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:

• 

  A lot of car for the money... - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By szerfas - January 2 - 10:00 am

  We replaced our 98 Malibu with this new Maxx. There is an impressive amount of car here for the money when combined with all the rebate. This car is very quiet, responsive and powerful. The construction of this car is much more solid then anything GM we have seen before. Our biggest complaint is some initialy quality issues. We had a squeaky lift gate (dealer has not fixed), and an innacurate gas gage (dealer fixed by replacing tank). I find the reviews including edmunds dont give enough credit to the power with great gas mileage on REGULAR fuel, with the cost of gas very important to us. There are a lot of good ideas in this car and amazing amount of technology.

• 

  Taking it to the MAXX - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By JC - December 11 - 12:00 am

  What a vehicle. V6, remote start, the most amazing backseat function (with more cargo room then some SUVs), DVD player on a car, great driving dynamics, and cheaper than the Camry, Accord, and Altima by thousands..

• 

  An update on My Maxxy - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Sean 418 - December 9 - 5:33 pm

  People write about their car generally within the first few months of ownership. I had written about this car previously. Well and update, I have had the car 4 years and love it. The head rest is a little stiff unlike my 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix or 2000 Olds Intrigue, but I love this vehicle. It has excellent acceleration. Has held up very well. I am very pleased with my purchase, still 4 years later.

• 

  First day 700 miles - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By occking - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. After having 2003 Buick RVD for months (which I hated mainly cause it was so underpowered & never got great gas mileage) amd Acura MDX for 2 years and Lexus RX300 for 2 years, never thought I would spend as little as $24,000 (plus 0 percent financing) for a car with all of the features I need. Drove 700 miles in first day, averaged 28.5 per gallon which is pretty good for a brand new vehicle

• 

  Longevity is Not its Strong Suit - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Maxx02360 - December 1 - 3:00 pm

  I liked the car when I first purchased it; see my review in 12/04. But the car definitely has some quality issues. At 80,000 miles, I have replaced the steering column twice. Yes, the steering column! When it goes, it is almost dangerous to drive. Ive also replaced the front bearings, the intake manifold, and the DVD system. The remote starter doesnt work anymore. Currently, my CDs are stuck in the audio system and wont play or eject. I took very good care of this car with the plan of giving it to my daughter, and while it still looks good, and my daughter loves driving it, it unfortunately has real quality issues.

• 

  Another Good Car That GM Never Marketed - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Paul - November 2 - 10:33 am

  We needed to replace a 1993 VW Passat wagon. I found an off-lease 2005 Malibu Maxx V6 with only 20,000 miles, and was able to get it for only $12,000. We have had it for 1,000 miles, and so far, very impressive. Huge cargo capacity with seats down. 33-34 mpg on highway with AC on; 30 mpg in mixed driving, with odometer validated on a measured mile! Easy to drive, very spacious, great stereo, easy to use controls. For the price, it is quite a package. Its a real shame that GM never marketed the car, and now is changing it to another overpriced sedan with complex OHC engine and worse mpgs, and also forcing you to buy an SUV even if you only occasionally need a hatchback.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Debra - November 1 - 5:00 am

  I love this car. It has lots of useable room for its size, and no problem with blind spots. I get much better gas mileage than the EPA estimate--24 city, 31-38 highway. This is a truly fun car that is loaded with features. The whole family (including 2 teenage girls) love it, except my husband, who is a big man and has trouble getting in and out.

• 

  Chevy Maxx 2005 - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By JK - October 22 - 2:56 am

  I absolutely love this car and cant believe chevy stopped making them. Cant believe the torque on this car absolutely incredible for its size. Ok, problems, the steering shaft has been fixed once already due to warranty related problems at about 20000 and now is having the same problems again at 79000 (no longer covered). The cloth seat are by far the worst I have ever had in a car, you see every single little stain, water or worse - absolutely horrible, very tough to clean, took to pro and they refused to clean the upholstery. If chevy still made them I would buy a brand new one w leather seats right away. 23 gas/city - 26 highway. CD player broke, love onboard comp and low maintanence.

• 

  Maxxy is a gem - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Sean 418 - October 4 - 10:43 am

  This is an excellent car. I really purchased it for my parents. It was for Mothers day. It was a 2004 leftover. There were quite a few. What a shame they are not selling.If they were labeled "Toyota, Nissan, Honda or Hyundai they would be flying out of the dealers lots. Great performing car. First car I have had with a dvd player which hardly gets used. Love the visiablity. Great buy. I highly recommend this car. It is my 2nd Malibu. Love the sun roof and vista roof . Its like a old Olds Vista Cruiser. Wish I had the Sirius instead of XM. Like the information center. Hatchback is useful. Excellent buy

• 

  Not total happy with my Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By laurie28 - September 23 - 4:36 pm

  I bought my Maxx in late 2004. Steering issues every year. GM kept replacing steering. Finally used a "redesigned" component that solved the problems. Tire rods replaced. Recently had loss of power steering. started working after I stopped the car. Chevy will not check it out at no charge. New brakes after 1200 miles. Back seat lever broke off. Driver seat power adjustments broke. Remote start quit working. Key fobs with new batteries still wont open or lock doors. Hatch back wont open and when to Chevy 3 times to get it fixed. One thing. Great handling and acceleration!! I wont buy another GM vehicle. Ever.