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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  Created acount to post this.. - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By mpatricio - October 12 - 11:19 am

  This car my grandparents bought brand new. Was given to my mom and then to me. It currently has 229,000km now on it. Needs transmission work for afew years now. There is a knock in the car whenever you turn right, costs 500 bucks to fix. This car has 5 recalls on it atm.. for power steering which the steering cut out on me on the busy highway as I was merging. This car has had nothing but problems over the past 2-3 years. Changed the alternator like 5 times in 2 years. Constant little isuses, enver buying a gm after the 68 and counting recalls ALONE in 2014 for chevy.

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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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  So many things to say... - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By christiehall - December 16 - 7:10 pm

  Where to start? I bought this car from a used car lot in October 2011, with just over 100,000 miles for $6,500. The seat frame needed to be welded, and the other side did later. The water filter needed replacing, the belt broke in November 2011, left front wheel bearing broke in January 2012, air conditioner broke in May 2012, right front wheel bearing, spindle, hub cap, and others melted together in November 2012, as well as left front wheel bearing breaking again, back seat handle is broke, two remotes, CD player is jammed, shakes when braking, cruise control half works, etc. etc. Bad car, dont buy!

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  Horrible Interior Quality - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Andre Garcia - March 13 - 12:30 pm

  Bought the car with 8K Miles, when the car reached 12K Miles door panels (door seams) started to turn yellow because of poor quality material used, dealership claims that this is normal wear. Multiple other problems, noises and ratles inside the car. Many of the problems are still there, GM customer service says they cant do anything since the dealer said its normal wear and tear. The car itself is good, but I will have to sell it soon, before the whole interios falls apart. Will never buy another Chevrolet, no wonder they are in such financial problems. Would not recomend this car to anyone.

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  Didnt Last Well - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By ChevNoMore - October 13 - 9:36 am

  Bought with 42k miles. Right away, started to have trouble starting and the headlights wobble causing a flicker effect (Ive noticed this on many other Malibu Ive seen at night). Both things were fixed, light problem started again soon after. Drivers door doesnt always stay open, has shut on my leg many times! Around 50k started to shudder at moderate speeds and when braking. At around 60k CD player started to not accept and/or not spit out CDs. The best part: 60k, 5 year old car, a pin shears off, the timing chain snaps, and $4000+ worth of engine damage- almost the bluebook of the car!!! Chevy covered some of the repair costs, but not enough in my opinion- it was a manufacturing defect.

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  Malibu Maxximum Repairs Required - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By thirstyduck - July 20 - 5:13 am

  This vehicle is a fair amount of fun to drive, with plenty of power and good fuel economy. The hatch is convenient, and the backseat is very roomy. To date, we have had our vehicle in for numerous repairs to the front end. Poor quality materials used have resulted in replacing the rotors more than once. The entire steering column had to be replaced a few days after purchase. Last week, a part in the steering column had to be replaced at a whopping $500.00! The control arm on the front end, and the struts also went out, among other repairs!

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  Watch Out for Safety Issues - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Stout - April 15 - 5:16 am

  I have had this vehicle in the shop 10 times in last year. Rear hatch leaked and took two trips to repair. Front seat broke due to faulty seat metal. Now the steering has major issues that Chevy says their aware of but cant fixed. Mine locked up from stop position with wheels turned to right. During right turns your drivers side front end sounds like it is coming out the hood and floor board. Steering makes terrible sounds while turning. Braking at 50 mph and above the vehicle front end shakes violently. I have paper from GM service that brakes are OK. Dont by this car used. It is unsafe.

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  Good comfortable car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By joe - December 5 - 2:00 pm

  Though the Maxx (looking at it as a sedan)is not the best looking in its class, the versatility cant be beat. Very comfortable and easy to drive, exceptionally quiet for a Chevy, almost as much room as a midsize SUV (how often do we really haul stuff?), and better mileage than same. My commute is 40 min. one way. The LT gives you enough creature comforts (that, and saving $10,000) to pacify those of us who almost went to the next level and bought that Maxima....almost.

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  2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By aundy28570 - December 5 - 12:25 am

  Just brought this car with 151000 miles. Little high but figured if previous owner kept up maintenance like they said then would be ok for a little while considering seemed to be a reasonable deal. Had for 5 days and already to dealership to find out multiple problems. After reading reviews some of these should be recalled such as power steering gear, serp belt needs replacing, remote intermittently works and few times problems with starting. Other problems include replacing oil pan gasket and side mirror switch. I am so dissapointed and to make matters worse the dealership is really high on labor. The mirrors and remote key is not a big issue but the other problems can be safety concerns!!!

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  First american car Chevy Malibu - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By ryanbowman77 - November 2 - 11:22 am

  I like the for getting me to school and it has been reliable since ibought it 4.5 months ago. My Mazda 6 would take anyday over the Malibu The outside is plane no nice lines and the interior look like a 3 year old drew it out