2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Spacious and well equipped, the Malibu Maxx is a well-executed design that adds the functionality of a wagon to a sedan's drivability.
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, less cargo space than true wagons or SUVs.
What's New for 2004
Based on the 2004 Chevy Malibu, the Malibu Maxx is an all-new vehicle. A cross between a sedan and a wagon, it's designed to give midsize car buyers a little more space so that they don't have to resort to an SUV.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Maxx
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This vehicle rides well and has plenty of leg room in the front as well as the rear. Handles well and I feel the ride is very good. The heated seats are a plus on cold days. The automatic start should be standard on all cars, as it is extremily convenient. The only thing is the hatchback closing. You have to excert force to make sure it is latched. The computerize display is really good, but the back lighting could be improved, not very bright. All in all I consider it one of the better cars I have owned.
Favorite Features
Heated seats. Automatic start. Computer display
Suggested Improvements
Computer display lighting
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Must have stood in the lemon line
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I love the style, handling, and fuel mileage[30.9] but I've had nothing but trouble with it. Pedals wouldn't move up or down. Fuel cap light on. Transmission chain adjusted? Rear hatch release didn't have safety pull on it and latch wouldn't release. Some type of poping noise when making slow turns. And now with 111,816 miles on it, the transmission has failed. If you are wondering I take care of my stuff so no jackrabbit starts or pulling/pushing with this car.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Satisfied
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Since I purchased my car new it has given me many miles of satisfaction. I enjoy using it as a "truck" as well as an automobile. The interior design is very easy for accessiblity. Also like the glass in the rear roof with the retractable shades. Great for the grandchildren.
Favorite Features
Auto headlights on and off, flexibility of hatchback shelf, all the plug in outlets, especially in the trunk for using an air compressor for inflating floats, air mattresses, etc.
Suggested Improvements
Cannot think of anything I would change.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Value of the Century - SUV Killer!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
It holds a ton of stuff and has amazing room in the back. I love the power, but the in- town mileage is not so hot. Highway mileage is outstanding for its size and capacity. I have tinted windows and they are a must or this car would be an oven in the summer. You can tell that the body is very stiff, by the way you can hear a bump more than you feel it. We looked at small SUV's but this is a far better choice. I'm not crazy about the front styling but the side and rear views are unique and attractive. With 2 small kids and a big dog, it's just right!
Favorite Features
Remote start in the winter. A ton of thoughtful features for the price. GM has not supported this car with advertising, so you don't see them everywhere like a Honda or Toyota. I feel like I'm a member of an exclusive club.
Suggested Improvements
Electric steering is a bit weird. Torque steer is excessive. Recliner handles in the back are very fragile. Could use more gears in the tranny.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
The Malibu Maxx is underrated!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have been driving my Malibu Maxx for almost 4 years now. I live in the Buffalo, NY area so I'm used to driving in poor weather. This car did excellent in the bad weather. Also the features in this car are unbeatable. Cruise control, remote start, heated seats, OnStar, XM radio, adjustable pedals, front and side air bags, traction control, 6 cd changer, car information computer, power sunroof, 30 MPG. The best part, not one thing went wrong in the time I have had it! Flawless! This car is a sleeper for sure!
Favorite Features
Heated seats, XM radio, remote start, great sound system, good on gas, 30 MPG
Suggested Improvements
Build more of these great cars. I do not work for Chevrolet or GM. I am just a satisfied customer!
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
- 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
- 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
- 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
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