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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  I LOVE MY CAR !!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By yoa1212 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE FEEL OF THIS CAR. IT HAS SO MUCH ROOM. People stop me to ask me what kind of car I have , They think it look so great.I was in an accident and was not hurt because this car is built so well. I highly recomend the maxx. The Only Con is that GM had a problem sending one of tha parts. I am still waiting for the new part, and the repair shop had to fix the old part. I get no satifation when I call chevy customer service. That is the only bad experience I have had with this car.

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  100K and Beyond - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By bobd10 - November 5 - 3:45 am

  I bought my "05 Maxx with 52k on the meter. I now have 105k. Got hit twice, both side swipes at the front end (1 on each side). Hasnt given me any major problems. Just chenged the plugs, was easy. Put in irridiums, seems like it has better response at high speed acceleration now. Only 2 gripes...the front turn signals melting and the CD player not accepting discs on the first try. Otherwise, great car.

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  2006 Malibu Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Ed - October 31 - 3:46 pm

  This is a great car. I can find no fault with it. Great gas mileage for a large V6. Excellent cargo room with all seats down. Overall, cant be beat.

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  Grandma Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Matthew - October 19 - 12:40 pm

  This car is okay for packing kids or if you are looking for a SUV alternative, but as far as fun and eye stopping, no way. My friends ask me why I bought such a Grandma car. Well at the time I had no other choice the car I had was way too small and this was all they had. Now I wish everyday I would have kept my old car. I have had the power steering worked on twice. Once it went out while driving on the interstate. A new gas tank for unexplainable dents from the dealer, and when you go over bumps it sounds like the front end is going to fall out of it.

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  Not Too Bad!? - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By mattchoo - October 7 - 10:00 am

  We have had a couple problems we have had to replace the wiper switch, all the rubber window moldings, and now the temp gauge is stuck on cold and the electric fan runs all the time. We traded in a 2000 volkswagen jetta that was a lemon i hope this is not going to be the same thing.?

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  Maxx is cool - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By John - September 9 - 2:16 am

  A fun car to drive with superior handling and plenty of horsepower when needed. The instrumentation is user- friendly.

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  steering, ball joint, - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Gil - September 9 - 12:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle new and the first year was great. Power, handling, comfort, no repair. Then it started. I now have 90k miles, I replaced the rack and pinion steering column at 70k, the struts at 78k, the ball joints at 90k. The cruise control started giving me problems at 50k miles, goes off by itself. The shifter automatic stopped working right about the 50k miles range. I drive like a little old man, careful and slow and I maintain this vehicle at every squeak. I wouldnt buy another one.

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  love the maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By VICKY HICKS - September 3 - 3:00 pm

  I love my Malibu maxx, I have one problem, cloth seats are dirty just from rain drops in car. Dont know how to clean this-help, rear windsheild wiper just started flippin out. Going to have fixed this weekend.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By 1tenor - August 16 - 1:23 am

  This is one of the best cars Ive ever owned. I get excellent fuel economy, and the flexibility of the folding seats is extremely convenient. I had one problem with the trim on one of the seats which the dealership promptly fixed and thats it. Other than regular oil and filter changes, its been virtually maintenance free. It rides comfortably both scooting around town or on the highway.

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  All that wears a Bowtie... - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By The Capn - July 22 - 11:26 am

  We purchased our Malibu Maxx after discovering it was a twin under the skin with the Saab 9-3 and the Vauxhall Vectra wagon, which we drove in the UK on vacation. There are a lot of sneaky neat features on this car, and while not a top of the line Mercedes, it is fun, manouverable, and a lot of car for the money. Worth a look.