Malibu is a very good car, it is the best non volt car in the entire GM lineup. Unfortunately, the Nissan Altima is not very good, it is unbelievably good with better accel and handling than the Malibu, better gas mileage, better looking, might be roomier and is a little cheaper.
The Volt is a class leader in an electric vehicle with a gas generator for back up. Next year the Volt may not be class leader, but for now it is.
My FIL is so in love with his Cruz he keeps a cover on it all year round.