I had second thoughts. The price was dropped $1000, sure, but the price of the individual missing options (as viewed in the LE price list, since they are optional on the LE) was $2000. Not a good deal at all. So we canceled the base 2008 and went with a loaded 2007. A lot more luxury than I originally was after, but we can afford it.
One could say they won't really take off until they can be more affordable, however since they can easily sell every one they get (at least around here) they really don't have any reason to charge less.
I don't know about the Malibu, but both the Accord and Altima have Hybrids, although the Accord Hybrid is a flop in the market and the Altima has limited availability. The real problem is the roughly $3000 price premium to get the hybrid. And the $1000 price drop it seems actually made that even larger.