Used 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Consumer Reviews
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A great switch from an SUV
My wife and I decided it was time to trade in our SUV. After looking a little we spotted the MAXX. It was a great alternative to an SUV due to the large storage space in the rear and better MPG. We would highly recommend this car to any family. Only wish we would have gotten the optional DVD player for our child.
WIFES NEW CAR
GM PAID ATTENTION TO ALL THE DETAILS HERE. QUITE IMPRESSED WITH THE STANDARD FEATURES ON THE LT MODEL. DID HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK FOR "CHECK GAS CAP" ERROR. ORDERED NEW CAP.
- LS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,995517 mi away
- LS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,400548 mi away
- LT 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,000937 mi away
Maximum Maxxx
I've had my Maxx 2 months now and have 6,000 miles on it, so this is an update review. The car is still a gem-- handles well, gets great gas mileage, and the engineering is suburb. I get comments from everyone about how they like the look of it and they love the green color. I like that it's a trouble- free car with all the features the "better" cars have... at a great price. I'm doing more 'round-town driving' now, and the car performs as well as it did on the long vacation trip. This car has it all!!!
Malibu Maxx
It took a lot for me to convince my husband to get a car vs. another SUV or truck. But when he got into this car, he loved it and still does. So much better on gas mileage and very fun to drive.
Lot of car for less
Between the GM rebates, GM card earnings redemption, end of year dealer discount,and GMAC rebate, we saved over $10,000 off the window price of $23,150. Truly a lot of car for the money! The styling takes a little getting used to, but the creature comforts in this base LS model with the preferred package is just overwhelming.
Maxx is fun and zippy
I'm having a ball driving this head- turner. I traded my 2003 Trailblazer because of its bad gas mileage in-town and highway (never better than 16-18 mpg). The 2004 Malibu Maxx LT has met all my expectations--it really does get 32 mpg on the highway and it really hauls! I am having run zipping around town and sieze any opportunity for a road trip. Love the roomy interior with space for me and four friends and the cargo room is exceptional for a midsize car. Get one and get fun!
Great Car
Me and my wife test drove this car and fell in love with it from the get go.My son loves the dvd in the back, which makes driving that much more less stressfull. With the wireless headphones that come with the care my son puts on the headset and just pays no mind.The driving control is great! And outstanding gas mileage!!! Plenty of room in the back for a vacation.
Beth's Mal Maxx 2004
Overall, pretty happy with the car...low payments for a reliable car that has great get up and go.
Malibu Maxx LT - LOVE TO DRIVE!
I recently turned in my Jeep Liberty after test driving the Malibu Maxx. I fell in love with it as soon as I got behind the wheel. I must admit though, I was nervous about getting a car after years of riding high in an SUV. BUT, in the Maxx I don't feel like I'm riding too low. I have a long commute to work and the XM radio saves me from the boring talk radio! The heated seats in Michigan are a must!
A lot of car for the money...
We replaced our 98 Malibu with this new Maxx. There is an impressive amount of car here for the money when combined with all the rebate. This car is very quiet, responsive and powerful. The construction of this car is much more solid then anything GM we have seen before. Our biggest complaint is some initialy quality issues. We had a squeaky lift gate (dealer has not fixed), and an innacurate gas gage (dealer fixed by replacing tank). I find the reviews including edmunds don't give enough credit to the power with great gas mileage on REGULAR fuel, with the cost of gas very important to us. There are a lot of good ideas in this car and amazing amount of technology.
I love My Maxx
I just purchased my 2004 Malibu Maxx LT last week. A lot of features that are found on luxury sedans came standard on the LT; heated/power leather seats, remote start, rear sky light, and lots of safety features. The Maxx shares the Epsilon platform with the Saab 9-3 so it has a tight, tuned feel. The 210 HP-V6 engine gives the Maxx some power off the line.
