Overview & Reviews

Like, um, seedless watermelon, the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx was the end result of selective, consumer-friendly design. Seedless watermelon was created because consumers love watermelon but hate spitting out seeds. Launched in model-year 2004, the midsize Malibu Maxx was created because many consumers like the utility of wagons but want the cooler look and style offered by sedans.

Most Recent Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Hoping to avoid any potential stigma, Chevrolet describes the Malibu Maxx as a "five-door extended sedan." Built on a lengthened version of GM's Epsilon platform, the Maxx has a hatch-type rear door and a glass roof over the rear seat. And unlike the sedan that offers both four- and six-cylinder engines, the Maxx comes with V6 power only.

Its hatchback design makes loading the Chevy Malibu Maxx effortless. The rear cargo area has 22.8 cubic feet of space available (about 8 more than the average midsize sedan's trunk) and folding down the rear seats opens up 41 cubic feet. Further versatility is gained by rear seats that slide forward and back -- either side of the 60/40 setup will slide independently with a 7-inch range of adjustment. Other strengths include an agreeable ride and outstanding crash test scores.

All in all, the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx is a great choice if you're seeking utility at an affordable price -- provided you don't take issue with its drab looks and unremarkable handling. Those seeking brisker performance can choose the SS trim (launched in 2006), which comes with a more powerful engine.

Alas, the Malibu Maxx has not been a particularly popular offering for Chevy, and it was announced that the car would be discontinued after the 2007 model year. More information about the Malibu can be found here.

User Reviews:

• 

  Salesman Swears Off Minivans - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hiramT - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Delighted with this solid, feature- packed, versatile car. Nice pickup; great room for 4 adults; switches to office or hauler. Build quality 97% of wifes Accord, but lots more features for the money. This is the best domestic in its class, and may be a better buy for anyone looking at an import. Everyones surprised at the comfort, ride, and handling.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Ed - June 25 - 9:10 pm

  I have owned the car new since Feb. 2004. Have very few mechanical issues and have loved everything about it. Very comfortable road car and great power for a 6 cyl. MPG has been great, take it on road trips often and the AVG. MPG is almost 31 in and out of town (I dont reset the avg very often. Actually tried buying another new one two years ago but for some reason GM doesnt build them any more. Great family vehicle for the kids, and with the hatch and fold down seats (front and rear) turns into a "truck" when I need one. Only issue I have had is with the electronic steering (Saab) and have had it repaired.

• 

  76,000 Miles and Sweet Malibu Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By dbadcraig - June 8 - 2:30 pm

  This is a car I did not care for much at first, but we needed another car and the price was right. Well, the car has really grown on me and I now love it. I am incredulous of the odometer reading, this car drives more like a car with 7,600 miles on it (not 76,000). The engine and transmission are wonderful, delivering a good +33 mpg on the highway. Not a drop of oil used. The ride/handling compromise is perfect for everyday use. The electric steering is different, but easy to get used to. Negatives: 1. noise (a "clunk") in the front end in low speed turns that appears to be a common characteristic of the electric steering, 2. the cars heater is slow to warm up the car on cold days.

• 

  Hellava Ride from GM - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bruce - June 5 - 3:40 am

  GM is finally starting to wake-up. Lots of planning went into this vehicle. Never had a car with remote start, heated seats before. Now dont think I would want to be without. Enjoy sitting in the back and watching a movie with her on a long trip.

• 

  12 yrs and still going strong - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Paul - May 18 - 3:30 pm

