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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  Value of the Century - SUV Killer! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By skibumaxx - January 21 - 6:36 am

  It holds a ton of stuff and has amazing room in the back. I love the power, but the in- town mileage is not so hot. Highway mileage is outstanding for its size and capacity. I have tinted windows and they are a must or this car would be an oven in the summer. You can tell that the body is very stiff, by the way you can hear a bump more than you feel it. We looked at small SUVs but this is a far better choice. Im not crazy about the front styling but the side and rear views are unique and attractive. With 2 small kids and a big dog, its just right!

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  only 20 miles so far, but... - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By maxx_owner - January 5 - 2:00 am

  No long-term info here. I just bought this car. I had been waiting forever to GM to make a reasonably priced sporty wagon with AWD. Although the MAXX isnt particularly sporty and only has FWD, I couldn’t wait any longer. I had a sports car before, so in comparison the ride and handling are very "cushy," but I am quickly getting used to that! I thought I got a lot of options for the price. The fit and finish are nice and the interior is very roomy. The cars outward appearance makes it a "sleeper.” I think this is a flexible car that has features and utility that would be great for anyone.

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  Buy it with your eyes closed, so good - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Rajinder Goyal - January 4 - 3:53 pm

  I just love this car. Packed with unbelievable features, it is a luxury at an affordable price.

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  Maxx at 7,500 Miles - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By juswheels - December 29 - 3:30 pm

  We purchased our new 05 Maxx in June of this year. We havent been a GM customer for a number of years but after a lengthly test drive, we decided to come back to GM. So far weve traveled about 7,500 trouble free miles. Not one problem or complaint. On the highway, Ive consistently averaged 33 MPG and around town in the mid 20s. I am absolutely pleased with the Quality, Handling, and Design of this car.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By seamaxx - December 25 - 10:00 am

  GM is really got a winner. I love everthing about this car including the electronic steering

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  I Love My Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Sxecanadiamark - December 2 - 1:30 am

  I have had my 06 Malibu Maxx for a week now, so I figured it was time to write a review. I love this car to death, its very eye catchy. People are like, what kind of car is that, etc. I love the way they made this car spacious. ilove the fact they made it with an extra roof in the back so that your backseat passengers can look out as well. This car shocked me because at first I didnt like it, but once I drove it, I fell in love. I would recommend this car to everyone. Its very good on gas considering the increases in gas prices.

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  My Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By moehrked - November 29 - 7:06 pm

  I bought my Malibu Maxx in mid 2006 because I wanted better gas mil3age. Well, I got it! I drive from Leland NC to Myrtle Beach SC about 2 to 3 times a month, and I manage to get 30 to 32 mpg. I can get 30 mpg at 65 mph easily. I must say that I do love this car. All I have ever done so far to this car is change the oil when it tells me to and rotate the tires when it tells me to. I have OnStar maintance package and so far that is all that has be noted.

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  We got a lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GLen - November 24 - 2:30 pm

  Right up front, the stock tires are crap in deep snow. The car does fine with replacement tires from Firestone, but you should add the cost of new tires if you get severe winters where you live. At 17,000 miles the timing chain snapped and destroyed the engine. At 34,000 miles the steering column and other parts of the power steering had to be replaced defective. Since the 36,000 mile warranty ended both ball joints and control arms have been replaced as well as the right CV. And from about 40,000 miles on its idle and general feel have been getting generally bad in feel, like something else is about to go. Worse than the 175,000 mile Ford Taurus we traded in for it.

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  Love from the beginning - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By arkaypee - November 19 - 10:16 am

  My sales person took me to pickup my Maxx and as soon as I saw it I fell in love with it. Then I drove it and it was confirmed that this was the car for me.

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  Very Impressive - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By chuckster - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I agree that the front headrests are to far forward. Try this, pull them off and turn them backward, worked for me. Getting 21MPG in city 32MPG on long freeway trip. Very confortable and quiet. MPG on trip meter is sometimes right on but usually optimistic, it is annoying that it changes in large incriments(goes from 30.8 to 31.7 in one step). Range to empty actually leaves almost 2 gallons in the tank. Only annoyance is that the rear skylite shades will snap open, especially when the plactic holding the shade gets hot and flexes. Scares my 5 year old.