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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Maxx - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Crystal I Groves - May 2 - 10:46 amCoolant system sucks
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LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING???? - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By amberdawn - November 25 - 9:49 pmJan. 2010 I was pregnant with my 3rd child, and also dealing with the death of my mother. I needed a car that was reliable and safe for my kids. I loved how the car was small enough for me, but roomy enough for the kids. Test drive went great. Got the car home and seat broke, handles on seats broke, gas leak made baby very sick, power locks possessed, power steering freezes at times, cruise control works when it wants, horn honks randomly but not when its needed, CD ate my CDs and refuses to give them back, seat belts, brakes, wheels, etc. Seems to me that someone was extremely doped up when they built this car. Unsafe! Unfair to us consumers with high maint. bills. [non-permissible content removed]
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But a better car. - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By buzzcut73 - February 27 - 8:18 pmI have owned my Maxx since early 2008. I have had many problems with this car. The front end shakes violently when braking (I tried new pads, discs, tires, resurfacing, inspections...etc...) The Maxx has electrical issues with wipers, fuel caps, temp sensors, map sensors, security system, etc... I would recommend considering a different car. I am surprised this car received the accolades that it did, there seems to be no reason to own it.
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I was robbed by GM. - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Kim - December 9 - 1:10 amMy husband talked me into getting this car. What a nightmare! I have to take it to the dealership for warranty work about once per month. There is something loose in the dashboard. Twice the rotors had to be resurfaced. The brakes still drag. Power steering only functions about half of the time. Service does not know why. Sunroof leaks. Squeeks and rattles everywhere. The roadnoise is deaftening. Starter keeps turning over after car has started. It drives like a 5 year old car. The only reason that I keep the thing is the $8000 difference between what I owe and trade in value. If I can find an aggressive dealership, I will unload this lime ASAP.
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A nightmare from GM - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By George - October 22 - 3:53 amBought this car, went "American" despite advice of friends. Major reliabilty problems from the start (the body control module went out after 3 weeks, could have had a major loss of all electrical functions at high speed!)compounded by the absolute worst, rudest service (had my wife in tears) I have ever received from any company of any kind, ever. The steering is barely adequate and the brakes are dangerously slow. Their are some good features about this car, but overall it has been a disaster, and GM as a supporting company a nightmare. We found out first-hand why they are going broke.
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Lame-mobile - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By kmduym - July 29 - 5:54 amMy husband and I purchased this car just over a year ago. We should have kept shopping. This vehicle is incredibly boring. From the exterior, it looks promising as a cute, responsible hatchback from an American-made car company. We had visions of fuel economy cresting 30mpg. We have held consistent at 21mpg. I would understand the low mpgs if the 6-cylinder could actually haul -- but it drives like a dog. Furthermore, the handling is so poor, with an overbearing torque-steer that sends you into a.) oncoming traffic or b.) the ditch. Not worth the money. Boring to drive. Cheaply made (rreeaallllyy cheaply made). A true disappointment.
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Buyers Beware - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Jennifer Davis - March 21 - 4:00 amI have had a lot of problems with this car over the years. Researching a little I discovered that many people have had the same problems. The latest problem is the engine deciding to shut off while in the middle of driving. There doesnt seem to be any clear direction as to what causes this. Within the first 3 months of purchasing the car I started having brake problems. I had to get the brakes replaced within 6 months. The "DAB" warning shows up periodically (the dealership says it is not anything wrong and they just clear it). My CD player still doesnt work (2 replacements).
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Dont Waste Your Money! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Jon Sarver - April 30 - 4:00 pmThis car has been a lemon. It has 62,000 miles on it and we have had the water pump go out, a fuel pump fail, the real view mirror falls off, the back seat breaks. The interior is fraying and has been since 30,000 miles. The gas mileage is good on the open highway, but less than 18 miles per gallon in the city. The GM President admitted that the company cut corners the last several years in production. This car is a perfect example of numerous corners that have been comprormised to pay for expensive union health car and retirement.
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We got a lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By GLen - November 24 - 2:30 pmRight up front, the stock tires are crap in deep snow. The car does fine with replacement tires from Firestone, but you should add the cost of new tires if you get severe winters where you live. At 17,000 miles the timing chain snapped and destroyed the engine. At 34,000 miles the steering column and other parts of the power steering had to be replaced defective. Since the 36,000 mile warranty ended both ball joints and control arms have been replaced as well as the right CV. And from about 40,000 miles on its idle and general feel have been getting generally bad in feel, like something else is about to go. Worse than the 175,000 mile Ford Taurus we traded in for it.
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WHAT A JOKE - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By tloe - July 3 - 1:06 pmWhen I purchased this vehicle I had to take it back in for problems..I heard a noise in the engine. Then I had to take it back again because when i drive in the rain it blows under the glass and leaks on my feet...and still have the same problem...Then i took it back for front end work..Then i took it for the sensors on the wheels had to be replaced. It has been to the shop 6 times and still have the same problems and now it has a knock in the engine at 49,000 it shouldnt do that..I keep the maintenance up, however it doesnt help..I just put new rotors and brakes on it and the front end shakes...this is a lemon of a car and I hate it...the dealers dont care to fix the problems correctly.
