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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  To the MAXX - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Cilia - June 30 - 8:03 am

  I absolutly love this car. It is a great car for the family without taking out style. It has good gas mileage, and I can always rely on it. Its a pleasant suprise. Its a plesure to drive and to look at. It can seat four to five people. It also much better than any SUV!

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  Maxwell - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By madmaxx - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the car to this point. Drives and rides smoothly around town. Just back from a weekend 600 mile trip and the car performed well at all speeds up to 75. Negatives are the cruise control speed which varies too much. Also, they need to do something with the catch on the rear moon roof visors which will suddenly retract when a window is opened while the car is moving.

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  2004 maxx a good step forward - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By kurt w - June 19 - 10:00 am

  A nice translation of the SAAB "EPISLON" platform into a new USA Hatchback, the Maxx is a well executed "extended sedan" that is a good family hauler or freeway cruiser. It did well in crash tests, handles rough roads with aplomb, accelerates well without guzzling gas, and has better fit and finish than many more expensive cars. Some cheapness in the rear trim, a poor cruise control, seats that are too narrow in back, and other first year misses keep it from knocking off Honda or Toyota just yet. But probably one of the best medium size cars out there.

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  A Nice Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Tom Florek - June 14 - 7:00 pm

  Just recently bought this vehicle, however had the opportunity to rent a couple for work travel. Good fuel economy, smooth transmission movement. It can get out of its own way, but not at breakneck speed. A real good family car.

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  Great car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By jamie - June 10 - 10:16 am

  This car is one everyone should test drive. During the time Ive had this car weve made 2 long highway trips and the mileage averaged 28.5. Around town we average about 23-24. Im 63" tall and this car has plenty of room for me in the front or back. Great car if you have a couple kids. Im pleased with the performance and driveability of this car. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a roomy car.

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  Perfect blend of practicality and value - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hoss - June 7 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this dark red program car as an ex-rental with ~10,000 miles on it in December 07. A certified used LT 2007 for $16,000. Great savings off of new and I dont particularly like the looks of the 2008. I love it so much more than the other cars I test drove (new foreign sub- compacts). Quality is on par and you get so much more for your money. Styling is great; mpg decent for V6 power; comfort; utilitarian design; safety features.

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  MAXX vs PRIUS - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By MAXX - May 30 - 8:46 pm

  I did my extensive homework on the Malibu Maxx LT, Civic and Prius hybrids. I test drove them all. I was fighting the fuel economy thing so you would think one of the two hybrids would win me over, well for the power, safety, standard features, and available options, the Malibu kept on winning me over. The 2005 model has all the safty features my family needs, and rear DVD, adjustable foot pedals, sunroof, moonroof, reclining rear seats, remote auto start, XM Radio, On-Star, and of course the great fuel economy. The sticker on this car said 22 city/30 hwy, but I feel like I am getting at least that. That is good compared to the price and options on the other two.

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  Maxx-Happy - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Maxx-Happy - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Traded in Honda 2001 CRV with 19,000 miles, have an Accord but even there the Maxx is so much better. After driving the Maxx, the Honda CRV was like driving a truck. Though I hope the dependability is as good as Hondas.

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  Dont Waste Your Money! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Jon Sarver - April 30 - 4:00 pm

  This car has been a lemon. It has 62,000 miles on it and we have had the water pump go out, a fuel pump fail, the real view mirror falls off, the back seat breaks. The interior is fraying and has been since 30,000 miles. The gas mileage is good on the open highway, but less than 18 miles per gallon in the city. The GM President admitted that the company cut corners the last several years in production. This car is a perfect example of numerous corners that have been comprormised to pay for expensive union health car and retirement.

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  Still love it after 3+ years - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By susieQ - April 9 - 4:56 pm

  Found it on the dealer lot by accident. Didnt know this car was made. Perfect fit for me, love the adjustable pedals and dash lay out. Fog light knob could be easier to find. Hatch sometimes relocks before I get to it. Lots of back seat room for passengers. Lots of cargo space. Travel with 2 small dogs in a large kennel in the folded down rear space. I still have room to get in back and let them out of kennel with veh doors closed. Smooth ride, handles well. Backed out of a ditch using traction control; couldnt have done that with my other cars. I drive 60% highway 40% city ave. 25.8 highway; 21.5 in city. The SS has great pick up. Very sad it is not made any longer as I would buy it again!