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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  A Maxx love affair - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Lynne - January 5 - 2:16 pm

  Our Maxx has been dependable, fun to drive and has met all our needs. It corners great and is easy to handle in all situations. The load capacity is perfect for carrying groceries, passengers and lawn and garden products as well as home improvement items. The highway mileage is great. We have has much leg room as our last car a Mercury Grand Marquis.

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  Great buy! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hawkfan-man - December 29 - 7:46 pm

  We bought this car in Apr 05 as a left over 04 model. Got a great price on a vehicle loaded with features. Car has been trouble free and still looks and runs like new as we aproach 45000 miles. We couldnt be happier.

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  Disappointing - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bill - December 22 - 5:06 pm

  Bought after 2005 models introduced and got an excellent price. Loved it for the 1st couple of years until things started to fail. CD player failed on way home from the dealership. Replaced, but failed again in 2 years. Power steering and drivers seat frame failed. Although same steering failures covered under extended warranty for some VINs, Chevy made us pay for more than half of cost. Rear seat reclining levers broke, fuse problems, both remote controls broke.

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  Total garbage, run away!!! - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By stevenhmiller - December 20 - 6:27 am

  Cheaply made and GM will not stand behind their product. Steering making bad clunking noise since about 9000 miles. Dealer claims cannot reproduce every time I brought it, which was at least 9 times. Once the warranty expired, suddenly they had no problem reproducing the issue. GM will not repair free of charge, even though Ive been complaining about the issue for 3 years! Many others are complaining about the same issue with the same results. There were service bulletins for the 2004-2006 Maxx with the same problem. They refuse to issue one for the 2007. Theyre going to wait until someone is killed when the steering fails. Also, many other problems. FORGET THIS CAR, ITS GARBAGE!!!

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  Great for Family of Five - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Charles - December 1 - 12:26 am

  Very surprising car, but its based an an Opel, after all. We chose it over a Mazda 5 mini-mini van. Big and versatile enough for 3 boys aged 7, 10, and 12 for long trips and has enough room for our suitcases too. The van will stay home unless we take the camper on future trips. Bought it because Bambi wrecked our 89 BMW 325i, so we were kind of spoiled and skeptical, but not anymore! Great features for the price, especially with the rebates. XM radio is excellent, would not have bought it except it was already installed which were glad of. With the 2006 interior updates and more external chrome it looks more contemporary. Hope it proves reliable!

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  Updated Review 2 Years Later - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Dbadcraig - November 8 - 9:33 pm

  See my original review below dated 11/24/07. I now have 92,500 miles on this well equiped but basic Fleet car. The front end thump remains but is no worse after 20,000 more miles. The engine and transmission are as good as new- no oil use and I have obtained has high as 41 miles per gallon on the highway @ 60mph. Ive had to replace warped front rotors, fix a short in side view mirror, new indicator bulb and thanks to a nail in a sidewall, buy two new Bridgestone tires (with the mpg my care gets with them, why change?) I did find the tan interior stained easily--but it also cleaned easily, try "Tuff Stuff" from Pep Boys. Paint, trim and interior is holding up very well.

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  BAD to the BONE and WICKED FAST - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By tires4u - October 24 - 12:13 am

  The BATMOBILE.. as our car is Black w/tinted windows. This car will SCARE you. With the manual shift feature you can lay down a 20 foot path of rubber..just like the old days. SS stands for SUPER SPORT again and this car is all that. We love the design and functionality of the car. The rear sunroofs and dvd player make it like our own private jet for fast travel. The torque range is SMOOTH all the way past 100mph. You have to be CAREFUL or the tires will break loose when shifting thru the gears. All I can say is we are one of the lucky few to get to drive this car everyday. After 50,000 miles NO SQUEAKS or RATTLES as QUIET as the day it was NEW, LUVIT SS stands for SWEET and SEXY !!FAST

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  Didnt Last Well - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By ChevNoMore - October 13 - 9:36 am

  Bought with 42k miles. Right away, started to have trouble starting and the headlights wobble causing a flicker effect (Ive noticed this on many other Malibu Ive seen at night). Both things were fixed, light problem started again soon after. Drivers door doesnt always stay open, has shut on my leg many times! Around 50k started to shudder at moderate speeds and when braking. At around 60k CD player started to not accept and/or not spit out CDs. The best part: 60k, 5 year old car, a pin shears off, the timing chain snaps, and $4000+ worth of engine damage- almost the bluebook of the car!!! Chevy covered some of the repair costs, but not enough in my opinion- it was a manufacturing defect.

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  malibu maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Letitia Simmet - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a very peppy car with the 3.5L 6 cycle engine, you step on the gas and it means business. Comfortable driving with all the buttons at your fingertips.

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  great car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By dental lab - October 4 - 10:00 am

  rides like a big car