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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  Love my Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Rose - October 16 - 3:33 am

  Bought this car with 7,000 miles on it as a dealer demo. Love the style, has tons of space and great gas mileage for a large sedan (34 highway, 27 city). There was a recall on the steering, but was fixed. I have 68,000 miles on it and the suspension is now noisy. Ive had the brakes redone, but I drive a lot of hills. I would buy another, but GM is not making the hatchback Maxx model any longer.

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  maximum contentment - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By webber1 - October 11 - 3:00 am

  Have had many cars and makes over the years. The Malibu Maxx is one of the best Ive owned (into my sixth year with 80K). Normal maintenace only, couple of wheel bearings, tie rod, ball joints, new steering rack and tail light assembly. Car is into its ninth year and still drives and looks great. (I have treated it with rust proofing every other year) Would consider moving up except there is nothing out there to replace it, so I keep driving this one of a kind car and loving it still.

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  Malibu Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Pinky Kingsley - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this is a really super fun car to drive and it is very reliable to drive. the roadside assistance is really helpful and keeps me very pleased that i can have people there all the time that can be able to help me. the visibility isnt to good but once you learn to use the mirrors you should be in good shape. this is just a really super fin car to drive that is all that i really have to say about this car besides that lack of visibility the car is very comfortable. i love the moon roofs in the back and the table that folds out of the trunk it is great for tailgate parties or football games and stuff like that. it goes like its a viper or something.

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  Built for Me! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Diane Bunker - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I havent driven a Malibu since high school (30 some years ago!). I saw the Malibu Maxx at a school function on Thursday, took my husband to the Chevrolet dealer on Sat. and drove home with the Maxx on Sat. evening. I love it, my boys (18 and 21) love it, and I especially love the design and the way the seats fold down for hauling anything from HOme Depot. I told the salesman, the car was made for me!

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  Great, fun car for the price - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bill Jones - September 3 - 3:06 pm

  After six months of owning the Maxx I am very satisfied with my decision to buy it instead of a Camray or Accord. The car performs great and is getting great all around gas mileage (26mpg). Plus I know I spent $4-6k less than I would have at a Toyota or Honda dealer (I know I lose some of that in resale but that is down the road, the savings were now).

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  Will not buy again - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Craig - August 27 - 4:16 am

  Ive driven my Malibu for 7,500 miles now and if I could get out from under it without taking a bath it would be gone tomorrow. I drive 120 miles daily and this is the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned. The seat bases are far too short hitting me mid thigh and causing pain in my legs after only 20 minutes of driving. The electric power steering is a poor choice and needs more boost at highway speeds. An hour of driving and my hands are cramped. The suspension works great in town but on smooth blacktop it sets up a harmonic vibration at 45-65 mph that shakes the entire car...very poorly designed. Tranny does not shift into high without letting off the gas.

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  My mini Volvo - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Gay Mott - August 25 - 7:00 pm

  I see mini Volvo when I look at my Maxx. It took all I had to trade in my SUV, but the Maxx has made it a lot easier. It is super fun to drive and to show off all the neat features in it. VERY well put together car.

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  The "zippy car" - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Geraldine - August 16 - 9:46 pm

  This car is fun to drive, lots of power, avg 26 mpg. Lots of room to haul skis, and other bulky object with hatchback access. Love heated seats, remote start, auto climate control, traction control is great in snow and ice. Accomodates large people with ease as my husband is over 6 and has plenty of room. The switch control shifter is great for mountain driving and great for hills and control on snow and ice covered roads. GM hit a home run with this car as far as I am concerned. Glad we got the LT model.

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  2005 Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By ron - July 8 - 3:03 pm

  After months of internet research & weeks of test driving 8 cars., I chose the Malibu Maxx. I love it. What I was looking for in a car was; plenty of leg room, good ride, good fuel economy, nice looks, comfortable interior and most important, price! The Maxx has it all. I was very surprised at its performance! It is very quick! Good mileage too. We just returned from a 800 mile trip and averaged 30.8 mpg. Driving hwy speeds 75-80 mph. Interior space is in a class by itself in the mid size segment. Im 64" and can set with my legs crossed in the rear seats with the front seat set to fit me. I think it has a good looking exterior, kind of euro looking. Im very pleased with my Malibu Maxx!

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  the Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Vi - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love it, I love it, I love it