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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  Great comfortable ride - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Jana - December 18 - 9:53 pm

  This was the first brand new car I have purchased. I love it! It gets great gas milage for the long trips. But doesnt fair so well when traveling the gravel roads. I tend to put about 20,000 miles per year on a car and I havent had any problems with mine untill this spring when our road became a mud road (instead of gravel). It sits to low to the ground and scraped bottom several times causing some minor problems with the traction control and ABS.

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  Great All-Around Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By MHornSS - December 2 - 3:13 am

  Owned only 3 weeks but exceeding expectations. BMW/Vette owner that needed all round daily driver that drives well, has 4 person practicality, holds my offroad bicycle inside, and gets decent mpg. Found 4K mile SS by accident at dealer lot. Surprised with features. Dual sunroofs, XM, OnStar, DVD, 6CD, as well as space, quality, and value. Having been to Europe alot I like the styling and have never seen another Maxx SS (live in big city). Good power, ride, handling, dynamics, ergonomics and excellent value! MaxxSS replaces my Z71 Tahoe - almost as much cargo space but much more fun to drive and better mpg. GM/Saab platform for this car is very solid and sophisticated for this price level. Recommend!

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  Malibu LTZ to the MAXX - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Kevin - November 23 - 3:23 am

  This is one of the best kept secrets at your local Chevy dealer. The quality, ride, interior function are world class. Chevrolet market needs to get the word out on this one. We drove the Maxx from Ohio to Fla in December and average 31 mpg! Tons of room and teenage sons and friend love the room.

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  Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bill F - November 17 - 11:50 pm

  Walked into dealer wife saw car & fell in love with it. car is loaded with all the great options from side air bags to adjustable pedals.fun to drive.took it home an hour after she looked at.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By WALLY - October 27 - 12:53 pm

  The LS model is equipped with all neccesary equipment. Only items added were front carpets and a dealer installed pinstipe. The 3.5L engine is peppy,smooth and very economical. My wife loves the electic adjustable pedals as well as the fully adjustable steering wheel. Standard seat controls do a good job. This is one of the best GM cars that we have owned. It meets all of our needs and expectations.

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  Flexibility - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Southern Living - October 8 - 1:03 pm

  First, I dont buy foreign cars! When we moved to North Carolina from up north we didnt have much need for our Blazers 4WD but still needed the ability to haul around things, including a LARGE German Shepherd. The MAXX gets better MPG than other American SUVs we saw while still having SUV type space.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Steve - October 6 - 6:26 pm

  This is the best value I have ever owned in a car. I purchased for $13,400 2.5 yrs ago and still worth 10- 10.5k, just got 33 mpg on a 200 mile trip going 62mph. Great handling and acceleration. Quiet motor, hasnt seen the dealer since I have owned it. Purchased with 11k, now has 52.5k. Chose over an Impala since designed and handled like a more expensive import.

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  I like it - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Joe - September 13 - 5:43 am

  I have had my Malibu Maxx for several months and love it. I especially am pleased with the mileage with the cost of gas nowadays. It has a lot of qualities that are useful like the Driver information System that tell you the mileage, gives names of songs on the radio, sigalerts etc. I have found no problems with the steering or the brakes that has been referred to. The seats are very comfortable and the leg room is appreciated for a big guy like me.

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  Hits most of the high notes - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Mark - August 31 - 5:10 pm

  I wanted to junk the SUV but didnt want to give up on versitility. The Maxx was a perfect compromise. Easy access to the rear, thanks to the wide doors and movable rear seats, and the cargo area has plenty of room - I even stowed a 7-0" Christmas tree with my toddler in the back seat and my wife in the front seat - with the hatch down!!! The car handles well but I kinda miss the turning radius of the SUV. I thought Id feel uncomfortable sitting lower but not at all - now I can get out of the way faster... Overall, Im very pleased, and as a friend of mine said - I cant beleive this is a Chevy....

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  My first new car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Carlos - August 29 - 5:10 am

  This was my first new car, previously I owned a 98 cadillac Catera. The performance of the "200" horsepower V6 is incredible, the push button sport shift is precise, smooth, and makes for one fun drive. I am a big kid and like to sit in the back seat w/ my two daughters and play video games on the 7.5 inch LCD DVD screen. It gets way over 30 MPG (Id estimate around 34) on long highway trips. Last summer we were T-boned @ 30 MPH on the passenger side by a Tahoe, -the car is fine!! This is the first new car my wife/I have ever owned. We couldnt have done better.