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:

• 

  Will not buy again - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Craig - August 27 - 4:16 am

  Ive driven my Malibu for 7,500 miles now and if I could get out from under it without taking a bath it would be gone tomorrow. I drive 120 miles daily and this is the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned. The seat bases are far too short hitting me mid thigh and causing pain in my legs after only 20 minutes of driving. The electric power steering is a poor choice and needs more boost at highway speeds. An hour of driving and my hands are cramped. The suspension works great in town but on smooth blacktop it sets up a harmonic vibration at 45-65 mph that shakes the entire car...very poorly designed. Tranny does not shift into high without letting off the gas.

• 

  Not total happy with my Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By laurie28 - September 23 - 4:36 pm

  I bought my Maxx in late 2004. Steering issues every year. GM kept replacing steering. Finally used a "redesigned" component that solved the problems. Tire rods replaced. Recently had loss of power steering. started working after I stopped the car. Chevy will not check it out at no charge. New brakes after 1200 miles. Back seat lever broke off. Driver seat power adjustments broke. Remote start quit working. Key fobs with new batteries still wont open or lock doors. Hatch back wont open and when to Chevy 3 times to get it fixed. One thing. Great handling and acceleration!! I wont buy another GM vehicle. Ever.

• 

  "LEMON" - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Hoosier - June 18 - 6:10 pm

  Purchased used, 23K miles...had factory warranty remaining. Complete brake job (w/rotors)...steering clunking noise..."gremlins" in the car. Drove 124 miles saw temperature reading at Cold. Replaced thermostat, sender, rad. cap. Left front turn signal pigtail replaced, still having problems and right signal. Replaced remote start...still having problems. Replaced starter, still having problems trying to start. I have seen and spoke to others about car having similar or premature failures or not. I believe its main computer board failure...like brain failure. Some times it works and others!! These are not consumer problems...they are manufacturing problems (LEMONS). Fuel mileage ???

• 

  Crappy quality, stay away - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By zezaaa - January 20 - 10:00 am

  At the test drive I explain to the dealer that there is strange noise, the answer--this is a different car, engine sounds different. At 400 miles has several problems--including severe one: needs major transmission work! Dealership gives me headaches with repair--they would give me a rental car, but only for the first three days, and repairs will take longer. Not to "waste" my three days over the weekend, they let me take back my car but I "should drive the car as little as possible not to cause more damage"! GM customer service explained to me how I can ask coworkers/friends to drive me around or get a taxi!!! This is my fourth GM car in a row and this was my last GM one, end of story!

• 

  Grandma Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Matthew - October 19 - 12:40 pm

  This car is okay for packing kids or if you are looking for a SUV alternative, but as far as fun and eye stopping, no way. My friends ask me why I bought such a Grandma car. Well at the time I had no other choice the car I had was way too small and this was all they had. Now I wish everyday I would have kept my old car. I have had the power steering worked on twice. Once it went out while driving on the interstate. A new gas tank for unexplainable dents from the dealer, and when you go over bumps it sounds like the front end is going to fall out of it.

• 

  steering, ball joint, - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Gil - September 9 - 12:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle new and the first year was great. Power, handling, comfort, no repair. Then it started. I now have 90k miles, I replaced the rack and pinion steering column at 70k, the struts at 78k, the ball joints at 90k. The cruise control started giving me problems at 50k miles, goes off by itself. The shifter automatic stopped working right about the 50k miles range. I drive like a little old man, careful and slow and I maintain this vehicle at every squeak. I wouldnt buy another one.

• 

  Yikes! 3 Steering Racks in 3 Years - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Call me disappointed - February 23 - 12:43 pm

  No question, the Maxx gets great mileage (I average 29 mpg). And I love that the back and front passenger seats fold down to give lots of cargo room. And its fun to drive -- when its not in the shop for repairs. There have been several electrical problems while still under warranty, all easily resolved. The real problem is the steering rack. Its been replaced 3 times. My Chevy dealer says its a design flaw and many cars come in with this problem. If you want a trouble-free car, Id stay away from the Maxx.

• 

  Versitle Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By dec1010 - January 25 - 11:53 am

  Change the seats and the steering and this would be an awesome and versitle family car. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable, and I have had four major steering repairs. The flexibility, leg room, and adaptability are the best Ive seen on a car in a long time. I average 28 mpg overall in a large car with a 200 HP V6, which makes a family car economical and powerful enough to satisfy most people.

• 

  Problems already - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Mike 123 - December 5 - 7:16 pm

  I purchased this car used from a dealership, with 32k miles on it. I also own a 2005 Malibu sedan. I immediately noticed a clunking sound coming from the steering column when turning the wheel at low speeds. This is a sound I also noticed in my 2005 Malibu. I took it back to the dealer and they had to lubricate the intermediate shaft in the steering column. The shades to the sunroof also broke, so they ordered new ones for me as well. The car is comfortable, rides well and has good acceleration with the 3.5 liter V6. I dont understand how some people here are getting 29 mpg however, because I am getting about 18 mpg in mostly city driving. Disappointing mileage.