars always get the worst ratings/are despised by all.
i find it humorous that the worst car in europe can come over here and everybody would love it, my, how stupid americans are about cars (and this is coming from a fellow american).
if you need a good mid-sized car, what is wrong with the camry/accord/altima? are these cars too good for you?