Used 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Consumer Reviews
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I love this car!
I bought this car used with 8800 miles on it. It now has over 135,000 miles and is still going strong! This is the most reliable car I've ever owned! I get great gas mileage and it is comfortable to drive! I drive 120 miles round trip M-F to work and back. This car is very roomy and practical! I love the hatchback and the fact that the seats fold down. I can haul TONS in this car! This car accelerates quickly and stops fast. Blind spots are limited so seeing out the windows is easy. There is really nothing I can say negatively about this car!
Bring it Back
Bought this car new and only have 93,000 miles on it. I have been hit once in the left rear quarter panel and had it repaired back to new! I was getting 37mpg on the freeway for the first few yeas but I am still getting 35mpg today. In town is not so great. I absolutely love this car! I really enjoy driving it either around town or on the freeway. Still has great acceleration. Have only replaced thermostat, serpentine belt and brakes and a spring. Muffler has a small hole in it which is not surprising - in Wisconsin. Everything still works (knock on wood). The remote fob broke but I am getting it fixed at a jewelers as it needs to be soldered.
- LS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,9951,484 mi away
- LS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,4001,663 mi away
- LT 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,0001,774 mi away
Don't buy GM
I have owned this car for less than a year (less than 70,000 miles) and it has had more than $3000 in repairs. The most recent issue for me was loss of power steering while on the highway. It's obvious to me that GM was aware of this safety issue, having issued a recall for the same year/make/model, although not including my VIN and they are not at all willing to assist me, although the dealership offered me a 10% discount on my bill. I will never again purchase a GM vehicle after the poor customer service I have received and vehicle quality I have experienced.
So many things to say...
Where to start? I bought this car from a used car lot in October 2011, with just over 100,000 miles for $6,500. The seat frame needed to be welded, and the other side did later. The water filter needed replacing, the belt broke in November 2011, left front wheel bearing broke in January 2012, air conditioner broke in May 2012, right front wheel bearing, spindle, hub cap, and others melted together in November 2012, as well as left front wheel bearing breaking again, back seat handle is broke, two remotes, CD player is jammed, shakes when braking, cruise control half works, etc. etc. Bad car, don't buy!
LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING????
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 CD's 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]
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS
Just brought this car with 151000 miles. Little high but figured if previous owner kept up maintenance like they said then would be ok for a little while considering seemed to be a reasonable deal. Had for 5 days and already to dealership to find out multiple problems. After reading reviews some of these should be recalled such as power steering gear, serp belt needs replacing, remote intermittently works and few times problems with starting. Other problems include replacing oil pan gasket and side mirror switch. I am so dissapointed and to make matters worse the dealership is really high on labor. The mirrors and remote key is not a big issue but the other problems can be safety concerns!!!
Disappointing
Bought after 2005 models introduced and got an excellent price. Loved it for the 1st couple of years until things started to fail. CD player failed on way home from the dealership. Replaced, but failed again in 2 years. Power steering and drivers seat frame failed. Although same steering failures covered under extended warranty for some VIN's, Chevy made us pay for more than half of cost. Rear seat reclining levers broke, fuse problems, both remote controls broke.
An update on My Maxxy
People write about their car generally within the first few months of ownership. I had written about this car previously. Well and update, I have had the car 4 years and love it. The head rest is a little stiff unlike my 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix or 2000 Olds Intrigue, but I love this vehicle. It has excellent acceleration. Has held up very well. I am very pleased with my purchase, still 4 years later.
old red rates 4 to 5
This vehicle has been extremely reliable with out a single breakdown.It has been very good as a cargo hauler and a main car.this red malibu maxx lt was cheap to buy,cheap to maintain and gets about 28 miles to the gallon over all.I have put 79000 miles on it in 51/2 years.It has many nice features and runs and drives well.I hope to get another 2 years on it and maybe another 20000 to 25000 miles on it.this car still runs and drives well I hope it continues .It has been an exceptional buy.It has abs brakes traction control heated seats garage door opener and more and everything works.It has been a great buy so far as I only paid 6000 dollars for it.It was almost flawless inside and out when I bought it.The left rear rocker panel was damaged when I got a flat tire on the freeway.It would have cost 800 dollars to fix so I decided I would just drive it till it dies and just get by as cheap as possible.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent car
I have this car since jan 2004, I never had any serious problem, the mileage per gallon is excellent. I drove this car at 60 miles per hour on a wet snow condition, the traction control were impressive, never swerved.
