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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  2004 Maxx LT - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By PAO - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Great buying experience, went into dealership with my bottomline price including taxes and title, based on Edmunds and KBB sites and dealer had no problems..fully loaded LT with all options off the lot for $24K total price. 1600 miles on the car in two months and no problems...good combination of highway and city driving, very responsive on the interstate, great gas mileage 31 MPG at 70MPH with the AC on

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  Best Car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hogan035 - September 8 - 11:46 am

  This bye far is the best car I have ever owned. Great room, performance, gas mileage, and i like the style of it even though some say they dont, I see these Malibu Maxxs all over town now, only a few in Dec of 05 but now i see them all the time, so they must be selling well. The standard features cannot be beaten in my opinion, car starter etc. and the sound system is the best i have ever had in a new car it is just awesome and will blow most aftermarket systems away in my opinion. My car is very quiet and comfortable on the road, city or highway . For those thinking about this car try it i think you will be presently surprised it is a great car for the price and features.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By jinx948 - September 1 - 9:12 pm

  I bought my Maxx new in July of 2006. Best purchase ever. It now has 113,000 miles and I have had two small issues. When it was under 36k miles it had a oil pan gasket leaked fixed under warranty and the worst issue is the remote start remote does not last. I have had 2 and need another and they are around $150 each.

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  Its fun again - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By firstchevyguy - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought the LT loaded and its hard to believe this is a Chevy. With much research, I got more bang for the buck in this automobile than I could get with Mitsu, Nissan, Honda,VW or Chrysler. It is put together well, responsive (although no rubber burner) and comes with important safety features like the side air curtains.

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  Perfect fit - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By bobby g - August 8 - 11:23 am

  Very pleased and surpised about the handling and comfortable fit of the seats and placements of all of the controls. Felt like I had this car for years, even though my previous car was a large rear wheel drive, the Malibu took no time getting used to it.

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  You gotta buy this car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Mark Z - August 7 - 7:40 am

  Here it is, one year and 30 thousand miles later. The car has performed flawlessly. I am surprized at the average 35 miles per gallon I get on the highway doing 65 Mph. Comfortable and quiet too. Lots of pep from this adequate engine/weigth set. The negatives: The starter randomly sticks and and the car overcranks. The plastic housing on the passenger side front seat came loose. Thats it. I am looking to buy a new one now.

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  I like it - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By SSCHMITT - August 4 - 10:00 am

  ITs a nice car for the money. It rides smooth and is peppy not fast but has enough power. Interior needs some work but overall I like it nice buy. I have 1055 miles on mine.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By nydogboy - August 2 - 1:53 pm

  97,000 miles later Ive realized this is best car ever. The V-6 is quick, yet I get 31mpg at 74mph. A trip from NY to New Orleans and back netted 29.2 mpg and I admit to hitting 90mph a couple of times. Replaced front and rear brakes at 85k. Absolutely no problems. I live in Syracuse where 40% of the cars are rusted. My 6 year old Maxx has no rust. Get one! I will definitely get 200,000 miles from this car.

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  Love My Bu! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Kelli Rosey - July 31 - 12:53 am

  One of the most surprising things to me after having several 4-cylinder cars is the amazing gas mileage I get with my Bu (I just had to give it a name!). The first major trip we took was a 2,000 mile round-trip excursion to Florida two weeks after buying the car. Wwe got over 31 MPG for that trip! Later, it made the same trip and got 33.6 MPG for the round-trip! This is better even than the VW Beetle we traded in. I love the way my Bu handles and her stunning good-looks. Classy, but still sexy in an understated way, without screaming "write me a ticket, please!." The remote starter is the most awesome feature Ive ever had on a car, cant live without it! I love my Bu!

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  Superb Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Don E. - July 16 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased my previously owned low-mileage Maxx last November and I have to say it is probably the best car Ive ever owned. This car has tons of room, power to spare, unique styling, comfort, great gas mileage and its a ton o fun to drive. In fact, my wife loved it so much we ran out and bought another Malibu for her the next month! Chevy got this car right!