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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Good Value Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By aramf - May 24 - 4:35 pmI bought this one used at 60K miles. I currently have 120K on it. Chevrolet replaced the steering wheel on it. The left blinker burned out too often, untill I replaced the whole light from partstrain.com. Over the last 3 years mpg has been suffering. Recently two oxygen sensor went bad. Replaced both. The average mileage went back to 32 mpg from 24 mpg. I assume that both have to fail before check engine goes on. My front rotors tend to warp a lot. One thing that helps is not to use parking breaks. But I can got fast around the corners, it has a kicking accelaration and mpg has just improved. It is a nice semi-wagon with a strong enough engine for fun things.
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Malibu Maxx 2005 wow - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Malibu Maxx 2005 - April 27 - 7:20 pmI was reluctant to purchase this vehicle due to several reasons. However once sitting behind the wheel and driving it, I was immediately sold. This is by far the best car I have ever purchased, in the meantime I have test driven many different make and models for comparison. None can reach the Maxx with its performance level and comfortability. It handles very well even with high speed, acceleration rate is excellent. One of those secret jewels, once you drive it youll love it. In 2.5 years twice in garage for warranty covered issue. Suggestion: purchase leather only if you have children or buy waterproof seat covers. The light beige cloth material stains very easily. Stains won`t come off.
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Hurray for Domestic! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Red - February 22 - 10:20 amThis is the first domestic car Ive purchased. Before this, I was in Honda Civics and VW Jettas. My wife was interested in this car for the increased room for our family. At first I was turned off. Im so very pleasantly surprised. Bought it with 30k, now has 62k. Interior styling is very functional and surprisingly stylish. Exterior is about as sporty as you can get for a four door hatch outside the Audi. Rides like a very substantial car. There is a crazy amount of space inside, so much more than youd think from the outside. My friends are also surprised and we enjoy tooling around in it. Im excited that Chevrolet made this car, its a boon for domestic automobiles.
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Longevity is Not its Strong Suit - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Maxx02360 - December 1 - 3:00 pmI liked the car when I first purchased it; see my review in 12/04. But the car definitely has some quality issues. At 80,000 miles, I have replaced the steering column twice. Yes, the steering column! When it goes, it is almost dangerous to drive. Ive also replaced the front bearings, the intake manifold, and the DVD system. The remote starter doesnt work anymore. Currently, my CDs are stuck in the audio system and wont play or eject. I took very good care of this car with the plan of giving it to my daughter, and while it still looks good, and my daughter loves driving it, it unfortunately has real quality issues.
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Another Good Car That GM Never Marketed - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Paul - November 2 - 10:33 amWe needed to replace a 1993 VW Passat wagon. I found an off-lease 2005 Malibu Maxx V6 with only 20,000 miles, and was able to get it for only $12,000. We have had it for 1,000 miles, and so far, very impressive. Huge cargo capacity with seats down. 33-34 mpg on highway with AC on; 30 mpg in mixed driving, with odometer validated on a measured mile! Easy to drive, very spacious, great stereo, easy to use controls. For the price, it is quite a package. Its a real shame that GM never marketed the car, and now is changing it to another overpriced sedan with complex OHC engine and worse mpgs, and also forcing you to buy an SUV even if you only occasionally need a hatchback.
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Chevy Maxx 2005 - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By JK - October 22 - 2:56 amI absolutely love this car and cant believe chevy stopped making them. Cant believe the torque on this car absolutely incredible for its size. Ok, problems, the steering shaft has been fixed once already due to warranty related problems at about 20000 and now is having the same problems again at 79000 (no longer covered). The cloth seat are by far the worst I have ever had in a car, you see every single little stain, water or worse - absolutely horrible, very tough to clean, took to pro and they refused to clean the upholstery. If chevy still made them I would buy a brand new one w leather seats right away. 23 gas/city - 26 highway. CD player broke, love onboard comp and low maintanence.
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Great Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Nick - September 3 - 12:21 pmI bought my 2005 Chevy Malibu Maxx with 80,000 miles. I had to put about $1,000 worth of repairs due to the steering shaft. The car is coughing or sputtering three or four times before turning over. The car does turn over eventually. This happens very once in a while. Not everyday If any else is having this problem please let me know. Otherwise the car run and drives great. Headlights are very dim or foggy due to so much sun. They are horrible in the dark and rainy. I am looking to buy new ones. The comfort is great, it has cruise control and cold AC and hot heat. The hatchback is very roomy and has lots of cargo room.
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Menace Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Eclipse - August 29 - 7:16 amWe find the car very versatile and usefull for hauling a 150lb Rotty. We have a 8 year old Blazer which we love but enjoy having a smaller car. I am disabled and find most cars uncomfortable to sit in for any extended amount of time, but I can sit and drive the Maxx very comfortably due to the leg room and adjustable pedals.
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Meh - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By IndyBuyer - August 5 - 10:00 amI bought this car off the lot back in 05. I take good care of my car and my wife occasionally drives it on the highway only. I have had the back seat levers break, my trunk release works only when it feels like it - which is great if you go to the grocery store and it decides not to work. The drivers side seat frame broke at 2 welds and is now a rocking chair ($517.97 for the part alone - no tax or installation) and the drivers side door lock only locks and unlocks manually. I had to purchase new key chain units as well due to the 2 that came with the car breaking when new batteries had to be installed. DVD player stopped working and car always pulls to the left despite 4 alignments.
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Hatchbacks are great!! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
By Kit Gerhart - June 6 - 8:20 pmI bought my car new in 2006, and it has been great. The seats are very comfortable for me on long trips, and, while not a sports car, it has plenty of power and handles well. I got the LTZ because I wanted a few gadgets like HomeLink that werent available on cheaper trim levels. The gas mileage, while not great, is at least as good as could be expected for a car this size and power. I get in the low- mid 20s in mixed driving, and 29-30 on the interstate going as fast as I can get by with. The reliability has been great; Ive had no problems in 3 1/2 years of ownership.
