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, subpar braking and steering, less cargo space than true wagons or SUVs.
What’s new
The side curtain airbag option now includes front-seat side-impact airbags.
Edmunds says
Spacious and well equipped, the Malibu Maxx is a well-executed design that adds the functionality of a wagon without giving up sedan drivability.
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G1ZU648X5F211248 Stock: 49912 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 07-02-2025
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
Incredible Car and I Don't Work for Chevy/UPDATE
5 out of 5 stars
Maxx J'Adore, 08/17/2016
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
This is an old car by now so there's nothing I would say to new (used car) buyers. I'm here to go on record to say that I have never never had as reliable and easy to maintain car as this Malibu Maxx. I'm amazed at the bad reviews. Did I get a Supercar by mistake? I have had Mazdas, Olds, Fords, Dodges, absolutely nothing compares to the performance of this cheap little car. Bought it … for 14K with 35000 miles. Now has 237000 miles and DRIVES EXACTLY LIKE IT DID ON THE CAR LOT. I can't explain it. It's only had regular maintenance.
Still got it at 260,000 miles. Runs like the day I bought it. Had the AC replaced. Nothing else major. What's up with this Miracle Car?
Edmunds wanted an update. She's still here, still running great. 286,000 miles. What can I say? I'm goinbg to shop for a new car because I know she won't last forever but she's going to live right here as my go-to second emergency vehicle!
maximum contentment
4.75 out of 5 stars
webber1, 05/06/2014
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Have had many cars and makes over the years. The Malibu Maxx is one of the best I've owned (into my sixth year with 80K). Normal maintenace only, couple of wheel bearings, tie rod, ball joints, new steering rack and tail light assembly. Car is into its ninth year and still drives and looks great. (I have treated it with rust proofing every other year) Would consider moving up except … there is nothing out there to replace it, so I keep driving this one of a kind car and loving it still.
Good Value Car
4 out of 5 stars
aramf, 02/25/2013
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LS 4dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I bought this one used at 60K miles.
I currently have 120K on it.
Chevrolet replaced the steering wheel on it.
The left blinker burned out too often, untill I replaced the whole light from partstrain.com.
Over the last 3 years mpg has been suffering. Recently two oxygen sensor went bad.
Replaced both. The average mileage went back to 32 mpg from 24 mpg.
I assume that both have to fail … before check engine goes on.
My front rotors tend to warp a lot.
One thing that helps is not to use parking breaks.
But I can got fast around the corners, it has a kicking accelaration and mpg has just improved.
It is a nice semi-wagon with a strong enough engine for fun things.
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