2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Pros: Utility, comfort, power, many thoughtful features, interior much better than GM norm, distinctive styling
Cons: Styling a bit awkward, mixed handling, some interior bits still a bit cheap

A few years ago General Motors recognized that innovative “segment busting” products offered much greater potential for profits and sales growth than redesigned version of existing, conventional products. In response, it pledged that a large ...

Pros: Versatile wagon layout, pleasing interior, comfortable ride, impressive refinement.
Cons: Gentle suspension tuning, inert electric steering, could use more power.

My Experience I test-drove a Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT at a local dealership. My test drive lasted about half an hour and covered city streets, a winding frontage road, and the freeway. Performance The 3.5-liter V6 in my test ...

Pros: Incredible interior space, loads of thoughtful touches, performance with economy, (sort of) distinctive styling
Cons: Limited rear visibility, uncooperative cruise control, still an untested design

The question: Go with an innovative yet untested new version of an American sedan, made more attractive by Detroit’s tempting rebates – or chose a best seller renowned for quality and high resale value? That question really dogged me last year as ...

Pros: Versatility, fuel economy
Cons: Suspension could be a little more compliant

WHAT UP WITH THE MAXX? Cover up the Chevy badges inside and out and you're friends may think its European. It's got funky, slab-sided styling that I find quite handsome, hatchback versatility, the suede (looks like suede, feels like suede, but it's ...

Pros: Power, comfort, space, style -- where have you been all my life?!
Cons: Unpredictably recoiling rear shade, demon-controlled stereo settings -- but that's it!

As a mom of two and an owner of a Great Dane, I'm a fan of anything roomy yet realistic for my meagre budget. So, when the A/C went out on my Blazer, costing almost as much for repairs as the vehicle was worth, we started looking for a suitable option. ...

Pros: Well built, quiet, lots of room, comfortable and one-of-a-kind looks.
Cons: Really not many, would like to see a change in front grille.

Ok, I have never written a review, although I have read hundreds. I have read some that were very helpful and some that I had to wonder if two writers were talking about the same thing. Sometimes we all get a lemon, no matter how hard we research or ...

Pros: looks, safety, versatility, price, HVAC, smoothness, American!
Cons: rear three quarters blind spot,various brake issues, exterior lighting wiring.

I bought an '04 Maxx for $18,250 through CarsDirect. I recommend CarsDirect as a buying experience. My rep. Karen Soliday, went the extra mile to get me the best finance rate possible (believe me, I shopped around extensively.) The only difference ...

Pros: Reclining back seats, room, good acceleration, adjustable pedals, you get a lot for the price
Cons: possibility of major problems, steering and ABS problems/issues, unreliability

I am the owner of the Maxx that had such nightmarish problems. I just want to say that if you remove all the problems I had, the car is great. It's roomy in both the front and back seat areas, has great power to it and once you get adjusted to the power ...

Pros: Comfortable seating for all passengers. Rear skylight. Adjustable back seats. Safety features.
Cons: Cheap interior plastics. "Suede-like" upholstery hard to clean. Cloth would be better.

I bought the 2004 Malibu Maxx mainly for what it was not.... not a minivan, not a station wagon, not an SUV. I needed a vehicle that could haul large items, but I was past the "Soccer Mom" stage of life, and realized I was too environmentally conscious ...

Pros: Space, gas milage, and safe
Cons: Could use a little bigger gas tank

I am a first time mom and I was not ready to buy some huge vehicle to drive around town in. I love station wagons and it seems that most companies have retired the station wagon. The malibu maxx is a modern station wagon with great features. My number ...

Pros: Quality, versatility, comfort, smoothness, engine performance
Cons: Sun shades for rear sun roof that attach better and stay in place

We've had our Malibu Maxx for a few months now and really love it. Before purchasing the Maxx we considered several models... Pontiac Grand Am, Olds Alero, Ford Taurus, and even Chevy Cavalier. We needed to find a car for around $20000 that ...

Pros: -Features -Bang for the Buck -Versatility -Handling -Power
Cons: -Quality Control -Spends as much time being serviced as driven -Electrical Components

I should preface this review by saying that others have already done an exceptional job at describing the actual vehicle and its mechanical qualities. What follows is more of an ownership review/opinion. When we saw the car we couldn't believe the ...

Pros: Distinctive styling, comfortable ride, good gas mileage along with sufficient power.
Cons: 1st year model with no reliability history or crash test results.

Finally, a car that doesn't look like a cookie cutter
copy of all the other cars out there.
I test drove the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan
Altima, Mazda 6 and Mitsubishi Galant before purchasing the Chevy Maxx.
Of the 6 cars driven, the Chevy had the most comfortable and quiet interior of them all. I drive 120 miles roundtrip to work each day and needed a car that was not only comfortable, but that provided good gas mileage and
power.
However, after narrowing my choice to the Toyota, Honda, and Chevy, the deciding factor was price. At this
time, Power Chevrolet in Irvine, CA. was selling Maxx's
at $4650 off sticker price allowing me to purchase my LS
model for $16,750! The lower price overrode my misgivings
about buying a first year model.
Having driven this car for 2700 miles, I am increasingly confident about my decision. So far I am averaging approximately 29mpg on the highway (average speed
75mph) and around 23mpg in the city. I have not encountered any reliability or quality problem as of yet and
find that my long commute is much easier in this vehicle.

Pros: Roomy
Cons: Clunk in the front end

We really like our 2004 Malibu Maxx but it has a clunking in the front suspension or front floor area. The dealer has been unable to locate the problem. A friend has a 2004 Malibu and the steering column had to be replaced. Has anyone else had a similar problem with this clunking in the front end??

Pros: A very safe car with great pickup. Very good gas mileage. A very versatile car.
Cons: Interior hardware is not very solid.

Yes, I had my 2004 Malibu MAXX only 5 months when another driver in a Mini Van crossed my path. I was probably traveling at around 20 mph at impact. Between the airbags and the seatbelt I came to a grinding halt and within about 20 seconds I received a call from OnStar. They knew who I was, where I was located, and that the airbags had deployed. The airbag deployment triggered the call to OnStar. The only damage to the Malibu was the airbags, dashboard and the front bumper, which had to be replaced. The minivan occupants when to the hospital. Thusly, I would have to say that the Malibu is very solidly built and a very safe car! I agree with the other reviews of this vehicle.