Used 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Consumer Reviews
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Love this 2006 malibu ss
I really do love this malibu ss and it drives so smooth and fast. I get a lot of compliments about this car. It has a lot of truck room and seating is perfect for me. this is a car to get for sure. This car is so much better then hatchbacks out there and thats a fact.
Me 'n' Maxx
I bought an '06 Maxx LT with 70k (43,500 mi) on it, in October '09. It's whisper quiet, fast, gets 28-30 mpg, and I love the looks. The one complaint I had was the 'clunking' noise coming from the steering column that seems a common complaint. I sprayed some lubricant on the steering shaft (under the dash) and no more clunk! It's a great alternative to the bigger SUVs and for my needs, very practical, with the folding seats, and removable rear deck cover. The 3.1 L V6 gets the job done quite nicely. Love it!
- LTZ 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,999212 mi away
- SS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $10,900646 mi away
- LT 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,495782 mi away
Performance+Utility=Sick
I bought this car with right around 30k. It was a lease turn in so i know it was treated well by the previous owner. Being an American car guy chevy has been all I have ever owned. I was tossing this car up with a mazda 3 hatch. This car had a much smoother ride and a ton more power, SS package sold. Ohh yeah and it had plenty of space for my bicycles to fit without needing a rack.
STS twin turbo 3.9l ss maxx
I loved the SS Maxx from the first time I saw it. It is naturally fast. Very comfortable, and quiet (for those who like quiet, I prefer a throaty exhaust). I would totally recommend this car to anyone (modded or not)
Best car I have ever owned!
I bought my Maxx new in July of 2006. Best purchase ever. It now has 113,000 miles and I have had two small issues. When it was under 36k miles it had a oil pan gasket leaked fixed under warranty and the worst issue is the remote start remote does not last. I have had 2 and need another and they are around $150 each. Still going strong 140k miles
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BAD to the BONE and WICKED FAST
The BATMOBILE.. as our car is Black w/tinted windows. This car will SCARE you. With the manual shift feature you can lay down a 20 foot path of rubber..just like the old days. SS stands for SUPER SPORT again and this car is all that. We love the design and functionality of the car. The rear sunroofs and dvd player make it like our own private jet for fast travel. The torque range is SMOOTH all the way past 100mph. You have to be CAREFUL or the tires will break loose when shifting thru the gears. All I can say is we are one of the lucky few to get to drive this car everyday. After 50,000 miles NO SQUEAKS or RATTLES as QUIET as the day it was NEW, LUVIT SS stands for SWEET and SEXY !!FAST
Lots of car for the money
Feels, drives, and is equipped like a much more expensive car. Bought for wifey, she loves it too. Other car is an '06 Chrysler 300C, which of course I like even more, but this Maxx does not feel like too big a step down when I drive it, unlike the '02 Malibu we traded which was dependable but a noisy cheap ride. This is much more like it. The car was an absolute bargain. The current "Red Tag Sale" for '06 models is disguised rebate of $2500 to $3000 depending on region of US you live in. With GM credit card earnings of $2600, took home for under 15K, sticker was 22,700. Note of caution, about mid- model year, GM did not change invoice, but cut MSRP by 5%. Late 2006 MSRP closer to 21,700
Can you say LEMON
I bought my 2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx SS brand new and had it in the shop more times in the past 9 years then I have ever had any car in the shop! At 30 miles I started getting an engine misfire code all the way to the 100,000 mile mark when the engine took a s*^+. Cylinder 2, 4 and 6 were toast!! Due too a misfire code in cylinders 2, 4 and 6 hmmmmm. Every time I took the car into the dealership that I bought the car from I would be told that I didn't drive it hard enough and that my fuel injectors were dirty and had build up of carbon. Chevy wouldn't recall the motor or do ANYTHING to fix it!! The breaking system......what a joke!!! The stock breaking system was too small for the car to begin with, according to the second dealership that I went to because the first dealership lost there Chevy dealership status, GO FIGURE!!!! In the first 4 years I replaced the rotors 4 times after having each set turned and resurfaced due to warping. After taking it to the second dealership and paying for the correct size breaks to be installed they never warped again! Again Chevy did nothing to resolve the problem!! The rattle in the dash...had nothing to do with the dash or the heater! It was the windshield! Poor factory installation. I replaced the windshield when a good size rock hit me on the freeway and after the new windshield was installed there was no more rattle!!!! Yes this car WAS a SUPER FUN, fast car when it wasn't in the shop!!! Or leaving me stranded!! I should have parked it across the street from the first dealership with a GIANT LEMON and a sign that listed all the problems that Chevy was UNWILLING or Unknowledgeable to fix! For anyone that says well you didn't maintain it correctly, I call BS. I put nothing but the best oil and gas into that car and followed ALL the factory recommendations for service. Extremely LOW mileage for a 9 year old car that was babied in every way except when it came to the throttle!
