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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  How to fix headrest - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By hugeholstein - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Just wanted to let people know that I was not going to purchase this car because of the front headrest being so far forward until I realized that the back headrests dont reach as far forward. I just switched the front and the rear headrests and the problem was solved. Hope this idea helps others out. Too few miles to review the rest of the car.

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  05 Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Canuck44 - April 15 - 1:23 am

  I have 140,000km on mine and have had a few problems, I have done the front brakes twice and they need it again, the rear hatch light went on the fritz and started blowing fuses, the intermediate steering shaft needed to be relubed (clunking in corners), the DVD player doesnt play 1/2 of the DVDs out there, the rear wiper stripped and now the rear seat belts detach when I tension the seat belt when installing child seats. I use the UAS instead and am going to install a new one to see if it is any better. Other than that the car has been pretty good, good combination of power and mileage.

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  Malibu Maxx LT - LOVE TO DRIVE! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By StacyShipley - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I recently turned in my Jeep Liberty after test driving the Malibu Maxx. I fell in love with it as soon as I got behind the wheel. I must admit though, I was nervous about getting a car after years of riding high in an SUV. BUT, in the Maxx I dont feel like Im riding too low. I have a long commute to work and the XM radio saves me from the boring talk radio! The heated seats in Michigan are a must!

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  Love my MAXX - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Barb - March 29 - 8:10 pm

  Great car. Turns heads. People ask me what kind of car it is! I get 32 mpg on the highway, including in that figure is stop and go around Chicago. Car has a ton of room. I would recommend the car to anyone! Great fun!

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  Maxx-WOW - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bob - March 20 - 2:33 pm

  When I took out out of the lot on the test drive I thought I was at the indy 500! WOW what power! Handling is great and I love the 4 Wheel Disc Brakes adn ABS. I dont really know how the traction control is supposed to work, but then maybe thats the idea? More than enough room. As much versatility as a station wagon at a more practial size. Will give more as I drive more.

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  To the Maxx! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By njscribe - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Have now driven 2500 maxx-miles. Car came in perfect condition and no faults or flaws have shown up. Continued to discover features. GM has trumped the competition, including honda and toyota. The quality of design and materials is unsurpassed, and the price is a tremendous bargain for what you get. Edmunds has totally missed figuring out that the maxx really is an EXTENDED SEDAN like Chevy is advertising and not a "large wagon" like they have classified it. What is unique about maxx is that it provides so much comfort for four or five people. In that regard it is like a compact limo.

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  Great Product, GM is doing it right! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Joe M - March 3 - 6:23 am

  My Maxx is a great car. Smooth ride, comfortable, and quick with great mileage, Much better than the imports I drove. Why would any one consider a forigen car? This car is really a winner. I drive 75 miles each day to and from work, and I enjoy the drive.

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  Yikes! 3 Steering Racks in 3 Years - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Call me disappointed - February 23 - 12:43 pm

  No question, the Maxx gets great mileage (I average 29 mpg). And I love that the back and front passenger seats fold down to give lots of cargo room. And its fun to drive -- when its not in the shop for repairs. There have been several electrical problems while still under warranty, all easily resolved. The real problem is the steering rack. Its been replaced 3 times. My Chevy dealer says its a design flaw and many cars come in with this problem. If you want a trouble-free car, Id stay away from the Maxx.

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  Don t buy Malibu Maxx -warranty problem - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By bljeaux - February 21 - 9:23 am

  I dont recommend buying GM products. They will not approve fixing a rattle in the steering column under the warranty. Very annoying noise. Dealer advises GM states it is a common problem with Malibu Maxx and will therefore not fix. I change cars every 3 years and no more GM cars for me. When they talk about a warranty...GM does not honor its warranty commitments.

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  Went for a Brake Job! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Dog Transporter - February 5 - 12:50 pm

  I had no intention of buying a new car - was just killing time waiting for an estimate on a brake job on an Alero when I wandered into the lot. Did not need a new car - could not afford a new car but I bought the perfect car! I do animal rescue and transport - the Malibu Maxx is perfect! Great fuel ecomony and I have had up to 17 crated dogs in the vechile and still had room to spare. I could not be happier!