A lot for the money
Rebates and discounts got me this $23,150 Maxx LS with preferred package for an even $13,000. I priced them for months and waited until the time was right.This vehicle has a great blend of features for performance, comfort, economy, etc.
We like it!
We traded our 2003 Ford Expedition for the Maxx for better fuel mileage. After driving the Maxx for almost 12,000 miles; our family enjoys the ride, comfort and most importantly the fuel economy. We still miss the Expedition, but we are reminded we made the right choice when we are at the pump.
Great vehicle
I bought this car for my wife...she loves it, and so do I. It has all the bells and whistles including a DVD.
Great Car
We have always had either large vehicles or sports cars , this vehicle fits both of our needs and is fun to drive. We did have a problem with the head rests but all you have to do is take them out and turn them around, very comfortable and pretty fast
Will not buy again
I've driven my Malibu for 7,500 miles now and if I could get out from under it without taking a bath it would be gone tomorrow. I drive 120 miles daily and this is the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned. The seat bases are far too short hitting me mid thigh and causing pain in my legs after only 20 minutes of driving. The electric power steering is a poor choice and needs more boost at highway speeds. An hour of driving and my hands are cramped. The suspension works great in town but on smooth blacktop it sets up a harmonic vibration at 45-65 mph that shakes the entire car...very poorly designed. Tranny does not shift into high without letting off the gas.
All that wears a Bowtie...
We purchased our Malibu Maxx after discovering it was a twin under the skin with the Saab 9-3 and the Vauxhall Vectra wagon, which we drove in the UK on vacation. There are a lot of sneaky neat features on this car, and while not a top of the line Mercedes, it is fun, manouverable, and a lot of car for the money. Worth a look.
We Will See How Good It Is!!!
So far the Malibu Max has been a good car to drive. It seems to have quite a bit of get up and go. The rear view is not so great, but it will do. The car rides good for a car. Priced right with the discounts and easy to deal with the dealership in my case as I will not hassel over price and I did not have to, which is one very good reason I liked the deal!!! Hope the car holds up well as I have not purchase a new car for many years.
Great value in a fun little car.
After a month of driving, I am really impressed with this little car. It handles well and is very responsive. I have the LT with heated leather seats, remote start, climate control, power sun-roof, 6 CD in dash stereo, DVD player, etc... Totally loaded. A 2004 leftover, I paid less than half of what I spent on my last car. I admit that the deal I was able to make had a lot to do with me buying this car. But, this car is a real sleeper. This is not a car the will impress your neighbors, unless they got to drive it. Anyway, I've already got the impressive car in the drive way. (Our other vehicle is a Yukon Denali XL.)
So pleasantly surprised!
Bought an '04 Camry a year ago - it was stolen (a story for another time!) and needed a new car. Avoided Toyota (most frequently stolen) and bought the Maxx instead - drives better than the Camry did, and for about the same money got leather interior, amazing flexibility of rear seat/cargo configuration. I was fortunate to find a brand-new '04 (identical to the '05) and got better than employee discount price. The Malibu Maxx isn't flashy - but like Camry, Accord, etc. it may soon be seen by consumers as a "best in class" family vehicle. Drive is smooth, easy. Love the remote start feature. Very comfortable for a family of five.
What A neat car
My Maxx is one year old. No problems at all. Have made two vacation trips, amazing but true; 34 MPG highway, loaded with luggage etc. Runs at 70 MPH plus like a charm. Rides as good or better them my 2002 Buick LeSabre. Love that movable rear seat. People ask me about this car because it looks so neat. Wish I had purchased the step up model. When this one reachs about 12,000 miles will get a more up scale model, leather, etc. This one has a sun roof that is fun to use. More people should check this car out before buying other family size cars. Again, great car, great mileage. I'm lovin' it.
GM got it right
The interior of this car is excellent and very functional. My family of four fits great. The leg room in the back seat is great. I was tired of my daughter in her car seat kicking the back of my seat in our Saab. I used the car to transport an enormous amount of junk the other day, and it fit wonderfully. The only complaint is the plastic interior materials need to be of a little higher quality.