Its All About Value
Wow. I have been driving 25 years and this car has been a very pleasant surprise. Solid. Peppy. Base V6 Maxx LS really is pretty loaded. My sister in law has 4 cylinder Camry. She spent $2500+ more, but got much less. Now if this car is as reliable as many of the recent GM makes, that would certainly make this car a steal.
Good All Around Car
This was the car my wife, not me, wanted. It has turned out to be an excellent car. It got 30 mpg avg on a 700 mile road trip and usually does about 24mpg in town. This is with the V6 engine with plenty of power. It also has lots of interior room whether for storage or passengers. We were thinking about a small SUV for our family and switched to a Maxx because its a much better value than a SUV. The back seat is huge. It is not as quiet as some in its class, but it is hardly loud. Handling is super for a family car, though the electric steering takes some getting used to. I've found that the electric steering really reduces fatigue on long drives, though.
Don't Waste Your Money!
This car has been a lemon. It has 62,000 miles on it and we have had the water pump go out, a fuel pump fail, the real view mirror falls off, the back seat breaks. The interior is fraying and has been since 30,000 miles. The gas mileage is good on the open highway, but less than 18 miles per gallon in the city. The GM President admitted that the company cut corners the last several years in production. This car is a perfect example of numerous corners that have been comprormised to pay for expensive union health car and retirement.
Just a great car
This car is awesome. It has so many great features that come standard. I've always recieved compliments on the sound system, and spacious interior. I was rear-ended and the car that hit me looked like it had been in a major accident, while you couldn't tell that my Malibu had been hit. This car was involved in an unfortunate incident where it went over a 35-40 ft enbankment and landed on its nose. There were 2 passengers, one wearing their seatbelt and one not, they were both able to walk away from the accident,and when tow trucks arrived and got all four wheels on the ground, the Malibu started with no problem. There's no arguement that this is just a great car!
Longevity is Not its Strong Suit
I liked the car when I first purchased it; see my review in 12/04. But the car definitely has some quality issues. At 80,000 miles, I have replaced the steering column twice. Yes, the steering column! When it goes, it is almost dangerous to drive. I've also replaced the front bearings, the intake manifold, and the DVD system. The remote starter doesn't work anymore. Currently, my CD's are stuck in the audio system and wont play or eject. I took very good care of this car with the plan of giving it to my daughter, and while it still looks good, and my daughter loves driving it, it unfortunately has real quality issues.
Meh
I bought this car off the lot back in '05. I take good care of my car and my wife occasionally drives it on the highway only. I have had the back seat levers break, my trunk release works only when it feels like it - which is great if you go to the grocery store and it decides not to work. The driver's side seat frame broke at 2 welds and is now a rocking chair ($517.97 for the part alone - no tax or installation) and the driver's side door lock only locks and unlocks manually. I had to purchase new key chain units as well due to the 2 that came with the car breaking when new batteries had to be installed. DVD player stopped working and car always pulls to the left despite 4 alignments.
Rosario
I always loved this car, drives beautiful, nice pick up and maneuverability. About 22 m/g. Very comfortable and roomy.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I love my 2004 MAXX
I had been driving Saabs for years before I bought this Maxx. I had also owned Mercedes, Corvette, Tahoe, Cadillac and Chryslers. This Maxx is the perfect car for me at 62. I am 4ft 8in tall and the adjustable pedals and steering wheel afforded me to drive for the first time in many years without a cushion and being forced up against the steering wheel. The mileage on freeway is avg 37mpg! Great handling. Kick's butt when you punch it to pass, cruises at 70 like a dream. I love the hatchback for hauling stuff. All are comfortable in seats/roomy. The price was affordable. Next time I will get leather heated seats. I love the lines. Not one hiccup yet! I love this car!
