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2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
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| Maxx Legroom |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:49:38 |
| Rating |
 117 ( -18 -15.38% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
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Description:
2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx. The new Malibu is a clear step above the old Malibu, and the Maxx model looks like the best of the bunch.
2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx
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2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx. Like Malibu, Maxx is based on GM's Epsilon architecture.
2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel and power pedal and seat height adjustments make it easy for just about anyone to get a good fit.
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2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx. Gas mileage is respectable at an EPA estimated 22 city/30 highway.
2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx. Up front, the Maxx has a straight forward arrangement of controls and good looking, comfortable seats.
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2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx. Top-line LT's start at $24,725, and with a few options (rear DVD, OnStar, XM satellite radio).
2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx. Swing the top hinged lift back door up and you have access to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 41 cubic feet.
With the new Malibu Maxx, what matters most is what happens from the back seat back. From nose to front seats, Maxx is Malibu - the all new version of Chevy's mainstay mid-size. From the B-pillars back, it's something else. The wheelbase underneath is stretched six inches longer than the conventional Malibu, yet overall length shrinks ½". Compared to the Malibu sedan, the Maxx has a noticeably larger rear cabin, measuring 2½" more rear leg room and just under an inch more headroom. The split, 60/40 rear seats have 7"of travel fore and aft, and they recline as well. Overhead, a fixed, glass skylight lends a more open feel (or, not - if you use the retractable shade). An optional rear DVD/audio system ($995) offers a 7" LCD screen that swings up from the back of the center console. There's a remote control, inputs for video games and independent audio selection, with wireless, infrared headphones. We're getting used to this sort of attention paid to back seat accommodations in minivans and sport utes, but in the sedan segment, it's just about unheard of.
Up front, the Maxx has a straight forward arrangement of controls and good looking, comfortable seats. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel and power pedal and seat height adjustments make it easy for just about anyone to get a good fit. The center console has a covered main compartment that is deep enough to be useful, and tall enough to double as an inside armrest.
The room-and-utility theme repeats in the way-back. Swing the top hinged lift back door up and you have access to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 41 cubic feet, depending on how many rear seats you fold forward. Maxx also takes a page from hybrids like the PT Cruiser and Honda's CRV, with wrinkles like a fold flat front passenger seat (to swallow long items) and a removable tray that can be positioned to allow two tier loading in back, or repositioned as a table top for tailgating. It's flexible, it's practical, and it's in a car, not a van or a truck.
One reason why people are migrating from truck-based to car-based transportation is to recapture the road feel of an automobile. A lower center of gravity and a suspension tilted towards people more than payloads can start to look pretty appealing after you've jostled through a couple of payment books worth of trucks. Of course, nothing is more car-like than a car. Like Malibu, Maxx is based on GM's Epsilon architecture. The chassis provides the underpinnings for the Opel Vectra and the Saab 9-3, but the Malibu twins are the first cars to carry the chassis in this country. The suspension is four wheel independent; MacPherson struts up front, four-link in back. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS and Traction Control round out the package. The European chassis connection suggests a sporting disposition, but Maxx's suspension and tires are tuned more for a smooth ride than taut handling. That makes sense, since most Maxx buyers will be more interested in trip comfort than a trip through the autocross pylons.
Another GM first on Malibu is EPS - electronic power steering. The variable, electrical assist is provided by a control unit, eliminating the need for a hydraulic pump. The steering has an over-boosted feel at very low speeds, but it tightens up nicely as you get under way.
Malibu Maxx offers just one powertrain, bypassing the four cylinder found on base Malibus in favor of the 3.5 liter V-6, linked to a four speed automatic transmission. The 3500 six is rated at 200 hp (@5,400 rpm) and 220 lb. ft. of torque (@3,200 rpm). It's a smart move on Chevy's part to go strictly with a six for the Maxx motor. It gets the job done nicely and feels noticeably less stressed than the standard, Malibu four during high demand situations. Gas mileage is respectable too, at an EPA estimated 22 city/30 highway.
Top-line LT's start at $24,725, and with a few options (rear DVD, OnStar, XM satellite radio), the sticker price of my tester was $26,740. Where Maxx competes best in my view is the LS model, which sells for $22,225. At that price point, with its six cylinder power and rear seat versatility, Maxx makes an interesting choice.
The new Malibu is a clear step up from the old Malibu, and the Maxx model looks like the best of the bunch. It's function first, style second, but that said, it offers a lot of flexibility for who and what you carry; setting it apart from its sedan rivals. Indeed, Chevy sees the Maxx's competition coming just from the mid-size sedan segment, but the high utility focus of the five door design drives it into the path of small station wagons, too. Maxx's middle ground between the two body-styles makes a nice niche to work from, as it looks to take a bite out of the hotly contested mid-size segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does interior room match up with the regular Malibu? The wheelbase underneath is stretched six inches longer than the conventional Malibu, yet overall length shrinks ½". Compared to the Malibu sedan, the Maxx has a noticeably larger rear cabin, measuring 2½" more rear leg room and just under an inch more headroom.
What are some of the interior features? Maxx takes a page from hybrids like the PT Cruiser and Honda's CRV, with wrinkles like a fold flat front passenger seat (to swallow long items) and a removable tray that can be positioned to allow two tier loading in back, or repositioned as a table top for tailgating. It's flexible, it's practical, and it's in a car, not a van or a truck.
How much? Top-line LT's start at $24,725, and with a few options (rear DVD, OnStar, XM satellite radio), the sticker price of my tester was $26,740. Where Maxx competes best in my view is the LS model, which sells for $22,225. At that price point, with its six cylinder power and rear seat versatility, Maxx makes an interesting choice.
How many power options are there? Malibu Maxx offers just one powertrain, bypassing the four cylinder found on base Malibus in favor of the 3.5 liter V-6, linked to a four speed automatic transmission. The 3500 six is rated at 200 hp (@5,400 rpm) and 220 lb. ft. of torque (@3,200 rpm).
What's the ride like? The suspension is four wheel independent; MacPherson struts up front, four-link in back. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS and Traction Control round out the package. The European chassis connection suggests a sporting disposition, but Maxx's suspension and tires are tuned more for a smooth ride than taut handling.
2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx Reviewer's Notes
MSRP: $ 22,225 (LS)*
$ 26,740 (LT)*
* includes destination charges
First Impressions: Max-versatility makes this the Maxx Malibu
Plus: Comfortable, cargo friendly and roomy (especially in back)
Minus: Sawed-off styling
The Competition: Dodge Stratus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda Six, Toyota Camry
---Story by Dan Lyons
---Photos by Dan Lyons
© 2004, Dan Lyons, All Rights Reserved. |
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