3 Star Reviews for 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
145 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Based on the 2004 Chevy Malibu, the Malibu Maxx is an all-new vehicle. A cross between a sedan and a wagon, it's designed to give midsize car buyers a little more space so that they don't have to resort to an SUV.

Pros:
  • Hatchback configuration makes for easy loading, spacious interior with adjustable rear seats, plenty of safety and convenience features, innovative remote start feature, standard V6.
Cons:
  • Lackluster interior, less cargo space than true wagons or SUVs.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 145.00
  • Dont buy GM - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    I have owned this car for less than a year (less than 70,000 miles) and it has had more than $3000 in repairs. The most recent issue for me was loss of power steering while on the highway. Its obvious to me that GM was aware of this safety issue, having issued a recall for the same year/make/model, although not including my VIN and they are not at all willing to assist me, although the dealership offered me a 10% discount on my bill. I will never again purchase a GM vehicle after the poor customer service I have received and vehicle quality I have experienced.

  • So many things to say... - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    Where to start? I bought this car from a used car lot in October 2011, with just over 100,000 miles for $6,500. The seat frame needed to be welded, and the other side did later. The water filter needed replacing, the belt broke in November 2011, left front wheel bearing broke in January 2012, air conditioner broke in May 2012, right front wheel bearing, spindle, hub cap, and others melted together in November 2012, as well as left front wheel bearing breaking again, back seat handle is broke, two remotes, CD player is jammed, shakes when braking, cruise control half works, etc. etc. Bad car, dont buy!

  • Watch Out for Safety Issues - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    I have had this vehicle in the shop 10 times in last year. Rear hatch leaked and took two trips to repair. Front seat broke due to faulty seat metal. Now the steering has major issues that Chevy says their aware of but cant fixed. Mine locked up from stop position with wheels turned to right. During right turns your drivers side front end sounds like it is coming out the hood and floor board. Steering makes terrible sounds while turning. Braking at 50 mph and above the vehicle front end shakes violently. I have paper from GM service that brakes are OK. Dont by this car used. It is unsafe.

  • 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    Just brought this car with 151000 miles. Little high but figured if previous owner kept up maintenance like they said then would be ok for a little while considering seemed to be a reasonable deal. Had for 5 days and already to dealership to find out multiple problems. After reading reviews some of these should be recalled such as power steering gear, serp belt needs replacing, remote intermittently works and few times problems with starting. Other problems include replacing oil pan gasket and side mirror switch. I am so dissapointed and to make matters worse the dealership is really high on labor. The mirrors and remote key is not a big issue but the other problems can be safety concerns!!!

  • Will not buy again - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    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.

  • "LEMON" - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    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 -

    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 -

    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.

  • Versitle Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    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.

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Reviews By Year:
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