2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2005 Malibu Maxx featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2005 Malibu Maxx 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2005 Malibu Maxx.
Vehicle
LT 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
We bought this Mailibu Maxx in August of 2005 and the only issues have been with the steering and one tierod joint. GM made good on the steering issue and beyond that it has been a rock solid vehicle. The gas mileage is always around 24-26 MPG. The V-6 engine gives this car the power to really get up to speed fast and is smooth and quiet. The hatch back design makes for a real hauler of just about everything you can imagine and with the rear seat down we used it as our ski car for years. It has great traction in snow and ice. We now have about 85,000 miles and the only thing besides the steering issue that was taken care of by GM is we replaced the battery. Not bad for 10 years of service. My only complaint is the amount of road noise when on the freeway. They could have done a better job of noise isolation. My only regret is they don't make this car anymore. I would like to find something like this other than a Cadillac CT-S that has all the features and functions of this wonderful car. We found this car to be a real value when we bought it and looking at the prices of used Maxx's they have held up over time. The 3500 V6 is a lot of power in a car this size. You can't help but be impressed. Also, it handles the curves and hills quite well. I hope GM will eventually bring this car back we have tried newer cars like the Subaru Outback and found it lacking in power and acceleration we are used to with our Chevy Maxx. update 2-23-2017: We have now had our Maxx for nearly 12 years and over 100k miles. I just put my second set of tires, replaced the brakes, spark plugs and wires, and drained and replace transmission filter (scheduled maintenance items). This car gets garaged every day and washed regularly with that said the paint, a metallic champagne green still looks like new. We have had no mechanical surprises with this car. It gets great mileage at around 24-26 mpg on a regular basis. My wife loves this car with its hatchback for all the things she transports for her church. She also has to child protective seats installed in the rear seat as she babysits our grand kids 3 days each week. We really like the power of the V-6 engine and would not consider a new Malibu unless it has the V-6 option. Mpg is one thing but under-powered is not something I would consider. All in all, we are still very happy with the decision to buy this car. update: August 2017... The CD changer quit working a couple of weeks ago. Found a factory new radio on ebay delivered to my door for $118. Now all I have to do is either install it myself or hire it done. The whole dash has to come apart in order to change out the radio. I t appears to be pretty straight forward but will take some time. Other than the radio issue the car remains rock solid.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
Edmunds Value
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Available Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2005 Submodel Types: Hatchback
Available Trims: LT, LS, SS
Exterior Colors: Galaxy Silver Metallic, Navy Blue Metallic, Sandstone Metallic, Black, Dark Blue Metallic, Laser Blue Metallic, Silver Green Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Sport Red Metallic
Interior Colors: Gray, Neutral, Cashmere premium cloth, Ebony leather/cloth, Ebony premium cloth, Titanium premium cloth
Popular Features: Alarm, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Power Driver Seat, Heated seats, Remote Start, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Post-collision safety system, Leather Seats, Rear Entertainment System, Sunroof/Moonroof
Engine/Mechanics: 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
