The buzz from the enthusiast community is that the midsize Chevrolet Malibu is the driving equal of the popular Toyota Camry. The Malibu is equal to or better than an equivalently equipped Camry on most other levels, too, from fit and finish, to value, to performance.

When the latest Malibu was introduced, it won the 2008 North American Car of the Year award, and it has consistently made it into the top 20 best-seller list this year.

Critics praise the Malibu, which starts at $22,545 (MSRP) in four-cylinder LS trim. The four-cylinder Malibu LS is the best-selling model in the Malibu lineup and comes with a single drivetrain: A 2.4-liter twin-cam with variable valve timing (VVT) driving the front wheels through a transverse four-speed automatic transmission. You can move up to the Malibu LT model and get a six-speed automatic, which boosts fuel efficiency on the highway with an EPA rating of 30 mpg to 33 mpg.

In addition, the six-speed has a much lower first gear, so launching the car from a stop feels much quicker, even with the same 169-hp 2.4-liter. The leather seat-equipped Malibu LTZ is powered by a quick-revving 252-hp V6 and six-speed automatic. The 3.6-liter twin-cam variable valve timing V6 is optional on the LT, which comes standard with the six-speed automatic.

There is also a Malibu Hybrid model. It uses the same 2.4-liter engine and four-speed transmission and adds an electric boost motor to achieve an EPA score of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

For 2010, the Malibu gets three new colors, a bright white, a brown and a gray color that replace a dark gray, a bronze “Golden Pewter” and a silver color. In addition, the 2.4-liter engine has been modified to run on E85, which is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The E85 blend is available at almost 2,200 fuel stations across the U.S.

Malibu is 191 inches long, nine inches shorter than Chevy’s Impala. Malibu is also a bit lighter than its sibling Impala is, and its wheelbase is longer, giving the smaller sedan the advantage of less weight overhanging the axles, so the electrically assisted steering on the LS is more precise, and the longer wheelbase allows for a smoother ride.

The Malibu LS absorbs bumps nicely, giving the car a nice road feel with the 16-inch tires more forgiving. All Malibu models run quietly on the highway and benefit from thick front side windows and liners in the doors, fenders, instrument panel and trunk that absorb noise.

Similar size Accords have a slightly longer overall length and shorter wheelbase, again giving an advantage to the Malibu. Camrys, too, have more overhang front and rear. In addition to the ride advantages for the Chevy, critics also attribute the shorter overhangs for making the Malibu look better than the Toyota and Honda, calling Malibu handsome, fit and trim.

Standard equipment for the Chevrolet Malibu LS includes GM’s OnStar telematics system with turn-by-turn navigation, XM Satellite Radio, six airbags, antilock brakes and StabiliTrak traction control and a 110-volt power outlet. These features are standard on most of the Malibu’s competitors, but it’s superior fuel economy, trim looks and refined driving characteristics that set the Malibu apart.