"LEMON"
Purchased used, 23K miles...had factory warranty remaining. Complete brake job (w/rotors)...steering clunking noise..."gremlins" in the car. Drove 124 miles saw temperature reading at Cold. Replaced thermostat, sender, rad. cap. Left front turn signal pigtail replaced, still having problems and right signal. Replaced remote start...still having problems. Replaced starter, still having problems trying to start. I have seen and spoke to others about car having similar or premature failures or not. I believe its main computer board failure...like brain failure. Some times it works and others!! These are not consumer problems...they are manufacturing problems (LEMONS). Fuel mileage ???
I love my Maxx
When taking the speed higher I feel like I am in a jet! The ride is very smooth on and off the freeway. When I first purchased my Maxx I was the only one in town who had one so I had a lot of curious stares and questions about it. I have nothing but great things to say. The first time I drove it in a test drive I fell in love with it and no other automobile I tested could match its comfort or smooth drive.
Arizona review of Malibu Maxx
No problems to report, no quality issues. Finding the V6 has plenty of power. Ride and handling are great for a car in this price range.
Disappointed
I bought this car new in '04. After 1 year, it started to give me all kinds of problems... steering noises, suspension, brakes, you name it! Recently I needed a ball joint. Apparently a $50.00 replacement couldn't be found! It was also discontinued. A replacement cost me $300. I drive about 24,000 miles per year, not hard miles though. Can't wait to get rid of it.
Malibu 04
The best car I have ever bought.
owner
I like the vehicle, took it for 1st ride today and found the headrest bothers me, I must hold my head at an unnatural angle. Driver's seat hard to get adjusted and not sure I like the limited manuerability of the steering wheel. Buick had more up & down positions avail. Other than those things, handles great and nice ride. Like the idea of tilting back seats & adj. offered in back.
rave for maxx
Since I keep a car for 10-plus years I am a hard sell. Something new must be way better. The Maxx fills the bill at a (relatively) bargain price. The amount of passenger and cargo room, the level of comfort, and the high-tech features such as remote starting, satellite (xm) radio, on star communications, heated seats, and convertible seats (passenger to work table surface, rear to cargo area. etc.) make this unique vehicle more than worth the 28k price.
I was robbed by GM.
My husband talked me into getting this car. What a nightmare! I have to take it to the dealership for warranty work about once per month. There is something loose in the dashboard. Twice the rotors had to be resurfaced. The brakes still drag. Power steering only functions about half of the time. Service does not know why. Sunroof leaks. Squeeks and rattles everywhere. The roadnoise is deaftening. Starter keeps turning over after car has started. It drives like a 5 year old car. The only reason that I keep the thing is the $8000 difference between what I owe and trade in value. If I can find an aggressive dealership, I will unload this lime ASAP.
It's Maxximum Love
I've only had the Maxx for a couple of weeks, but so far it's lived up to every expectation. The interior is comfortable and well thought out. The seat, steering and pedal adjustments mean that anyone, including my 4'9" wife can find a comfortable position. The engine has plenty of power and the brakes are great. Even the electric steering that I had heard such terrible things about provides ease in parking and decent feel on the highway. I love the bells and whistles like the automatic climate control, automatic light control, the XM radio and OnStar. I think that the General has finally given us a winner!
Love this car
My girlfriend at work had bought one, and after sitting in every single sedan on the market ever made for the 2002 model year with my Mother, I went down and bought one. I have not been dissapointed. I have a loaded LT. The cargo carring is great, road trips are not bad - NYC -> Chicago in a blizzard with 4 adults and one little white dog & loaded to the gills with luggage. Trip wasn't bad, and got 32MPG in all that. Wish it had a 5 speed & a better generation Traction control (Hubby has a '00 BMW 528, his is *nice*) but other than that - she's great.
Love it, love it
Very adaptable for whatever use you need at the time. Much more space to pack things in than you first think. Very smooth and pretty fuel efficient for 6 cylinders. GM has come a long way and has greatly surpassed all other N. American manufacturers. Tougher times for Ford and Chrysler
not bad
I have had this car for 4 days and the the steering shaft has already gone bad, but other than that I really love this car. Not much room in the back, but the kids love it the back seats adjust. couldn't ask for a better car...