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Overall good, some small design issues
The exterior is not pretty but the ride is comfortable. Disappointed with the gas mileage. We are slightly below the low end of the range. Overall a great car. I would buy another, but since I buy a new car every ten years who knows if they will still be made.
Boycott Chevrolet
The other reviews may seem ok because the car was new. Now they have RECALLS that they won't fix. safety issues. Don't buy any Chev. till these issues are fixed
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Great for Family of Five
Very surprising car, but it's based an an Opel, after all. We chose it over a Mazda 5 mini-mini van. Big and versatile enough for 3 boys aged 7, 10, and 12 for long trips and has enough room for our suitcases too. The van will stay home unless we take the camper on future trips. Bought it because Bambi wrecked our '89 BMW 325i, so we were kind of spoiled and skeptical, but not anymore! Great features for the price, especially with the rebates. XM radio is excellent, would not have bought it except it was already installed which we're glad of. With the 2006 interior updates and more external chrome it looks more contemporary. Hope it proves reliable!
my first maxx
I bought a 2006 maxx ss model BRAND NEW in sept. 2009. For all you maxx lovers there is one more left, brand new in silver, ss model with dvd player, onstar and 2 sunroofs. Anyway, smooth quiet ride, lots of power, nice interior, awesome AC, lots of features. I like the adjustable gas/brake pedals, you can move them closer to you with push of button!
Maxx-imum Overdrive
I've owned this car for almost three years now. I originally fell in love with its sporty look, large, comfortable interior and huge storage ability. I have not been disapointed too much with this vehicle. I've had a really annoying rattle in the front dash since day One, but of course Chevy mechanics "Could not duplicate the problem." I talked them into replacing the heater motor and the rattle is still there. Also hate the brakes -- need to change them often and way underpowered for the car. And now my sunroof will not close when open unless I manually guide it in. I also get cruddy gas mileage, but I do have the larger 3.9 v-6, so I guess the extra performance outweighs fuel economy.
6 Years this December 6th. Great!!!
I've had my 2006 malibu maxx LT V-6 For almost 6 years and it has been the best car I have ever owned. Its about at 93k and its still going strong. The quality, handling and performance, and everything about this car has been just GREAT!! Its pretty fast too!!
Tire woes....
I bought this Maxx SS with just 48000 miles on it in Jan. 2013 the dealership pushed the fact of the low miles. I did ask for a bit on its history, they gave me a page that explained just oil changes. I knew better but was hoping it wasn't to bad with repairs. My problem is the car wears out the driver's side front tire. Just that one but it will kill off the tire in less than 20000 miles. So no matter what kind of tire you put there, it won't last. So the reason for the low miles on the car, the person that first owned it just didn't drive it much. So though I love the car, how it handles and all that. I too don't drive it much. :(
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WHAT A JOKE
When I purchased this vehicle I had to take it back in for problems..I heard a noise in the engine. Then I had to take it back again because when i drive in the rain it blows under the glass and leaks on my feet...and still have the same problem...Then i took it back for front end work..Then i took it for the sensors on the wheels had to be replaced. It has been to the shop 6 times and still have the same problems and now it has a knock in the engine at 49,000 it shouldn't do that..I keep the maintenance up, however it doesn't help..I just put new rotors and brakes on it and the front end shakes...this is a lemon of a car and I hate it...the dealers don't care to fix the problems correctly.
Went for a Brake Job!
