2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Published 06/09/2005

I still get excited when new cars are introduced. I'm especially thrilled when an American manufacturer like Chevrolet announces a new car built by union workers right here in Kansas City. So why does driving the new 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx make me mad?

Lets review our recent history just for a moment. I believe American automobile manufacturers virtually abandoned the car market in favor of higher profit truck and sport utility vehicles over twenty years ago. High quality, value priced cars from Asian manufacturers have continued to erode market share of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors cars. So when the old "Big Three" announce a new model we all hold our breath to see if it can still compete.

The first sign that the Malibu and Malibu Maxx could compete with the best foreign cars was the announcement of the foundation. As we watch million dollar houses slide into the ocean near Malibu California because of faulty foundations, the Chevrolet Malibu is distinctive because of the excellent General Motors Epsilon global architecture. I first drove the Epsilon based Saab 9-3 and fell in love with it's refined performance. Quiet, firm and vibration free, the Epsilon platform includes an independent 4-link design for the rear suspension, which includes adjustable toe and camber. Shod with larger performance tires the Malibu could compete with the best European sport sedans available.

But unfortunately Chevrolet doesn't know what they have. The reason I get so frustrated driving the Malibu and the Malibu Max is that Chevrolet has taken a great platform equipped it with one of the best list of features available and then emasculated it with a cheap interior. It's as if Chevrolet purposefully camouflaged this outstanding vehicle.

There may not be a better price/feature vehicle on the market today. The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx should have been the hatchback that once defined Saab. But instead of giving Saab the niche 9-3 hatchback that they needed and expected, General Motors decided to mass market this hatch/wagon to a Chevrolet market that will neither appreciate nor understand the jewel they have.

The Malibu Maxx is a stretched version of the sedan riding on a 112.3" wheelbase. This extra six inches gives rear seat passengers, exceptional legroom and comfort. While the utility of the hatchback rivals small sport utility vehicles, the handling and safety remains excellent.

I drove the 3.5L V-6 engine producing sports car like acceleration with its 200 horsepower and 220 lb. ft. of torque. Equipped with the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E 4-speed automatic transmission the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx always had power to spare.

Unique and distinctive features abound in the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx unavailable on vehicles at twice the price. My test vehicle came with not just one but two sunroofs. The rear skylight did not open but it did have two retractable sunshades. The front passenger seat folded flat. Combined with the multi-flex 60/40 sliding reclining rear seat the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx could accommodate an eight-foot ladder with the hatch fully closed.

Few vehicles, at any price, can be factory equipped with a remote starter system. Combined with the automatic climate control this is invaluable in extremely hot or cold climates. Heated UltraLux and Leather seats are a welcome addition for any price vehicle. OnStar and XM Radio combined with a rear seat DVD based entertainment center are luxury features never available on midsize cars. Automatic headlights, tilt and telescopic steering wheel combined with electronically adjustable pedals bring the feature contents of the 2005 Malibu Maxx clearly within the near luxury segment.

So why am I frustrated? Why does driving the Malibu make me mad? Because this could be so much more than it is. Chevrolet in their desire to downscale the vehicle slathered the vehicle in cheap plastic unfit for a car of this potential. My test vehicle had less than 1,000 miles on the odometer but the cheap plastic recliner handle on the rear seat broke off in my hand. You be the judge, but in my opinion this car deserves better.

The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx is an excellent vehicle with outstanding features. Current incentives make its fugal price a winner, but Chevrolet could have done so much more with this vehicle.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT
Front Wheel Drive Midsize Hatchback

Major Options:
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
Rear DVD
OnStar System

200 HP 3.5L V-6 engine
4 Speed Automatic Transmission

MSRP as driven $28,155

22/30 EPA MPG

Additional Web only Information and Resources

For Additional Reviews: