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 - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Crystal I Groves - May 2 - 10:46 am

  Coolant system sucks

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  Great comfortable ride - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Jana - December 18 - 9:53 pm

  This was the first brand new car I have purchased. I love it! It gets great gas milage for the long trips. But doesnt fair so well when traveling the gravel roads. I tend to put about 20,000 miles per year on a car and I havent had any problems with mine untill this spring when our road became a mud road (instead of gravel). It sits to low to the ground and scraped bottom several times causing some minor problems with the traction control and ABS.

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  Excellent - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By "WB9PAR" - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I compared this car to others in the same category. Nothing else in the price range could compare. Conservative styling yet sporty. Handles very well and is quite. Wind noise with windows down is an issue. So far excellant mileage (27.8 MPG) Electric steering is effortless and has good feedback.

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  Great All-Around Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By MHornSS - December 2 - 3:13 am

  Owned only 3 weeks but exceeding expectations. BMW/Vette owner that needed all round daily driver that drives well, has 4 person practicality, holds my offroad bicycle inside, and gets decent mpg. Found 4K mile SS by accident at dealer lot. Surprised with features. Dual sunroofs, XM, OnStar, DVD, 6CD, as well as space, quality, and value. Having been to Europe alot I like the styling and have never seen another Maxx SS (live in big city). Good power, ride, handling, dynamics, ergonomics and excellent value! MaxxSS replaces my Z71 Tahoe - almost as much cargo space but much more fun to drive and better mpg. GM/Saab platform for this car is very solid and sophisticated for this price level. Recommend!

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  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Phil H - December 2 - 1:16 am

  Bought it with 17,000 miles on it and have put another 60k on it. Great performer, 28-30 mpg in rural area, yet very peppy. Very versatile layout. Dont like rear skylights with curtains as the curtains sag since wont roll up tight. I also dont like the seats which are like a Saab with no lumbar support. Have only had to replace the outside mirror switch, but the fit and finish is only average.

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  LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING???? - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By amberdawn - November 25 - 9:49 pm

  Jan. 2010 I was pregnant with my 3rd child, and also dealing with the death of my mother. I needed a car that was reliable and safe for my kids. I loved how the car was small enough for me, but roomy enough for the kids. Test drive went great. Got the car home and seat broke, handles on seats broke, gas leak made baby very sick, power locks possessed, power steering freezes at times, cruise control works when it wants, horn honks randomly but not when its needed, CD ate my CDs and refuses to give them back, seat belts, brakes, wheels, etc. Seems to me that someone was extremely doped up when they built this car. Unsafe! Unfair to us consumers with high maint. bills. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Malibu LTZ to the MAXX - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Kevin - November 23 - 3:23 am

  This is one of the best kept secrets at your local Chevy dealer. The quality, ride, interior function are world class. Chevrolet market needs to get the word out on this one. We drove the Maxx from Ohio to Fla in December and average 31 mpg! Tons of room and teenage sons and friend love the room.

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  Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bill F - November 17 - 11:50 pm

  Walked into dealer wife saw car & fell in love with it. car is loaded with all the great options from side air bags to adjustable pedals.fun to drive.took it home an hour after she looked at.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By WALLY - October 27 - 12:53 pm

  The LS model is equipped with all neccesary equipment. Only items added were front carpets and a dealer installed pinstipe. The 3.5L engine is peppy,smooth and very economical. My wife loves the electic adjustable pedals as well as the fully adjustable steering wheel. Standard seat controls do a good job. This is one of the best GM cars that we have owned. It meets all of our needs and expectations.

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  Created acount to post this.. - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By mpatricio - October 12 - 11:19 am

  This car my grandparents bought brand new. Was given to my mom and then to me. It currently has 229,000km now on it. Needs transmission work for afew years now. There is a knock in the car whenever you turn right, costs 500 bucks to fix. This car has 5 recalls on it atm.. for power steering which the steering cut out on me on the busy highway as I was merging. This car has had nothing but problems over the past 2-3 years. Changed the alternator like 5 times in 2 years. Constant little isuses, enver buying a gm after the 68 and counting recalls ALONE in 2014 for chevy.