I had no intention of buying a new car - was just killing time waiting for an estimate on a brake job on an Alero when I wandered into the lot. Did not need a new car - could not afford a new car but I bought the perfect car! I do animal rescue and transport - the Malibu Maxx is perfect! Great fuel ecomony and I have had up to 17 crated dogs in the vechile and still had room to spare. I could not be happier!
Happy with Choice
Have had for over 2 years now and has always been reliable in the snow/ice or heat/rain. Had steering shaft replaced because of weird feeling when turning or going over slight bumps. Factory warranty took care of it. Love storage in back as I sue it frequently to haul yard trash to dump site, haul lumber, fishing equipment and radio control model airplanes. Gas mileage is excellent compared to wife's new Buick LaCrosse. Rides comfortable and get very favorable comments from my buddies on looks and ride.
Better than I expected
Having owned Volvos for ages, I was a little apprehensive about buying a Chevy but I couldn't turn down the deal I got as a GM supplier. The Maxx is a good, solid car. Yeah, some of the interior materials are a little basic and you can tell where they saved a few bucks, but it gets the job done. I love having a hatchback. Really handy. You can put a LOT of cargo in this car.
06 Maxx LT
Just bought the Maxx last week, but loving it so far. Had a 2003 Malibu, and this car is way beyond the previous generation, feels like its built better. Looked at Impalas, but really wanted something smaller and the Maxx was right up my alley. Love the power. Rides and handles great, although the previous owner put performance tires on it, so I'm not sure if I will keep them. Love the ABS and traction control being standard equipment. The interior space amazes me. Was looking to buy a bike rack for my car, and this eliminates the need, in fact could fit 2 bikes in it. Overall, very pleased with the purchase so far.
Maxx
Bought a new 2006 Corvette at same time. Maxx is my work vehicle. Gas mileage is low (approx 22 mpg overall), performance is great. Suspension can be a bit tricky near the limit. Brakes were typical Chevy, poor. Replaced with aftermarket calipers/disk/pads. No surprise here as almost all Chevy brake systems are weak. Overall, very nice car for the money. Maxx will run circles around all the midsize sports sedans until you get into M3's, S4's and turbo stuff like a WRX. I am happy.
Saved my Life
I bought this car after falling in love with it at the dealership. It was sporty enough to rationalize the "station wagon" style hatch back. It has a great stock sound system and all the features were great for the price. The thing that impressed me about this car is the fact that, when I blew a tire after running something over on the highway at 60 mph, hit dirt and rolled it over twice, I was able to walk away with nothing but a small bruise on my shoulder. This car saved my life, and I recommend it with the highest regards!
My Mad Maxx
Bought my Malibu Maxx as a replacement for a much larger car that was totaled in an accident. Went to purchase an SUV, but when I drove the Maxx, it was sold. Great room; lots of cargo capacity; great mpg; easy to get my toddler in and out; inexpensive maintenance. My family has owned many Chevy's and several Honda's and Nissan's. So far we are very pleased overall with this purchase. It was a CPO with extended warranty and I got a GREAT price. I have a 60 mile commute each day and my Maxx handles it with ease.
Don 't buy Malibu Maxx -warranty problem
I don't recommend buying GM products. They will not approve fixing a rattle in the steering column under the warranty. Very annoying noise. Dealer advises GM states it is a common problem with Malibu Maxx and will therefore not fix. I change cars every 3 years and no more GM cars for me. When they talk about a warranty...GM does not honor its warranty commitments.
Love our Max!
We had a Volkswagen Jetta, but with two boys over 6 feet, there was no leg room! Lots in the Max, I like sunroof and heated seats.
Great Value!!!
Great family car the performs well and the reliability has been great. The cargo space is the same as some suvs with a sticker price of half.
Laser Blue Malibu Maxx SS
Love the engine power and options. The contrasting stitching on the seats and steering wheel is nice. It's an extremely versatile vehicle that has great performance and fuel economy. On average, I get about 22 MPG with mostly highway driving (pretty acceptable as the 2007 is rated at 24 MPG highway). The Laser Blue looks great but, according to my dealer, is hard to match if you need paint work done. After 1.5 years, I've only had to deal with a burnt out taillight bulb. I didn't really like the sunroof deflector that was made of a mesh material, so I removed it and put on the factory sunroof deflector from the '05 Malibu.
