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 It! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By angie d - May 15 - 11:13 am

  I have had my car for 2 years now and I really love the style and the way it drives. Ive only had 1 mishap with my car and that was with the automatic light system. I ran out my battery by leaving my car on and forgetting about the lights. That has been my only mishap.

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  Good Car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By redcar - May 14 - 8:06 am

  I have been driving Saabs for 20 years. The Maxx is on a Saab platform. Fit and finish not as good but engine has more pep. I like the hatchback. Price is right. Seats good.

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  Lot of car for less - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By chevyownerof4 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Between the GM rebates, GM card earnings redemption, end of year dealer discount,and GMAC rebate, we saved over $10,000 off the window price of $23,150. Truly a lot of car for the money! The styling takes a little getting used to, but the creature comforts in this base LS model with the preferred package is just overwhelming.

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  Malibu Maxx LT - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Rudy -1 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The Maxx has outstnding interior room yet it does not take up much room in my garage. The Maxx handles considerable better than most SUVs and has better gas mileage. Passangers in the rear seats enjoy the standard skylight and adjustable seats. The Maxx come with many features not found on cars of its price class such as rear adjustable seats, Tilt/Telescopic steeling, rear skylight, power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and remote start. Great overall value.

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  Malibu Maxx, An Excellent Buy - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By R. E. Laws - April 19 - 2:36 am

  A fun to drive low cost vehicle! The looks are great. Even for a big man, the interior is comfortable. Only drawback, gas mileage could be better; however, since it is so much fun to drive, maybe I am at fault there. Do not care for the thumb operated switch on gear shift lever. Even the instruction manual doesnt explain its operation. Hatchback---great!

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  Outstanding Mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Dave - April 6 - 1:33 am

  While the quoted highway mileage is 30 mpg, I have on numerous trips achieved 36+ mpg on tanksfull of gas, even at interstate highway speeds, with the a/c on and through the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky. Find that the handling is quite stable at low and high speeds and that the acceleration is available whenever it is needed. However, to achieve optimum mileage you need to drive with common sense and sanity. Heavy footed acceleration will decrease mileage by 2-4 mpg quite easily.

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  Like this car alot - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By brbakery - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Nicely designed, sporty, comfortable, very pleasant, and not big at all, but tons of room- and I have no love of cars- they are a necessary expense. Has great standard features I would never get if I had to pay extra. Nice dash, recommend getting power driver seat. Havent gone through my first tank of gas, so not sure about mileage. Hope its good in the snow. Got a great deal with the rebate. Was looking at: Vibes. Previously owned: geo prizms (no frills)

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  Good car with nice surprises - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By maxx lover - March 24 - 7:00 pm

  Love the car; chose it over small SUVs and have no regrets. Loads of standard elements like remote start and automatic headlights; hatchback can be reconfigured to haul about anything. Small drawback is the 20mpg mileage with the 6 cyl engine.

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  OK, just OK - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By DKiD - March 7 - 11:40 am

  Car drives OK. Mileage is way down from listed numbers. I do like a lot of things about this car but mileage is not one of them.

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  Best car - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By aguzman - March 1 - 2:03 am

  I drive my Maxx 120 miles a day and I enjoy it very much. It handles great, is comfortable, and I get 29 miles to a gallon. Has style and my coworkers really like it. Some of them have gotten themselves one also. A great unit. Wished more people would try it. They would love it like I do.