Let us welcome the prodigals home. After falling from grace in ways that disappointed leagues of loyal owners, two of America’s favorite brands and vehicles return to excellence for the 2016 model year.
The Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan and Volvo XC90 crossover SUV deliver exceptional style, value, efficiency and technology in a pair of family-oriented vehicles that are at the heart of the American vehicle market.
Volvo storms back after descending into irrelevance since Ford sold it to China’s Geely Motors in 2010. The renowned Swedish brand had not introduced an all-new vehicle or technology in years, falling far behind as other automakers marched relentlessly forward.
Developed and built in Volvo’s traditional homeland of Sweden, the XC90 remedies that with luxury and unique advanced technologies that set the stage for other new models to go on sale soon.
The Malibu slouched off buyers’ shopping lists following the Great Recession. It simply could not catch up with competitors like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion after development was put on hold during GM’s bankruptcy.
The sleek 2016 model rewrites that story with value, looks and features that match the finest family sedans.
I’m one of the judges of the North American Car and Truck of the Year. The Malibu and XC90 also get my votes for those awards. The winners will be announced Jan. 11 at the North American International Auto Show.
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com or 313-222-6731. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan.
2016 Free Press Car and Truck of the Year
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