2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx SS
This is a great vehicle, but has some engineering flaws. You cannot get heated seats in this car at all, even though you can get heated cloth in LT trim, nor an autodimming mirror. Also, due to the fixed rear glass and sunshades, there are some minor rattles. The exterior of this vehicle has sharp lines, and I love the factory remote starter. The wheels are a nice compliment to the car, but should have been offered with a polished or chrome finish. The dual exhaust adds a sporty look AND a nice sound to this car. Mechanically, 240 hp from the 3.9 V6 is sufficient. From time to time, though, I notice some knocking coming from the engine bay. You can only choose from 4 colors.
Hatchbacks are great!!
I bought my car new in 2006, and it has been great. The seats are very comfortable for me on long trips, and, while not a sports car, it has plenty of power and handles well. I got the LTZ because I wanted a few gadgets like HomeLink that weren't available on cheaper trim levels. The gas mileage, while not great, is at least as good as could be expected for a car this size and power. I get in the low- mid 20's in mixed driving, and 29-30 on the interstate going as fast as I can get by with. The reliability has been great; I've had no problems in 3 1/2 years of ownership.
Oatmeal is good for you
I am a 50 year old divorced white male. I require safety, reliability, versatility and economy (low cost of ownership) from a vehicle. I have grown to appreciate substance over style. My '06 Malibu Maxx did service as a rental car. There is an "every man" quality about it. Bland, in this case is a virtue. It is eminently competent without drawing too much attention to itself. I like the fact that ABS and traction control are standard. I like the radio controls and cruise control on the steering wheel. I like the hatch configuration and extra long wheel base. Chevy may not offer cutting edge technology, but this package works. I'm OK with an appliance.
A nightmare from GM
Bought this car, went "American" despite advice of friends. Major reliabilty problems from the start (the body control module went out after 3 weeks, could have had a major loss of all electrical functions at high speed!)compounded by the absolute worst, rudest service (had my wife in tears) I have ever received from any company of any kind, ever. The steering is barely adequate and the brakes are dangerously slow. Their are some good features about this car, but overall it has been a disaster, and GM as a supporting company a nightmare. We found out first-hand why they are going broke.
I Love the Maxx
Great car: just had a safe comfortable trip to Chicago and back to NYC through bad weather (high wind, snow and rain) both ways. Car was stable, super-fast and comfortable. Many great features come standard on this car, tons of interior space. You'll be surprised by it's quality. Been getting a lot of compliments on the styling too. And probably best of all, my wife is really comfortable driving the Maxx.
Maxx SS
This vehicle has all the pizazz and good looks anybody could ask for. Performance wise this car is very quick and responsive the auto/manual shifting is smooth as silk. About the only thing I can say is a drawback is the turning radius, it is a long car, but that has its benefits too in the amenities dept. this vehicle exceeds all expectations. If you test drive one of these vehicles be prepared to be impressed, I was, so I bought one and I love it.
Best car I have ever owned!
I love the the car what more can I say! Chevy has hit it on the mark. I had several Toyotas and was a bit worried about going to a Chevy, but no regrets here at all. I bet if more people test drove this car there would be a ton more sold!
A nice suprise from Chevrolet
I had honestly not heard of this car until I visited the dealership. I had come in for an Impala and drove away with the Maxx! I liked it instantly, and test drove alot of cars. I was looking at the Ford Fusion for the same price, but the Maxx offered a standard V6, ABS, and a remote starter for less, and drove better! You truly get a lot for your money.
My Second MAXX!!
My husband and I had a 2005 Maxx, and I had an accident, 60 to 0 in what felt like a second! All six air bags deployed, I had a broken arm and wrist (from the air bag) and a burn on my neck from the seat belt and some bruising, But that was all! The car was totaled but I walked away. When we went to get another car, we had to have another MAXX!! We haul anything and everything! We drove to Mesa, AZ for Chicago Cub Spring training and got great gas mileage!! Why they quit making them I don't know!!! but they need to re-think their decision!!
One of the best I've ever owned
This is one of the best vehicles I've ever driven. It is very spacious, but yet when driving you have your own space. The exterior design is excellent. Like nothing I've ever seen. Very sporty for a wagon type of vehicle. Very good handling and suspension. The power is also very good. It will get you down the road, and not to bad on fuel either . Overall this is an excellent vehicle at a resonable price.
