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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  owner - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By lichtenfels - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I like the vehicle, took it for 1st ride today and found the headrest bothers me, I must hold my head at an unnatural angle. Drivers seat hard to get adjusted and not sure I like the limited manuerability of the steering wheel. Buick had more up & down positions avail. Other than those things, handles great and nice ride. Like the idea of tilting back seats & adj. offered in back.

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  I was robbed by GM. - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Kim - December 9 - 1:10 am

  My husband talked me into getting this car. What a nightmare! I have to take it to the dealership for warranty work about once per month. There is something loose in the dashboard. Twice the rotors had to be resurfaced. The brakes still drag. Power steering only functions about half of the time. Service does not know why. Sunroof leaks. Squeeks and rattles everywhere. The roadnoise is deaftening. Starter keeps turning over after car has started. It drives like a 5 year old car. The only reason that I keep the thing is the $8000 difference between what I owe and trade in value. If I can find an aggressive dealership, I will unload this lime ASAP.

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  Good comfortable car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By joe - December 5 - 2:00 pm

  Though the Maxx (looking at it as a sedan)is not the best looking in its class, the versatility cant be beat. Very comfortable and easy to drive, exceptionally quiet for a Chevy, almost as much room as a midsize SUV (how often do we really haul stuff?), and better mileage than same. My commute is 40 min. one way. The LT gives you enough creature comforts (that, and saving $10,000) to pacify those of us who almost went to the next level and bought that Maxima....almost.

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  2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By aundy28570 - December 5 - 12:25 am

  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!!!

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  I Love the Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Dave - November 12 - 1:16 pm

  Great car: just had a safe comfortable trip to Chicago and back to NYC through bad weather (high wind, snow and rain) both ways. Car was stable, super-fast and comfortable. Many great features come standard on this car, tons of interior space. Youll be surprised by its quality. Been getting a lot of compliments on the styling too. And probably best of all, my wife is really comfortable driving the Maxx.

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  New Chev Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By meg/joe - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I was going to buy a Chevrolet Impala but after seeing the Malibu Maxx I changed my mind. I had previously owned a Chev Tahoe and wanted to get something smaller. When I saw the Malibu Maxx it was what I wanted. With the hatchback/wagon style of the Maxx it gives me all the room I need, especially with the folding front and rear seats.

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  love my new Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By cwesleyg - October 26 - 11:50 am

  Mine is a black LT with sunroof. It only has 191 miles on it as of yet but I love this car. The only negative I can see is the electric assist steering takes a little getting used to. It is kind of twitchy compared to hydraulic assist, but it saves HP not having the drain of running the pump. I really enjoy the manual shift on this automatic transmission ... much fun!

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  A nightmare from GM - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By George - October 22 - 3:53 am

  Bought this car, went "American" despite advice of friends. Major reliabilty problems from the start (the body control module went out after 3 weeks, could have had a major loss of all electrical functions at high speed!)compounded by the absolute worst, rudest service (had my wife in tears) I have ever received from any company of any kind, ever. The steering is barely adequate and the brakes are dangerously slow. Their are some good features about this car, but overall it has been a disaster, and GM as a supporting company a nightmare. We found out first-hand why they are going broke.

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  Very good car in a dull package. - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By paul_jacob - October 7 - 9:18 am

  I got this car out of necessity for a reliable, practical, and efficient car. It fits this build very well. The Maxx draws only a few looks from its exterior, but to some, it is a rather good looking car (remember, were not shopping for a coupe here). The interior is a bit bland, although everything is easy to use and functional. Interior quality will rival most competitors and is a big step up from the previous generation. Front seats are very comfortable although a bit flat, and rear leg room will beat much larger cars. Im getting 30 mpg with about 80/20 highway/city. Driver feedback is minimal and leaves a lot to be desired. The 5 speed transmission is very good.

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  My Second MAXX!! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Marla - September 23 - 6:46 pm

  My husband and I had a 2005 Maxx, and I had an accident, 60 to 0 in what felt like a second! All six air bags deployed, I had a broken arm and wrist (from the air bag) and a burn on my neck from the seat belt and some bruising, But that was all! The car was totaled but I walked away. When we went to get another car, we had to have another MAXX!! We haul anything and everything! We drove to Mesa, AZ for Chicago Cub Spring training and got great gas mileage!! Why they quit making them I dont know!!! but they need to re-think their decision!!