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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  Maximum Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Saler - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from a 4,000 mile vacation in this car. Gas mileage was better than expected-- especially in the hilly terrain of Pennsylvania and Virginia-- 36 MPG! Plenty of pick-up climbing hills and passing. Still cannot believe all the adjustments on this vehicle. I can customize almost everything to my own liking. Comfortable long drive, with drivers lumbar support and adjustable seats. Love the features on the steering wheel; can maneuver everything with your thumbs without taking eyes off the road.Could fit a lot of cargo and still be able to see through back window.

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  Great car for teens - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By JwSugar - May 29 - 9:23 am

  This is a great car to carry things as well as people with good fuel economy. It has great pick up and can pass with ease. I drive 120 miles to work everyday and I never feel like Im in a small car.

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  I love my Maxx! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Christiekersch - May 6 - 3:50 am

  I have driven my car for 2.5 years now, and I absolutely love it. I drive quite a bit for work, and put on about 25,000 miles a year. I was fairly skeptical about buying a Chevy, but I decided to buy one since my Uncle works for GM. The extras in this car are unbeatable. The moon roof in the back and adjustable back seats give passengers a boost in comfort. I have had the dashboard vent "flutter" and the sun visor rattling issues. However, I took the car to the dealership and they fixed both under warranty. I have also had difficulties with the braking system. I had major rotor warpage at about 20,000 miles, and they fixed the problem under warranty. No problems since.

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  Enjoyable - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Kristine - April 24 - 1:30 am

  Ive had my Maxx for over a year. I love the power and on a 3000 mile road trip the mileage was as good as my old Honda Accord. Overall its a great car. I think I wouldve gotten a better deal if Id waited until it was on the market a while longer. Minor problems include the rear sunshades snapping, rear passenger window bumping when you open it, and the front passenger often hits the heat button for the seat on entry (not fun in the summer). Occasional hesitation on start up happened a lot at first (the dealer claimed its Chevy thing) and a recent problem with the wipers.

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  05 Maxx LT Review - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hermaxx - March 18 - 11:10 am

  Only 1200 miles...so far, so good. Considered Camry & Accord too but price was tough to beat on the Maxx (after dealer discount & rebate). The added convenience of the rear DVD for our 8 year old sealed the deal. I was impressed with solid structure and overall build quality. With all the features though, I wish they would have incorporated a compass into the rear view mirror like on other GM offerings. The "suede" seat inserts are upscale to the touch but the seats overall do seem to lack side bolstering...but overall are comfortable. I do plan on adding 17" wheels in the spring just to give it a little attitude.

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  2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Watson - March 10 - 1:50 pm

  My wife and I bought it brand new. We havent had any problems since our bumper to bumper ran out. Warranty covered the rear defroster poking outside of the exterior glass (replaced rear window), the steering knock (chevy extended a recall on the electric steering up to 70k), the left rear running light (twice) and the front brake rotars warped and had to be turned at 32k (I had to fight the dealer on that one).

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  Not Bad for a Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Hobbie2k - September 10 - 10:20 am

  I bought this car because I needed a new replacement for my 1993 Accord Wagon. It still ran great with 240,000, but with a new job that requires 1000 miles a week, it would have to break down eventually. I stopped at the Chevy dealer because of a 50% off promotion. I figured at 50% off even a Chevy would be worth it. Lets just say, I was pleasantly surprised. Its not as bad as I feared. I was thinking itd be a Lumina wagon, but dare I say, its all-around a better car than my parents Nissan (then again, the Nissan is a 2001 with 135,000 miles). This car is a good bargain after the rebates, but for MSRP there are better options.

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  To the MAXX - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Cilia - June 30 - 8:03 am

  I absolutly love this car. It is a great car for the family without taking out style. It has good gas mileage, and I can always rely on it. Its a pleasant suprise. Its a plesure to drive and to look at. It can seat four to five people. It also much better than any SUV!

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  2004 maxx a good step forward - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By kurt w - June 19 - 10:00 am

  A nice translation of the SAAB "EPISLON" platform into a new USA Hatchback, the Maxx is a well executed "extended sedan" that is a good family hauler or freeway cruiser. It did well in crash tests, handles rough roads with aplomb, accelerates well without guzzling gas, and has better fit and finish than many more expensive cars. Some cheapness in the rear trim, a poor cruise control, seats that are too narrow in back, and other first year misses keep it from knocking off Honda or Toyota just yet. But probably one of the best medium size cars out there.

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  Perfect blend of practicality and value - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hoss - June 7 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this dark red program car as an ex-rental with ~10,000 miles on it in December 07. A certified used LT 2007 for $16,000. Great savings off of new and I dont particularly like the looks of the 2008. I love it so much more than the other cars I test drove (new foreign sub- compacts). Quality is on par and you get so much more for your money. Styling is great; mpg decent for V6 power; comfort; utilitarian design; safety features.