Drive
Great fun car! Dogs comfortable riding in back. Problem w fuse box, then speed control sensor in front wheel. Both problems were addressed and taken care of very fast. Both times car did not break down. This car is always a conversation peice! Great handling car, top 10 saftey rated. Very fast, great for long trips, and plenty of space inside.
Love this car
I have had my Malibu Maxx for 1 week now. I love how it handles. it has a great smooth ride. The extras are great. My shades do not seem to roll back into their holder, they just hang. I really like the car.
Might Maxx
My Malibu Maxx has proven to be a real surprise by its versitility and gas mileage. Adding space by using the shelves and seats as needed, it has the capacity of much older station wagons with great gas mileage. The sunroof and control features make driving fun. Its V-6 has plenty of power because of its low weight.
Function & Style plus Fuel Economy
I think Chevy surprised the market with the Maxx version of the Malibu -- it has more functionality than a wagon, yet European rear styling cues. Some have told me the back end looks as refined as a Saab! Low monthly payments and I get premium features like remote start, adjustable pedals, ABS, traction control, sunroof. And with gas prices high, I like the fuel economy I get compared to the SUV I traded in.
Just bought her- luv her to death
So far, I am thrilled to have this vehicle. The positives are too numerous to mention all, but overall- performance in drivability, comfort, stereo, seating, utility all are an A= for this style & class.
Malibu LTZ to the MAXX
This is one of the best kept secrets at your local Chevy dealer. The quality, ride, interior function are world class. Chevrolet market needs to get the word out on this one. We drove the Maxx from Ohio to Fla in December and average 31 mpg! Tons of room and teenage sons and friend love the room.
My Maxx
I bought my Malibu Maxx in mid 2006 because I wanted better gas mil3age. Well, I got it! I drive from Leland NC to Myrtle Beach SC about 2 to 3 times a month, and I manage to get 30 to 32 mpg. I can get 30 mpg at 65 mph easily. I must say that I do love this car. All I have ever done so far to this car is change the oil when it tells me to and rotate the tires when it tells me to. I have OnStar maintance package and so far that is all that has be noted.
Love from the beginning
My sales person took me to pickup my Maxx and as soon as I saw it I fell in love with it. Then I drove it and it was confirmed that this was the car for me.
Great car
This car is one everyone should test drive. During the time I've had this car we've made 2 long highway trips and the mileage averaged 28.5. Around town we average about 23-24. I'm 6'3" tall and this car has plenty of room for me in the front or back. Great car if you have a couple kids. I'm pleased with the performance and driveability of this car. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a roomy car.
Best Car
This bye far is the best car I have ever owned. Great room, performance, gas mileage, and i like the style of it even though some say they don't, I see these Malibu Maxx's all over town now, only a few in Dec of 05 but now i see them all the time, so they must be selling well. The standard features cannot be beaten in my opinion, car starter etc. and the sound system is the best i have ever had in a new car it is just awesome and will blow most aftermarket systems away in my opinion. My car is very quiet and comfortable on the road, city or highway . For those thinking about this car try it i think you will be presently surprised it is a great car for the price and features.
Good Car
I have been driving Saabs for 20 years. The Maxx is on a Saab platform. Fit and finish not as good but engine has more pep. I like the hatchback. Price is right. Seats good.
Practical and Sporty
I've had my SS Malibu Maxx for 4 months and put about 5000 miles on it. I really love the car. I wasn't considering the SS until I sat in one and realized how comfortable the seats are. I test drove it and was hooked. I'm not really a performance car guy but I'm becoming one. Car handles beautifully and the acceleration is awesome. The regular Maxx is pretty peppy but I'd encourage prospective buyers to try out the SS. The tricked out family car is cool. (Even, my friend who is a BMW devotee is jealous!) I was attracted to the Maxx b/c of its room and styling. It feels like a much more expensive European car -- but will be much more reliable.
Awesome car
I fell in love with this car when I saw it and drove it. I had been doing research on the net and narrowed it down to a few cars but the Maxx was my choice. Nice car to drive, has the power and comfort. Some have problems with the steering but I thought the steering was just fine. No worst to me than any other.