Grandma Car
This car is okay for packing kids or if you are looking for a SUV alternative, but as far as fun and eye stopping, no way. My friends ask me why I bought such a Grandma car. Well at the time I had no other choice the car I had was way too small and this was all they had. Now I wish everyday I would have kept my old car. I have had the power steering worked on twice. Once it went out while driving on the interstate. A new gas tank for unexplainable dents from the dealer, and when you go over bumps it sounds like the front end is going to fall out of it.
Great car !
This car replaced my fully loaded Olds Intrigue which was totaled last year.I decided to buy a loaded out Maxx for the family which my wife now drives everywhere, and I get to drive her old car (Alero.)This car had some very big shoes to fill and has done so very well.
More than a Econobox
The Malibu Maxx was a complete surprise to me. My prior experience with GM rental cars was terrible. The Maxx combines a good blend of features, performance, fit and finish, reliability, and flexibility in a compact package. My initial attraction was 0% financing, but after 12000 miles I can recommend the Maxx for your daily driving needs. My car has zero defects and repairs. The chassis is stiff, and the Maxx handles well. There is plenty of low-end torque for a little fun in an econo-box. The rear passenger room is enormous. My sons said that they like the car because it is little on the outside and big on the inside.
Best car I've ever owned
I'm 78 an owned many cars in my lifetime. This is the best handling car ever. I love the tracking, all the mechanical and innovative features, especially the remote start in the winter and in the summer. It heats the car quickly in wintertime and cools it down in the hot summer days as well. The wide opening doors were helpful in the back to assist my wife (who had alzheimers) to get in the car. Just a great car!
Maxxy is a gem
This is an excellent car. I really purchased it for my parents. It was for Mother's day. It was a 2004 leftover. There were quite a few. What a shame they are not selling.If they were labeled "Toyota, Nissan, Honda or Hyundai they would be flying out of the dealers lots. Great performing car. First car I have had with a dvd player which hardly gets used. Love the visiablity. Great buy. I highly recommend this car. It is my 2nd Malibu. Love the sun roof and vista roof . Its like a old Olds Vista Cruiser. Wish I had the Sirius instead of XM. Like the information center. Hatchback is useful. Excellent buy
A reliable SAAB for the rest of us
We've had our Maxx for 14 months and 14,000 miles. It has exceeded my high expectations. The car is well- designed and, except for its truck front grill (an example of what's wrong, and who should be fired, at GM), well-styled. The build quality is excellent --- proof that GM autoworkers in Kansas are as good as those working in Japanese-brand plants in other parts of the USA. If this car had a Honda or Toyota badge, it would probably be the best-selling passenger car in the USA. Of course, we don't know how it will stack up against a used 2004 Accord or Camry in five years. So far, it looks like it can compete with them on TCO.
Great ride
My family just completed a 900 mile round trip from Colorado Springs to New Mexico. The V6 Maxx averaged 70 mph and achieved 35.6 mpg going and 33.6 coming back. This trip included mountain driving. XM satellite worked great out in the mountains. I love this car. I would buy another.
My Chevy
The car has been very reliable on long trips and around town. We have experienced great gas mileage (34) on the highway and have been very satisfied with the ride. The interior is very well designed and all controls are placed well for the driver.
Chevy's best secret!
Very well designed, I get nearly 40 MPG on the highway. All in all even around town using the factory installed remote start,over 25 miles per gallon! Electronic steering handles like a dream. Can't wait to get a new 2007!
Great car for teens
This is a great car to carry things as well as people with good fuel economy. It has great pick up and can pass with ease. I drive 120 miles to work everyday and I never feel like I'm in a small car.
Versitle Car
Change the seats and the steering and this would be an awesome and versitle family car. The driver's seat is very uncomfortable, and I have had four major steering repairs. The flexibility, leg room, and adaptability are the best I've seen on a car in a long time. I average 28 mpg overall in a large car with a 200 HP V6, which makes a family car economical and powerful enough to satisfy most people.
