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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  My Mad Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By tigerteacher - April 24 - 12:20 am

  Bought my Malibu Maxx as a replacement for a much larger car that was totaled in an accident. Went to purchase an SUV, but when I drove the Maxx, it was sold. Great room; lots of cargo capacity; great mpg; easy to get my toddler in and out; inexpensive maintenance. My family has owned many Chevys and several Hondas and Nissans. So far we are very pleased overall with this purchase. It was a CPO with extended warranty and I got a GREAT price. I have a 60 mile commute each day and my Maxx handles it with ease.

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  Oatmeal is good for you - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GW in Maine - April 22 - 3:26 pm

  I am a 50 year old divorced white male. I require safety, reliability, versatility and economy (low cost of ownership) from a vehicle. I have grown to appreciate substance over style. My 06 Malibu Maxx did service as a rental car. There is an "every man" quality about it. Bland, in this case is a virtue. It is eminently competent without drawing too much attention to itself. I like the fact that ABS and traction control are standard. I like the radio controls and cruise control on the steering wheel. I like the hatch configuration and extra long wheel base. Chevy may not offer cutting edge technology, but this package works. Im OK with an appliance.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Scortch - April 21 - 5:26 am

  I fell in love with this car when I saw it and drove it. I had been doing research on the net and narrowed it down to a few cars but the Maxx was my choice. Nice car to drive, has the power and comfort. Some have problems with the steering but I thought the steering was just fine. No worst to me than any other.

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  Good alpine driver - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By eljon - April 15 - 5:00 pm

  Drives well on hiways and brakes very well at high speeds. Lots of passing power. Nice ride.

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  Must have bought a lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Davidson C. - April 13 - 3:30 pm

  The day we pick up the car the factory remote starter doesnt work , then the sales men kills the battery try to get it work, then on the third day of owning this lemon (365 km on it ) the transmission starts to act up.(it wouldnt go into gear.) And now less then a month later the starter is acting up.

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  Life in Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Cobalt ss - March 31 - 1:23 am

  Excellent car with a lot of space, a good look and good performance for the price. A lot of persons said to me that they will consider a Maxx for their next car. No problem except traveling computer, but it was fixed now. I changed the tires for 4 Michelin Hydroedge and the car became more sporty to drive.

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  Lots of car for the money - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By George - March 26 - 11:00 am

  Feels, drives, and is equipped like a much more expensive car. Bought for wifey, she loves it too. Other car is an 06 Chrysler 300C, which of course I like even more, but this Maxx does not feel like too big a step down when I drive it, unlike the 02 Malibu we traded which was dependable but a noisy cheap ride. This is much more like it. The car was an absolute bargain. The current "Red Tag Sale" for 06 models is disguised rebate of $2500 to $3000 depending on region of US you live in. With GM credit card earnings of $2600, took home for under 15K, sticker was 22,700. Note of caution, about mid- model year, GM did not change invoice, but cut MSRP by 5%. Late 2006 MSRP closer to 21,700

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  STS twin turbo 3.9l ss maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By wowza - March 6 - 7:43 pm

  I loved the SS Maxx from the first time I saw it. It is naturally fast. Very comfortable, and quiet (for those who like quiet, I prefer a throaty exhaust). I would totally recommend this car to anyone (modded or not)

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  MAXXimum Satisfaction - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By NMeiring - February 28 - 5:10 am

  After test driving this car, I couldnt look at anything else. I had been looking for something that would get good MPG (26.5 in town), have the extras that my Jeep GCL had, but still look sporty. I looked at so many vehicles, my husband called it my new hobby. The MAXX has comfortable heated seats, adjustable pedals, tons of cargo room, a smooth ride, wireless headphones in the back and is FUN to drive. This car deserves a second look and a test drive. Lots of pick up, feel secure with a super safe drive. With a sunroof and the rear skylights, the interior feels even larger than it is. Looking forward to using the remote starter this winter

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  Malibu LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By KM - January 9 - 4:56 pm

  Owned this car for over a year now. I had test driven the LS but the LTZ is a class above. I agreed with Edmunds (bland interior for the LS), but found the LTZ felt totally different. The leather wrapped steering felt much more comfortable, and the rest of interior did not feel cheap. Same with the wheels etc. I never read the manual much, so I keep finding new things in the car. When cleaning I found the audio volume control on the steering on the underside of other audio buttons. Recently I found out I could do tap-shift. I could not figure how to operate the +/- buttons earlier till I put the car in L coming downhill - it was so much fun!