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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  Maxx-imum Overdrive - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Shazzy V. - October 17 - 4:56 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost three years now. I originally fell in love with its sporty look, large, comfortable interior and huge storage ability. I have not been disapointed too much with this vehicle. Ive had a really annoying rattle in the front dash since day One, but of course Chevy mechanics "Could not duplicate the problem." I talked them into replacing the heater motor and the rattle is still there. Also hate the brakes -- need to change them often and way underpowered for the car. And now my sunroof will not close when open unless I manually guide it in. I also get cruddy gas mileage, but I do have the larger 3.9 v-6, so I guess the extra performance outweighs fuel economy.

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  Love to the Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Buy American - October 2 - 6:36 am

  Got a great deal for this 2 year old Maxx with 21,000 miles on it. Great car to drive. I had read the reviews about the steering feeling wierd, uh what are you talking about? This car handles great. The power is incredible. The Chevy maxx is a great utilitarian car. Oh and I am averaging 28 miles per gallon in mixed driving.

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  Great Alternative to SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By warden - October 1 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this vechicle to fill my need for a family vechicle which would could do some hauling. In the past, I had chosen a variety of SUVs & pickups to meet this need. Great vechicle for hauling people and stuff if you dont need 4wd. Fairly good mpg, lots of space, considerably cheaper than an SUV of similar size. Overall a great alternative to an SUV if you dont need 4wd. I chose this over a Equinox, Escape, CRV, Liberty, and several other small/mid-size suvs as it has almost as much space, is considerably cheaper, gets better MPG, and offers features (telescoping wheel and movable petals) that no one else has. I am 63" and my wife is 5 and we can both drive this car.

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  So pleasantly surprised! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By JM in Jax FL - September 15 - 12:50 pm

  Bought an 04 Camry a year ago - it was stolen (a story for another time!) and needed a new car. Avoided Toyota (most frequently stolen) and bought the Maxx instead - drives better than the Camry did, and for about the same money got leather interior, amazing flexibility of rear seat/cargo configuration. I was fortunate to find a brand-new 04 (identical to the 05) and got better than employee discount price. The Malibu Maxx isnt flashy - but like Camry, Accord, etc. it may soon be seen by consumers as a "best in class" family vehicle. Drive is smooth, easy. Love the remote start feature. Very comfortable for a family of five.

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  Fun, and stylish "family" car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By saskatooner - September 5 - 9:20 pm

  I was reluctant to get into a "sedan" since I gravitate toward the smaller, zippy foreign economy cars but I kept seeing these new Maxxs around and was struck by how cool they looked from the back. I decided on a whim to give it a test drive. It was so comfortable and felt so much more substantial than the other smaller cars I test drove. Ive had it for 6 months now and can say that Im loving this car. It also gets very decent gas mileage.. Not quite the 28 shown on the sticker..Im averaging about 26 on the highway, but Ill take that.

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  Malibu to the Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Jason - August 20 - 8:43 am

  This vehicle is great. I was surprised by the amount of space. I especially love the hatchback. This is a great family car for a medium income family.

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  Just a GREAT CAR! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By paul - August 10 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 1984 Suburban that I used for ski area access. I took the salesman on the infamous Bogus Basin Road that is 16 miles of curves and switchbacks. I told the sales guy to hang on as I wanted to see what this car could do and we were literally blown away by how well this car handled the curves and switchbacks while climbing from 2500 to about the 5,000 level on this road. This car handles like a dream. I like the shifter with the +/- switch that allowed you to manually shift the car if you chose to do this. Best of all I got a super deal with the gms pricing w/$2k rebate and another $2k from my GM mastercard rebate account = 32% below MSRP!

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  Solid Car But Slippery When Wet - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Art - July 26 - 5:23 am

  I have enjoyed my Malibu LS for a few reasons, starting with the gas mileage. I usually get around 26 mpg for a 400-mile trip. Acceleration is great. The engine is strong and smooth. Air and heat work well. Steering is great and cargo room is fine. The back seats are incredibly spacious, even though I sit quite a ways back in the driver seat. Rear moonroofs are fun, although the sliding screen easily snaps on people. My biggest complaint, and one that should be noted for anyone switching from SUV to wagon due to gas mileage, is that the Maxxs traction control is worth nothing, literally. My wifes Corolla does better in rain or snow. It was by far the biggest disappointment.

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  Big bang for the buck - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By IPSGRP - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Nice HP, Impressive equipment, fun to drive.

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  Under rated new car - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Murfmor - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have seen only a few reviews of this new Malibu Maxx and none do justice to the car. The car is fun to drive. Very responsive,well designed and perfectly detailed. It is a very roomy car inside and the wheel base at 113.6" is longer then my Buick Park Ave. The electric steering ,rather than hydraulic steering assist gives me good road feel and the four wheel anti-lock disk brakes give a sure straight stop. I am getting 24 mpg local driving and 34 mpg on mountain trips at high speeds. With some Chevy discounts and including sales tax I paid $19700 for this car and clearly am very pleased