The Malibu Maxx is underrated!
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!
Value of the Century - SUV Killer!
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!
Must have stood in the lemon line
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.
Satisfied
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.
pleased
great Utility
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A New Standard
The MAXX is a new standard for a mid- size solidily built mid-priced all purpose car. If you are tired of the SUV ride and need some room for cargo (though nothing that is large in one package) the Maxx should be looked at. I had one of the earlier Malibu a 97. It was a good car but just plain jane. The Maxx has some style, a lot of get up and go, great gas milage and is fun to drive, all at a reasonable price. I mean 2 - 4 thousand less then rest of the pack with same options. The 6 inch longer wheelbase gives a much better ride then the Sedan model.
MAXX to the Limit
Just bought the MAXX this week. Love it. Kids Love it. Traded reliable Malibu for MAXX with SUV space without SUV Maintenance. Opted for the LS version and bought individual DVD players for my 2 kids at $130.00 a pop. Don't need Onstar, but can install later if need to. Cheaper than installing the DVD Entertainment System. After seeing this at the Auto Show. I patiently waited for the MAXX. SUV Space w/the feel of a car and w/out SUV Price, Gas & Maintenance.
Malibu Maxx
I bought my car on March 31st. I took it to Florida 2 days later. It was one of the most enjoyable and comfortable rides I ever had. The car handles wonderfully, the ease of use for the cruise control is a nice feature. The information center gives me all the info I need while traveling. It was a pleasure to drive. Everywhere I went, I was stopped by folks inquiring about my new car.
Underrated
The Maxx is an impressive buy. It offers incredible features for a reasonable price, and it even turns heads... (that's free). Not regretting the purchase one bit.
Something Different
After driving it for a week, the Maxx has proven once again that Chevy is trying to compete with other hatchbacks in the market. The drive is smooth and quiet. The comfort level is good and sound system is nice. Fuel economy is yet to be determined for me.
Not my '71 Malibu
While this is not the hi-performance, head-turning, muscle of our dark blue 2004 Maxx has drawn looks, even from a group of teen boys who said it was "a cool car." The technology is quite a step up from the 1991 Grand Am it replaces, or our 1994 S-10 Blazer, so it has taken some getting use to, and a lot of checks of the owner's manual to figure out everything in it. It handles almost as good as our 1987 Z28 and has very good acceleration for a V6 of only 3.5 liters (big step up from the Blazer's 4.3-liter V6.) Got about 33 mpg on our first 900-mile trip at mostly 65 mph four-lane travel. Very quiet, low road noise. A fog light optio
I like it
ITs a nice car for the money. It rides smooth and is peppy not fast but has enough power. Interior needs some work but overall I like it nice buy. I have 1055 miles on mine.
Try it!
If you haven't driven a Chevy in a few years, you will be very impressed. My Malibu Maxx is highly competative with all other mid-size cars, foreign or domestic. The hatchback is so useful, I don't understand why most Americans are opposed it to. You get all of the utility of an SUV with MUCH better gas milage and much better performance, plus a lower sticker price. In addition, Chevy has packed so much standard equipment in, I keep finding little details that make me say "Hey, that's cool......"
Crappy quality, stay away
At the test drive I explain to the dealer that there is strange noise, the answer--this is a different car, engine sounds different. At 400 miles has several problems--including severe one: needs major transmission work! Dealership gives me headaches with repair--they would give me a rental car, but only for the first three days, and repairs will take longer. Not to "waste" my three days over the weekend, they let me take back my car but I "should drive the car as little as possible not to cause more damage"! GM customer service explained to me how I can ask coworkers/friends to drive me around or get a taxi!!! This is my fourth GM car in a row and this was my last GM one, end of story!
Malibu Maxx
This vehicle is a nice design with many great features. The build quality is suspect since it has numerous rattles all over.