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:

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  To good to be true - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Herb - October 11 - 9:23 pm

  The first 3 years the car was an absolute joy to drive.Then after 50,000 kilometers the third stop light failed. And now the transmission cable broke. The problem is that the dealer cannot find a replacement in North America. They even checked scrap yards to no avail. They contacted GM and were told the part wont be available till August. This is a 5 year old car with 78,000 kilometers, and parts are already hard to locate. The dealer is trying his best, but it seems GM does not care.

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  Flexibility - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Southern Living - October 8 - 1:03 pm

  First, I dont buy foreign cars! When we moved to North Carolina from up north we didnt have much need for our Blazers 4WD but still needed the ability to haul around things, including a LARGE German Shepherd. The MAXX gets better MPG than other American SUVs we saw while still having SUV type space.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Steve - October 6 - 6:26 pm

  This is the best value I have ever owned in a car. I purchased for $13,400 2.5 yrs ago and still worth 10- 10.5k, just got 33 mpg on a 200 mile trip going 62mph. Great handling and acceleration. Quiet motor, hasnt seen the dealer since I have owned it. Purchased with 11k, now has 52.5k. Chose over an Impala since designed and handled like a more expensive import.

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  I like it - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Joe - September 13 - 5:43 am

  I have had my Malibu Maxx for several months and love it. I especially am pleased with the mileage with the cost of gas nowadays. It has a lot of qualities that are useful like the Driver information System that tell you the mileage, gives names of songs on the radio, sigalerts etc. I have found no problems with the steering or the brakes that has been referred to. The seats are very comfortable and the leg room is appreciated for a big guy like me.

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  Hits most of the high notes - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Mark - August 31 - 5:10 pm

  I wanted to junk the SUV but didnt want to give up on versitility. The Maxx was a perfect compromise. Easy access to the rear, thanks to the wide doors and movable rear seats, and the cargo area has plenty of room - I even stowed a 7-0" Christmas tree with my toddler in the back seat and my wife in the front seat - with the hatch down!!! The car handles well but I kinda miss the turning radius of the SUV. I thought Id feel uncomfortable sitting lower but not at all - now I can get out of the way faster... Overall, Im very pleased, and as a friend of mine said - I cant beleive this is a Chevy....

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  My first new car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Carlos - August 29 - 5:10 am

  This was my first new car, previously I owned a 98 cadillac Catera. The performance of the "200" horsepower V6 is incredible, the push button sport shift is precise, smooth, and makes for one fun drive. I am a big kid and like to sit in the back seat w/ my two daughters and play video games on the 7.5 inch LCD DVD screen. It gets way over 30 MPG (Id estimate around 34) on long highway trips. Last summer we were T-boned @ 30 MPH on the passenger side by a Tahoe, -the car is fine!! This is the first new car my wife/I have ever owned. We couldnt have done better.

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  Dont buy GM - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By JuliaG - August 27 - 10:10 am

  I have owned this car for less than a year (less than 70,000 miles) and it has had more than $3000 in repairs. The most recent issue for me was loss of power steering while on the highway. Its obvious to me that GM was aware of this safety issue, having issued a recall for the same year/make/model, although not including my VIN and they are not at all willing to assist me, although the dealership offered me a 10% discount on my bill. I will never again purchase a GM vehicle after the poor customer service I have received and vehicle quality I have experienced.

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  A good car! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By jeh0587 - August 25 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my Malibu Maxx used and I have had it for a little over a year now. It has done great in the winter and I love the power it has when I hit the gas. It is practical and all my friends want me to drive with it whenever we go out. Also with a cold air intake, the gas mileage and performance is a lot better then most cars.

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  Underrated - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By bigben26 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The Maxx is an impressive buy. It offers incredible features for a reasonable price, and it even turns heads... (thats free). Not regretting the purchase one bit.

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  Something Different - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By d8933 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  After driving it for a week, the Maxx has proven once again that Chevy is trying to compete with other hatchbacks in the market. The drive is smooth and quiet. The comfort level is good and sound system is nice. Fuel economy is yet to be determined for me.