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:

• 

  A nice suprise from Chevrolet - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Renee - December 8 - 2:50 pm

  I had honestly not heard of this car until I visited the dealership. I had come in for an Impala and drove away with the Maxx! I liked it instantly, and test drove alot of cars. I was looking at the Ford Fusion for the same price, but the Maxx offered a standard V6, ABS, and a remote starter for less, and drove better! You truly get a lot for your money.

• 

  A big guy in it - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By fell&dontwhat2getup - December 5 - 7:33 am

  We have had this car for over a year now. The dealership has always treated us right weve have had a few problems, but you can count on that for a new model in the 1st year. Down to the bottom line, would I make the same purchage again? Now I love my truck and I brought this for the wife to commute [174 miles a day]. The anwser is YES. Just wish the inside had a little bit more higher end plastics.Things pop off at times w/ no problems poping them back on. By the way Im 62" 285lbs and I fit in this w/ no problem.

• 

  Love this car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Maxxoliver - December 4 - 12:03 am

  This is the second Maxx for us. The first one had about all the problems possible in one car. We got a buyback on that one and bought another. This is the most versatile car we have ever owned. The rear stereo DVD system is great. The kids and the grandkids can listen to and watch their own music or DVD. On a long trip that is a really good thing.The mileage is really good and it is very comfortable. So much fun to drive it is hard to share. The latch system for child safety seats is one of the greatest safety features along with all of the airbags. We love the look, the ride and overall everything about this car.

• 

  Good car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By raji - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Malibu Maxx is very reliable and fun to drive. Pick up is good and reasonably priced compared to Honda or Toyota. With DVD option my kids love it that makes me to drive comfortably.

• 

  Great, well-rounded car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By 2005 Malibu Maxx - November 3 - 7:36 pm

  I purchased this car used and have had it for about 3 months now. In this time, I have come to love the style, comfort, and reliability this car offers. I feel safe in it and love to drive it. For the 3.5L engine, it gives off lots of pep and still gets great gas mileage (I consistently get 26-30 MPG mixed driving). It also offers great versatility with the folding down seats and huge rear cargo space. Even with 80k on it, it drives like a new car and is just right for me. The only thing I dislike about the model is that they discontinued making it after 07!

• 

  Love This Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GrandMaxx - November 1 - 8:00 pm

  Am a "mature" woman & love the sporty look. People are always asking "what car is that?" Handles well and have taken several short trips (300miles) and me & a passenger have been comfortable. Love the hatchback-lots of room and easy to load & unload. Headrests are a bother-rearview obstructed-will try switching with back ones as someone has suggested. Fold down rear & passenger seat a plus. My son & daughter even enjoy driving it!

• 

  What a Deal - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By d_vicsik.rm - October 24 - 6:53 pm

  Had to buy a car capable of handling my wife and I, two toddlers, and our three dogs (Great Dane, Boxer, Jack Russell). With the back seat slid forward (but back enough to allow legroom), the dog gate to the rear hatch is large enough to hold the Boxer and Great Dane. On a recent trip to Houston, I averaged 32 MPG on the highway at 70 MPH. Handling is borderline fun though the electric steering seems to sometimes lose the drivers intent and seems to emphasize torque steer at times during hard acceleration. With the dogs out and the back seat slid back, its a limo!

• 

  Maxx LT is awesome - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By cronin722 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  A very fun and fast car. The console makes the front tight but the leg room is great in the front and back.

• 

  Sporty get up and go - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Deannie - October 1 - 12:53 am

  This car is fun and relaxing to drive and park, it has a great turning radius and can get into hard to park places. My husband loves that. I love the roominess and the skylights in the rear and our moonroof in the front. Plus we go sattelite radio and I love that also. A 6 disc CD player , the sound is great. It has all the goodies that I would expect in a more pricey car. It is quiet, the engine is low sounding and no outside noises coming in, has power when you need it and handles well on ice and snow. The brakes are really good and so far we get an average of 27.6 mpg. We are very happy with it and reccommend it to all.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GM BELIEVER - September 24 - 1:43 am

  Why arent there more on the road? This car offers you everything for a reasonable price. I have the top of the line LT and can not think of an option that I still would want; heated seats, tilt & telescoping steering wheel, remote start (which I can never live without again!) power moonroof, etc. It has plenty of pep and handles and rides great. It has enough cargo room to move a student to college. The only gripes are the intrusive "A" pillars and lousy OEM tires and brake rotors. Other than that, people are missing out on the Maxx revolution!