Amazon.com offers great deals on lots of car accessories, including cherry themed car mats. Currently a set of four car mats with cherry graphics printed on them is only 19.95.

You should not get generic mats from a local store, for the very reason which you cited. The mats for your car actually depend on not only the make and model of the car, but also on the year it was manufactured. The easiest way to determine which mats are right for your Malibu is to order them online, since online retailers allow you to search for your specific car. The 'custom' mats are generally in the $20 - $50 range, and you can have them shipped to your doorstep; online is definitely the way to go. A good website to begin your search is www.autoanything.com; it has a decently intuitive setup, and a quick search will provide you with several options.

Car covers can protect your car from most diry, pollen, and other small items. However, it will not protect it very well from things like hail, or other sharp or hard objects. It is best to keep your car in a garage if you face this type of weather, and will still need to wash it every so often.