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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  This is a terrific mid-sized car! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By MKD - July 11 - 11:36 am

  IÂ’ve owned my Maxx for two months and love it. I had to replace my 270,000 mi. BMW 318is commuter car and needed great gas mileage and four doors. I looked at Vibes and Mazda 3 wagons but liked the Maxx better. This car has exceeded my expectations! It has comfortable seats with lots of leg room, sun roofs front and back and the rear seat audio controls and headphones keep the kids busy and happy. The hatch area holds all our stuff. It is a fun car to drive. I like the power steering. Average mileage is 26/33 city/highway. Some donÂ’t like the looks of the car but I do. This is a real winner! GM should build it with the new Malibu styling. Now that would be fantastic!

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  Our Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By KEP - July 7 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Maxx for about 3 weeks now, and really enjoy it. Although its somewhat of a step down from our last car (1998 Buick Century), it is fun to drive. We couldnt believe the amount of cargo we could carry. The only problem weve had is that the latch on the smaller of the 2 back seats broke when the seat was in the down position, but it was an easy fix.

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  WHAT A JOKE - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By tloe - July 3 - 1:06 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle I had to take it back in for problems..I heard a noise in the engine. Then I had to take it back again because when i drive in the rain it blows under the glass and leaks on my feet...and still have the same problem...Then i took it back for front end work..Then i took it for the sensors on the wheels had to be replaced. It has been to the shop 6 times and still have the same problems and now it has a knock in the engine at 49,000 it shouldnt do that..I keep the maintenance up, however it doesnt help..I just put new rotors and brakes on it and the front end shakes...this is a lemon of a car and I hate it...the dealers dont care to fix the problems correctly.

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  Another American Built Lemon - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Lee - June 28 - 5:53 pm

  After driving foreign built vehicles for the last 18 years, I came across this car at $3000 below blue book and bought it. Had I bothered to check that this garbage can had depreciated $15000 in 3 years, I would have passed. But alas, I didnt, and now I have the pleasure of fixing all the KNOWN GM design problems in the steering column, brake rotors, steering rack, and struts. I have had 1960 era cars with better steering and suspension systems. Of course because GMC is an American company, it is based on greed and not customer care; they refuse to fix/recall any of these problems because not enough people have died in the car. I look forward to the day when I can unload this lemon!

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  Avalanche to Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By dennis headrick - June 5 - 12:33 am

  Good handling, good pep, good brakes, very versatile. Good gas mileage. Traded an Avalanche truck for the Maxx. Was tired of 11 mpg in city. If this car is as reliable as my Avalanche truck I will be very satisfied!

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  My New Car!!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Michele - May 31 - 4:20 am

  I had a 99 Malibu and loved it but it was time to upgrade. I had seen the advertisments for it and seen a few on the road and fell in love at first sight. I love it! The storage in the back, the leg room and adjustable seats in the back, theyre great. I love the remote starter. The car is proving to be all I wanted and so much more. The fuel economy is ok right now. I havent done much highway driving yet so I havent gotten up to the high 20s in mpg but Im happy with getting 21 around town. We also got an amazing deal on the car with the reg tag sale and having the GM card. I plan to keep the car a long time!! Love it! highly recommend it as an alternative to a station wagon or SUV!

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  TOO SOON TO TELL - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By NFREITAS - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Safety, style and fuel economy important as I was giving up my Suburban. This car rides smoother than my bosses 70m Mercedes and outside of having a GPS has close to the same anmenities. Took on trip to hills 2nd day, handled with ease, husband rode in the back and watched a DVD and said that he was never more comfortable. I can assure you the warning information works. Power Steering warning came on 2nd day-its in the shop being replaced. Service said they have had a lot of recent 2004 GMCs in for this. Also, CD player got stuck for 2 days-old cds

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  2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx SS - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Nate P - May 8 - 12:36 pm

  This is a great vehicle, but has some engineering flaws. You cannot get heated seats in this car at all, even though you can get heated cloth in LT trim, nor an autodimming mirror. Also, due to the fixed rear glass and sunshades, there are some minor rattles. The exterior of this vehicle has sharp lines, and I love the factory remote starter. The wheels are a nice compliment to the car, but should have been offered with a polished or chrome finish. The dual exhaust adds a sporty look AND a nice sound to this car. Mechanically, 240 hp from the 3.9 V6 is sufficient. From time to time, though, I notice some knocking coming from the engine bay. You can only choose from 4 colors.

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  Good All Around Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By rajman - April 28 - 12:53 am

  This was the car my wife, not me, wanted. It has turned out to be an excellent car. It got 30 mpg avg on a 700 mile road trip and usually does about 24mpg in town. This is with the V6 engine with plenty of power. It also has lots of interior room whether for storage or passengers. We were thinking about a small SUV for our family and switched to a Maxx because its a much better value than a SUV. The back seat is huge. It is not as quiet as some in its class, but it is hardly loud. Handling is super for a family car, though the electric steering takes some getting used to. Ive found that the electric steering really reduces fatigue on long drives, though.

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  Cute Sporty Car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By VJF - April 21 - 11:13 am

  Bought used with 30,600 miles. Have had the car since 12/13/05. Drove in rain/snow/ice mix first day. Handled well, felt secure with traction control. Like the look and handling of the Maxx. Drove over 400 miles during the holidays with cruise at 70 and got 32.5 mpg. Have difficulty getting comfortable in the rock hard seat. Have only two electric adjustments. But the pedals and steering adjustments do help. Three adults in the back seat amazed at leg room even tho a little tight on seating and were impressed with sunroof and spacious interior.