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 It - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By curt - September 22 - 3:33 pm

  I bought this car used with 15,000 miles on it. I like the room in this car both front and back. I like the info center. Oh what the heck, I like everything about this car. Only one thing about this car that I cant find is how to shut the heater A/C off. With all buttons in off, it still has air coming through the vents. In my view this is Chevrolets best keep secret. I have been averaging 33 mpg and it has plenty of power with the 200 horse V6. Anyone thinking about a new car, if they drove a Maxx I think they would be very pleased. To me, it feels like driving a much bigger car. This car just fits

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  Sleeper Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Nameless - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up the car. Roughly 500 mi on it now. It has excellent power with great fuel economy. We got the LT loaded with nearly every option including DVD. The kids love it. (My daughter especially likes the "warm bottom seats", my son the DVD) This car is a "sleeper". Kind of boring on the outside but absolutely packed with every possible feature on the inside. The Malibu will be my wifes car. She believes it has all the features of her previous Honda Accord with none of the negatives. She is also more concerned with function over style and in pure functionality this car shines well above the others in the mid-size "pack"

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  Great Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Nick - September 3 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my 2005 Chevy Malibu Maxx with 80,000 miles. I had to put about $1,000 worth of repairs due to the steering shaft. The car is coughing or sputtering three or four times before turning over. The car does turn over eventually. This happens very once in a while. Not everyday If any else is having this problem please let me know. Otherwise the car run and drives great. Headlights are very dim or foggy due to so much sun. They are horrible in the dark and rainy. I am looking to buy new ones. The comfort is great, it has cruise control and cold AC and hot heat. The hatchback is very roomy and has lots of cargo room.

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  Menace Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Eclipse - August 29 - 7:16 am

  We find the car very versatile and usefull for hauling a 150lb Rotty. We have a 8 year old Blazer which we love but enjoy having a smaller car. I am disabled and find most cars uncomfortable to sit in for any extended amount of time, but I can sit and drive the Maxx very comfortably due to the leg room and adjustable pedals.

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  Love this 2006 malibu ss - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By technomaster - August 25 - 3:18 pm

  I really do love this malibu ss and it drives so smooth and fast. I get a lot of compliments about this car. It has a lot of truck room and seating is perfect for me. this is a car to get for sure. This car is so much better then hatchbacks out there and thats a fact.

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  Driven to the Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By DIXIELEE - August 13 - 10:36 am

  I love our new Malibu Maxx. It is quite roomy in the back seat which you donÂ’t see that often. Everyone can sit very comfortably as far as leg room. All seats recline front and back and fold down. I would say it is a nifty car at a great price! I dart around like nobodyÂ’s business and park with ease. No more bulky minivan!

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  Meh - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By IndyBuyer - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car off the lot back in 05. I take good care of my car and my wife occasionally drives it on the highway only. I have had the back seat levers break, my trunk release works only when it feels like it - which is great if you go to the grocery store and it decides not to work. The drivers side seat frame broke at 2 welds and is now a rocking chair ($517.97 for the part alone - no tax or installation) and the drivers side door lock only locks and unlocks manually. I had to purchase new key chain units as well due to the 2 that came with the car breaking when new batteries had to be installed. DVD player stopped working and car always pulls to the left despite 4 alignments.

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  Lame-mobile - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By kmduym - July 29 - 5:54 am

  My husband and I purchased this car just over a year ago. We should have kept shopping. This vehicle is incredibly boring. From the exterior, it looks promising as a cute, responsible hatchback from an American-made car company. We had visions of fuel economy cresting 30mpg. We have held consistent at 21mpg. I would understand the low mpgs if the 6-cylinder could actually haul -- but it drives like a dog. Furthermore, the handling is so poor, with an overbearing torque-steer that sends you into a.) oncoming traffic or b.) the ditch. Not worth the money. Boring to drive. Cheaply made (rreeaallllyy cheaply made). A true disappointment.

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  "LEMON" - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Hoosier - June 18 - 6:10 pm

  Purchased used, 23K miles...had factory warranty remaining. Complete brake job (w/rotors)...steering clunking noise..."gremlins" in the car. Drove 124 miles saw temperature reading at Cold. Replaced thermostat, sender, rad. cap. Left front turn signal pigtail replaced, still having problems and right signal. Replaced remote start...still having problems. Replaced starter, still having problems trying to start. I have seen and spoke to others about car having similar or premature failures or not. I believe its main computer board failure...like brain failure. Some times it works and others!! These are not consumer problems...they are manufacturing problems (LEMONS). Fuel mileage ???

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  Great ride - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Colorado Springs - June 18 - 3:56 am

  My family just completed a 900 mile round trip from Colorado Springs to New Mexico. The V6 Maxx averaged 70 mph and achieved 35.6 mpg going and 33.6 coming back. This trip included mountain driving. XM satellite worked great out in the mountains. I love this car. I would buy another.