Great Vehicle
Why aren't there more on the road? This car offers you everything for a reasonable price. I have the top of the line LT and can not think of an option that I still would want; heated seats, tilt & telescoping steering wheel, remote start (which I can never live without again!) power moonroof, etc. It has plenty of pep and handles and rides great. It has enough cargo room to move a student to college. The only gripes are the intrusive "A" pillars and lousy OEM tires and brake rotors. Other than that, people are missing out on the Maxx revolution!
I love this car!
I bought my Malibu Maxx used with 80,000 miles on it. Since I have owned the car I have put over 60,000 miles on it and I have had no major problems except one. The transmission was burnt up because of a mechanics failure to properly exchange the fluid and I had to replace the transmission. Other than that this car has been a cherry. I have done some work on the car and added on a few features to make the performance and look of the car better. The Malibu Maxx is a great car and perfect for road trips, hauling loads, and comfortably seating five people.
Watch Out for Safety Issues
I have had this vehicle in the shop 10 times in last year. Rear hatch leaked and took two trips to repair. Front seat broke due to faulty seat metal. Now the steering has major issues that Chevy says their aware of but can't fixed. Mine locked up from stop position with wheels turned to right. During right turns your driver's side front end sounds like it is coming out the hood and floor board. Steering makes terrible sounds while turning. Braking at 50 mph and above the vehicle front end shakes violently. I have paper from GM service that brakes are OK. Don't by this car used. It is unsafe.
Sleeper Chevy
Just picked up the car. Roughly 500 mi on it now. It has excellent power with great fuel economy. We got the LT loaded with nearly every option including DVD. The kids love it. (My daughter especially likes the "warm bottom seats", my son the DVD) This car is a "sleeper". Kind of boring on the outside but absolutely packed with every possible feature on the inside. The Malibu will be my wife's car. She believes it has all the features of her previous Honda Accord with none of the negatives. She is also more concerned with function over style and in pure functionality this car shines well above the others in the mid-size "pack"
A very cute car!
Love the car's interior, comfortable, easy handling, visual ability...unfortunately the stats on fuel mileage by the manufacturer are not accurate...they state 22 city/30 hwy...I'm getting 17+ to 19 Hwy. The dealer service is telling me I "have to break the car in...give it at least 1200 miles". I didn't have to "break" my Impala in...it was 'right on the money'!
Maxx car for Mini price
The Maxx is fun to drive. It's peppy, and the steering is sensitive, even though it's front wheel drive. I got a lot of options for a relatively low sticker price. As for the interior, I like that almost everything in the drivers space is adjustable, including the pedals. The leather seats are really soft and are texturized with little breathable holes that keep the leather from getting sticky and hot. I like the Maxx's unique design (built on Saab platform) and its safety features.
I LOVE my Maxx!
I bought my Maxx LT used with almost 90,000 miles on it. I knew I wanted this car, & I researched it & found a great deal at a local car lot. Since buying it I have had very little trouble. Replaced the thermostat within the first few months & I had to replace something with the AC & it was over $500, but that is it! Sometimes the hatch won't open, but I have figured out a few tricks to get it to work. I take my car camping, it is used for road trips, I drive in the snow- I can do anything! Everyone always loves my car once they have been it. My best friend went & bought a Maxx too- but hers is newer than mine and a LS. She likes my '04 LT Maxx better!
Bought new off the lot
The Maxx is a comfortable and smooth ride. It handles well in-town and quietly on the road. All of the controls are conveniently located. The 60/40 back seats fold down for much needed extra room. However, the markings for the radio buttons, power windows & locks and power side mirrors deteriorated quickly with use. We have had several bouts of electrical problems causing 2-3 week stays at the dealership while they tried to figure them out. Power locks are sluggish. Cloth interiors show stains and wear easily even with dealership treatment and cleaning. The back seat levers broke within 2 years but there were no further problems once replaced. Fuel line needed repair in 2008, too.
