2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.62/5 Average
163 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The side curtain airbag option now includes front-seat side-impact airbags.

Pros:
  • Hatchback configuration makes for easy loading, spacious interior with adjustable rear seats, plenty of safety and convenience features, innovative remote start feature, standard V6.
Cons:
  • Lackluster interior, subpar braking and steering, less cargo space than true wagons or SUVs.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 163.00
  • Hellava Ride from GM - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    GM is finally starting to wake-up. Lots of planning went into this vehicle. Never had a car with remote start, heated seats before. Now dont think I would want to be without. Enjoy sitting in the back and watching a movie with her on a long trip.

  • 12 yrs and still going strong - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    We bought this Mailibu Maxx in August of 2005 and the only issues have been with the steering and one tierod joint. GM made good on the steering issue and beyond that it has been a rock solid vehicle. The gas mileage is always around 24-26 MPG. The V-6 engine gives this car the power to really get up to speed fast and is smooth and quiet. The hatch back design makes for a real hauler of just about everything you can imagine and with the rear seat down we used it as our ski car for years. It has great traction in snow and ice. We now have about 85,000 miles and the only thing besides the steering issue that was taken care of by GM is we replaced the battery. Not bad for 10 years of service. My only complaint is the amount of road noise when on the freeway. They could have done a better job of noise isolation. My only regret is they dont make this car anymore. I would like to find something like this other than a Cadillac CT-S that has all the features and functions of this wonderful car. We found this car to be a real value when we bought it and looking at the prices of used Maxxs they have held up over time. The 3500 V6 is a lot of power in a car this size. You cant help but be impressed. Also, it handles the curves and hills quite well. I hope GM will eventually bring this car back we have tried newer cars like the Subaru Outback and found it lacking in power and acceleration we are used to with our Chevy Maxx. update 2-23-2017: We have now had our Maxx for nearly 12 years and over 100k miles. I just put my second set of tires, replaced the brakes, spark plugs and wires, and drained and replace transmission filter (scheduled maintenance items). This car gets garaged every day and washed regularly with that said the paint, a metallic champagne green still looks like new. We have had no mechanical surprises with this car. It gets great mileage at around 24-26 mpg on a regular basis. My wife loves this car with its hatchback for all the things she transports for her church. She also has to child protective seats installed in the rear seat as she babysits our grand kids 3 days each week. We really like the power of the V-6 engine and would not consider a new Malibu unless it has the V-6 option. Mpg is one thing but under-powered is not something I would consider. All in all, we are still very happy with the decision to buy this car. update: August 2017... The CD changer quit working a couple of weeks ago. Found a factory new radio on ebay delivered to my door for $118. Now all I have to do is either install it myself or hire it done. The whole dash has to come apart in order to change out the radio. I t appears to be pretty straight forward but will take some time. Other than the radio issue the car remains rock solid.

  • just thought the Maxx would be more... - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    Great acceleration w/the v-6 engine. Left with doubts about brakes and steering and the sub-standard braking. Had to replace rear brake pads @ 58000 miles. What A Pity!!! Then you have the interest with the intermediate steering arm assemblies that have given so much crap to those who have purchased the electric power steering groups.

  • Best Buy - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    I purchased my Malibu Maxx in Dec of 2005 and already have 50,000 miles of trouble free, economical and handy driving. I say handy because the interior layout of the Maxx accomodates a 8 foot ladder with room to spare. I have averaged over 38 mpg several times driving I95 in Florida. I have rented a Dodge Caliber while traveling and find that it is no comparison to the Maxx. The Caliber is noisy and the interior is not nearly as nice as the Maxx. With the deals out there I highly recommend the Maxx. An excellent value that is underappreciated by most buyers.

  • Good alpine driver - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    Drives well on hiways and brakes very well at high speeds. Lots of passing power. Nice ride.

  • Must have bought a lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    The day we pick up the car the factory remote starter doesnt work , then the sales men kills the battery try to get it work, then on the third day of owning this lemon (365 km on it ) the transmission starts to act up.(it wouldnt go into gear.) And now less then a month later the starter is acting up.

  • Life in Maxx - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    Excellent car with a lot of space, a good look and good performance for the price. A lot of persons said to me that they will consider a Maxx for their next car. No problem except traveling computer, but it was fixed now. I changed the tires for 4 Michelin Hydroedge and the car became more sporty to drive.

  • MAXXimum Satisfaction - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    After test driving this car, I couldnt look at anything else. I had been looking for something that would get good MPG (26.5 in town), have the extras that my Jeep GCL had, but still look sporty. I looked at so many vehicles, my husband called it my new hobby. The MAXX has comfortable heated seats, adjustable pedals, tons of cargo room, a smooth ride, wireless headphones in the back and is FUN to drive. This car deserves a second look and a test drive. Lots of pick up, feel secure with a super safe drive. With a sunroof and the rear skylights, the interior feels even larger than it is. Looking forward to using the remote starter this winter

  • A Maxx love affair - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    Our Maxx has been dependable, fun to drive and has met all our needs. It corners great and is easy to handle in all situations. The load capacity is perfect for carrying groceries, passengers and lawn and garden products as well as home improvement items. The highway mileage is great. We have has much leg room as our last car a Mercury Grand Marquis.

  • Updated Review 2 Years Later - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
    By -

    See my original review below dated 11/24/07. I now have 92,500 miles on this well equiped but basic Fleet car. The front end thump remains but is no worse after 20,000 more miles. The engine and transmission are as good as new- no oil use and I have obtained has high as 41 miles per gallon on the highway @ 60mph. Ive had to replace warped front rotors, fix a short in side view mirror, new indicator bulb and thanks to a nail in a sidewall, buy two new Bridgestone tires (with the mpg my care gets with them, why change?) I did find the tan interior stained easily--but it also cleaned easily, try "Tuff Stuff" from Pep Boys. Paint, trim and interior is holding up very well.

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Reviews By Year:
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