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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  Happy to the Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By warygent - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Got the loaded LT Maxx. I feel the car gives much more value for the money than anything alse in the class both in features and performance. The styling wont turn any heads but the interior is top notch and the flexibility great. The car came with no defects and the dealership was great in getting the Onstar and XM radio set up.

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  fun car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By cknaus - January 24 - 10:00 am

  really like the maxx, fun to drive. really quiet when windows are up. great AC. there is enough storage room in hatch that i could turn in my suv. lowered my weekly gas expense $15.00. can fit my family of 5 (4 males) inside confortably.

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  MAXX 2004 - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By suzhigh - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Functional interior. Great gas milage. Powerful engine.

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  Crappy quality, stay away - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By zezaaa - January 20 - 10:00 am

  At the test drive I explain to the dealer that there is strange noise, the answer--this is a different car, engine sounds different. At 400 miles has several problems--including severe one: needs major transmission work! Dealership gives me headaches with repair--they would give me a rental car, but only for the first three days, and repairs will take longer. Not to "waste" my three days over the weekend, they let me take back my car but I "should drive the car as little as possible not to cause more damage"! GM customer service explained to me how I can ask coworkers/friends to drive me around or get a taxi!!! This is my fourth GM car in a row and this was my last GM one, end of story!

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  malibu is back - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By arcaneds - December 13 - 10:00 am

  bought this car for my pregnant wife because of safety features, hatchback and room, but i love to drive it!

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  Most Bang for the Buck! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Marksme - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The Malibu Maxx LT is proof that America can compete with a world class car with many engineering and well thought out features and lastest in technology. Based on the GM owed Saab, its a joy to drive long or short trips!

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  Its got it all - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By cwb - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Have only owned this car for a few weeks and I love it so far. Has all the options - XM, DVD, Heated seats, remote start etc... and I cannot believe the amount of leg room in the front and back seats. I am 60 and have to actually move the seat up to get it right. The DVD player hypnotizes my kids and bloes my friends away with the wireless headsets and remote. Im still getting used to the exterior - the salesman pretty much put me IN the car before I had a chance to really look at it from the outside - good thing he did, or I may not have bit.

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  Malibu Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Sharon Roush - December 7 - 10:00 am

  It took a lot for me to convince my husband to get a car vs. another SUV or truck. But when he got into this car, he loved it and still does. So much better on gas mileage and very fun to drive.

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  Lots of bang for the money! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By patches - December 2 - 2:10 pm

  Very great car, dependable and convenient. A sure keeper. Smooth, quiet drive, lots of room, especially with two youngsters. Cargo is great. Got rid of my Blazer LT for this one, and I do not regret it. Lots of space like an SUV, but handling is far smoother. I will definitely keep this car.

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  Satisfied - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Kat - November 16 - 5:50 pm

  We are very satisfied with the car. The only bad mark we have is the front seats. Handles great, yet has some features of an SUV. We did not like the handling of the SUVs we test drove, so this car was a nice in between. We would (and do) recommend this car to other people.