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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  We Will See How Good It Is!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Robert Lamason - February 9 - 11:23 am

  So far the Malibu Max has been a good car to drive. It seems to have quite a bit of get up and go. The rear view is not so great, but it will do. The car rides good for a car. Priced right with the discounts and easy to deal with the dealership in my case as I will not hassel over price and I did not have to, which is one very good reason I liked the deal!!! Hope the car holds up well as I have not purchase a new car for many years.

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  Examine it closely before signing - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Craigster45 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Dealer never checked the car. Took delivery in the rain (delear made sure of that)drove home, all 4 rotors warped. They wouldnt replace even though brand new. The Area Rep would only cut them. Went back, waited 4 hours. Sun came out, 2 pass. doors didnt get enough paint, you could see sheet metal. Chips in window.

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  Love it so far - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Lois - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I started researching vehicles about 6 months ago. I thought I had my heart set on a Pontiac Vibe until I drove it. I was driving a 1990 Toyota Cressida (now my daughters car) and the Vibe was a step down from that ride, noise, features & comfort wise. Also test drove Honda CRV, Toyota Rav and the new Dodge Magnum. The Malibu Maxx was on my list but didnt think it would be a keeper until I drove it. Went on vacation to Colorado the first week I had it, did great on gas even in the mountains and using the A/C, kids loved the DVD player and made the trip more pleasant, husband has even approved of my purchase.

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  Function & Style plus Fuel Economy - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Hitchwitt - January 24 - 2:36 pm

  I think Chevy surprised the market with the Maxx version of the Malibu -- it has more functionality than a wagon, yet European rear styling cues. Some have told me the back end looks as refined as a Saab! Low monthly payments and I get premium features like remote start, adjustable pedals, ABS, traction control, sunroof. And with gas prices high, I like the fuel economy I get compared to the SUV I traded in.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Justin - December 19 - 7:13 am

  I bought my Malibu Maxx used with 80,000 miles on it. Since I have owned the car I have put over 60,000 miles on it and I have had no major problems except one. The transmission was burnt up because of a mechanics failure to properly exchange the fluid and I had to replace the transmission. Other than that this car has been a cherry. I have done some work on the car and added on a few features to make the performance and look of the car better. The Malibu Maxx is a great car and perfect for road trips, hauling loads, and comfortably seating five people.

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  A lot for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By 4 chevies - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Rebates and discounts got me this $23,150 Maxx LS with preferred package for an even $13,000. I priced them for months and waited until the time was right.This vehicle has a great blend of features for performance, comfort, economy, etc.

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  One month, 600+ miles later - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By maxx_owner_part2 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  When I 1st saw the Maxx at the Auto Show, I thought it was intriguing but I never thought IÂ’d own a Chevy. After 600+ miles (since my 20-mile review), my opinion has only improved. The car is very cute appearance-wise. Gas mileage is decent: 24 mpg (driving almost exclusively on suburban surface streets). The easy handling is growing on me. The car does a good job of shutting out road noise and has a very smooth ride. The doors and hatch need to be closed with a bit of force, though. The die-hard sports-car aficionados I know turn up their noses at my car, but people who appreciate fun, comfort, and convenience love it!

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  Not my 71 Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By cmeastern - November 7 - 10:00 am

  While this is not the hi-performance, head-turning, muscle of our dark blue 2004 Maxx has drawn looks, even from a group of teen boys who said it was "a cool car." The technology is quite a step up from the 1991 Grand Am it replaces, or our 1994 S-10 Blazer, so it has taken some getting use to, and a lot of checks of the owners manual to figure out everything in it. It handles almost as good as our 1987 Z28 and has very good acceleration for a V6 of only 3.5 liters (big step up from the Blazers 4.3-liter V6.) Got about 33 mpg on our first 900-mile trip at mostly 65 mph four-lane travel. Very quiet, low road noise. A fog light optio

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  First american car Chevy Malibu - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By ryanbowman77 - November 2 - 11:22 am

  I like the for getting me to school and it has been reliable since ibought it 4.5 months ago. My Mazda 6 would take anyday over the Malibu The outside is plane no nice lines and the interior look like a 3 year old drew it out

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  not bad - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By anonymous - October 20 - 6:33 pm

  I have had this car for 4 days and the the steering shaft has already gone bad, but other than that I really love this car. Not much room in the back, but the kids love it the back seats adjust. couldnt ask for a better car...