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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  Feeling mixed about the Maxx - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By HeatherBrooks - May 19 - 12:10 pm

  I fell for this car when I found it in the used section of the dealership over a year ago. The XM radio, the wood trim (although its fake), the zippy way it drives, the dvd player, the two sun roofs... all so neat! But the Maxx has been plagued with problems - mainly electrical. And I have been driving for 10 years with no problems with blowing out the tires, but I have gone through 4 different tires on this car apparently due to my driving (I was driving trucks before). Im not sure that I would buy this car again. I think I would go for a Honda or Toyota (sorry Detorit).

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  Great Value!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By speedy0001 - April 5 - 7:29 pm

  Great family car the performs well and the reliability has been great. The cargo space is the same as some suvs with a sticker price of half.

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  I really like this car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Melissa - January 25 - 9:10 am

  I was looking for a car that would give me flexibility and seating for five without being an SUV. I found it in this vehicle.

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  Malibu Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GBahnUT - January 9 - 1:16 pm

  This vehicle is a nice design with many great features. The build quality is suspect since it has numerous rattles all over.

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  Malibu Maxx is the MAXX - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Dave - December 24 - 10:06 pm

  This is a great midsize vehicle. It gets good mileage and is very fun to drive. It has a fairly unigue style, so you dont look like every other vehicle on the road. The comfort features are very well thought out.

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  bills hatch - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By oldcoot - November 22 - 5:36 am

  Rock solid,so far. Good mileage,ride and handling. Good buy.

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  My Chevy Maxx: - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Lane N. benda - November 6 - 12:53 am

  What a neat car. Purchased as 2nd car but has become our main car. Rides as good as my 2001 Buck LaSabre. Very quiet, smooth ride. Had to have rear right wheel replaced due to RPM chip being bad. Love the red color, sun roof and rear roof skylights. Took this car to Outerbanks of NC, great gas mileage. On board computer showed 33 MPG on this trip from PA to NC. Real math showed 30 MPG, still good for a hi speed heavy load trip. Sun roof has a rattle when opened. All in all a great car for the price. Steering a bit hard at times. My wife loves it. Lot of rear leg room.

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  Overall good, some small design issues - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By ValrieAnnie - September 28 - 10:23 am

  The exterior is not pretty but the ride is comfortable. Disappointed with the gas mileage. We are slightly below the low end of the range. Overall a great car. I would buy another, but since I buy a new car every ten years who knows if they will still be made.

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  Malibu 04 - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By stock - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The best car I have ever bought.

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  Like it but... - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By DKiD - September 26 - 11:50 pm

  I love the way it handles, and the way it looks. Not too many cars look the same. The only problem I have is that I cant get even 18.5 MPG when everyone here is claiming 22--26 or so.