Best vehicle in its class
After driving this vehicle in a climate prone to ice, snow and rain, for the last two years and 55,000 mi., I can only express my gratitude to Chevy for building such a safe, reliable, incredibly responsive, ultra fuel efficient vehicle. It has the pep and style of a sports car, the handling of a formula 1, and the gas economy of a sub compact. The AVG. fuel efficiency has been consistently 28 MPG city and 32 MPG HWY. It has the comfort of a Caddy, the roomiest rear seat around, the horse power of a mini Corvette, and a unique style that says " classy chassis." The price is right and the many options are all 21st century.
GREAT CAR
THIS NEW MAXX IS A GREAT LITTLE CAR TO DRIVE.
Even used, a great car
We bought the 2004 Maxx with about 34,000 miles and actually have put less than average mileage since. However, the car continues to please with excellent performance, amazing mileage for a 6 cyl engine and good interior ergonomics. The front end design is the primary downside; the new Chevy front end styling (see 2008 Malibu) would really set this car off. I'll be in need of a new car soon (this one's my wife's) so I wish Chevy would wise up and produce the Maxx for the current Malibu lineup.
Love my Maxx
Bought this car with 7,000 miles on it as a dealer demo. Love the style, has tons of space and great gas mileage for a large sedan (34 highway, 27 city). There was a recall on the steering, but was fixed. I have 68,000 miles on it and the suspension is now noisy. I've had the brakes redone, but I drive a lot of hills. I would buy another, but GM is not making the hatchback Maxx model any longer.
Best Hatchback made
Car is fast as hell, plenty of room, remote start, dvd package.. everyone I know loves it
Great Car
I love this car!! I can haul items I could not haul in a sedan. I have had this car full to the brim with potting soil and bark mulch, flats of flowers and there was still room for a bit more. I drive a lot of highway miles and I am always very comfortable with the seating and access to the controls. It handles great.
only 20 miles so far, but...
No long-term info here. I just bought this car. I had been waiting forever to GM to make a reasonably priced sporty wagon with AWD. Although the MAXX isn't particularly sporty and only has FWD, I couldnt wait any longer. I had a sports car before, so in comparison the ride and handling are very "cushy," but I am quickly getting used to that! I thought I got a lot of options for the price. The fit and finish are nice and the interior is very roomy. The car's outward appearance makes it a "sleeper. I think this is a flexible car that has features and utility that would be great for anyone.
Buy it with your eyes closed, so good
I just love this car. Packed with unbelievable features, it is a luxury at an affordable price.
Salesman Swears Off Minivans
Delighted with this solid, feature- packed, versatile car. Nice pickup; great room for 4 adults; switches to office or hauler. Build quality 97% of wife's Accord, but lots more features for the money. This is the best domestic in its class, and may be a better buy for anyone looking at an import. Everyone's surprised at the comfort, ride, and handling.
Great Alternative to SUV
I bought this vechicle to fill my need for a family vechicle which would could do some hauling. In the past, I had chosen a variety of SUVs & pickups to meet this need. Great vechicle for hauling people and stuff if you don't need 4wd. Fairly good mpg, lots of space, considerably cheaper than an SUV of similar size. Overall a great alternative to an SUV if you don't need 4wd. I chose this over a Equinox, Escape, CRV, Liberty, and several other small/mid-size suvs as it has almost as much space, is considerably cheaper, gets better MPG, and offers features (telescoping wheel and movable petals) that no one else has. I am 6'3" and my wife is 5' and we can both drive this car.
A good car!
I bought my Malibu Maxx used and I have had it for a little over a year now. It has done great in the winter and I love the power it has when I hit the gas. It is practical and all my friends want me to drive with it whenever we go out. Also with a cold air intake, the gas mileage and performance is a lot better then most cars.
Great Car
I have owned the car new since Feb. 2004. Have very few mechanical issues and have loved everything about it. Very comfortable road car and great power for a 6 cyl. MPG has been great, take it on road trips often and the AVG. MPG is almost 31 in and out of town (I don't reset the avg very often. Actually tried buying another new one two years ago but for some reason GM doesn't build them any more. Great family vehicle for the kids, and with the hatch and fold down seats (front and rear) turns into a "truck" when I need one. Only issue I have had is with the electronic steering (Saab) and have had it repaired.