  We bought this Mailibu Maxx in August of 2005 and the only issues have been with the steering and one tierod joint. GM made good on the steering issue and beyond that it has been a rock solid vehicle. The gas mileage is always around 24-26 MPG. The V-6 engine gives this car the power to really get up to speed fast and is smooth and quiet. The hatch back design makes for a real hauler of just about everything you can imagine and with the rear seat down we used it as our ski car for years. It has great traction in snow and ice. We now have about 85,000 miles and the only thing besides the steering issue that was taken care of by GM is we replaced the battery. Not bad for 10 years of service. My only complaint is the amount of road noise when on the freeway. They could have done a better job of noise isolation. My only regret is they dont make this car anymore. I would like to find something like this other than a Cadillac CT-S that has all the features and functions of this wonderful car. We found this car to be a real value when we bought it and looking at the prices of used Maxxs they have held up over time. The 3500 V6 is a lot of power in a car this size. You cant help but be impressed. Also, it handles the curves and hills quite well. I hope GM will eventually bring this car back we have tried newer cars like the Subaru Outback and found it lacking in power and acceleration we are used to with our Chevy Maxx. update 2-23-2017: We have now had our Maxx for nearly 12 years and over 100k miles. I just put my second set of tires, replaced the brakes, spark plugs and wires, and drained and replace transmission filter (scheduled maintenance items). This car gets garaged every day and washed regularly with that said the paint, a metallic champagne green still looks like new. We have had no mechanical surprises with this car. It gets great mileage at around 24-26 mpg on a regular basis. My wife loves this car with its hatchback for all the things she transports for her church. She also has to child protective seats installed in the rear seat as she babysits our grand kids 3 days each week. We really like the power of the V-6 engine and would not consider a new Malibu unless it has the V-6 option. Mpg is one thing but under-powered is not something I would consider. All in all, we are still very happy with the decision to buy this car. update: August 2017... The CD changer quit working a couple of weeks ago. Found a factory new radio on ebay delivered to my door for $118. Now all I have to do is either install it myself or hire it done. The whole dash has to come apart in order to change out the radio. I t appears to be pretty straight forward but will take some time. Other than the radio issue the car remains rock solid.

• 

  Love our Max! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Paulmary - May 16 - 6:46 pm

  We had a Volkswagen Jetta, but with two boys over 6 feet, there was no leg room! Lots in the Max, I like sunroof and heated seats.

• 

  just thought the Maxx would be more... - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By oct 2005 - May 4 - 5:30 pm

  Great acceleration w/the v-6 engine. Left with doubts about brakes and steering and the sub-standard braking. Had to replace rear brake pads @ 58000 miles. What A Pity!!! Then you have the interest with the intermediate steering arm assemblies that have given so much crap to those who have purchased the electric power steering groups.

• 

  Maxxed Out Mamma - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Sharon V. - May 1 - 8:26 pm

  Ive owned this car for two months now, and still cant wait to drive it every day. As a realtor, you couldnt ask for a better vehicle. Tons of back leg room and great cargo space that fits all my signs. People stare at the car all the time when Im driving it. Those who do approach me about it cant believe its a Malibu. I almost didnt test drive it because it was a Malibu. I really wanted the Impala SS. But after comparing everything, the Maxx SS won hands down. Drive this car before you make a decision to buy and youll be hooked too!

• 

  I love my 2004 MAXX - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GypsieRose - April 30 - 4:13 am

  I had been driving Saabs for years before I bought this Maxx. I had also owned Mercedes, Corvette, Tahoe, Cadillac and Chryslers. This Maxx is the perfect car for me at 62. I am 4ft 8in tall and the adjustable pedals and steering wheel afforded me to drive for the first time in many years without a cushion and being forced up against the steering wheel. The mileage on freeway is avg 37mpg! Great handling. Kicks butt when you punch it to pass, cruises at 70 like a dream. I love the hatchback for hauling stuff. All are comfortable in seats/roomy. The price was affordable. Next time I will get leather heated seats. I love the lines. Not one hiccup yet! I love this car!

• 

  Best Buy - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Kent - April 28 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased my Malibu Maxx in Dec of 2005 and already have 50,000 miles of trouble free, economical and handy driving. I say handy because the interior layout of the Maxx accomodates a 8 foot ladder with room to spare. I have averaged over 38 mpg several times driving I95 in Florida. I have rented a Dodge Caliber while traveling and find that it is no comparison to the Maxx. The Caliber is noisy and the interior is not nearly as nice as the Maxx. With the deals out there I highly recommend the Maxx. An excellent value that is underappreciated by most buyers.