CD Article: 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

With a hatchback/wagon bodystyle and a wheelbase that is 152-millimetres longer than the Malibu sedan, the Malibu Maxx has more interior room and a flexible cargo area, reports Paul Williams.  The 'SS' model adds more horsepower, bigger tires and wheels and more performance features.       More...

[Demosthenes X]

I'm undecided on the looks of the Malibu Max...  on the one hand, I like it.  But on the other, I'm not sure I'd want to drive a car that looks like this.

*shrug*

None of GM's products do a whole lot for me, and the Malibu is just another "Oh...  okay." sort of car.  For that money, it would not be my first choice.  Probably not even in my top five...

[AVToller]

I've always been a hatchback/wagon lover, but I saw a Maxx "up close and personal" yesterday, and it just looked wrong somehow. The proportions just didn't seem to work. 

[random006]

I've always been a hatchback/wagon lover, but I saw a Maxx "up close and personal" yesterday, and it just looked wrong somehow. The proportions just didn't seem to work. 

Interesting comment.  It might explain why I seem to be looking at two different cars depending on whether I'm viewing it from the front or the rear.  I don't like its front but the rear is quite attractive.  I've seen quite a few Maxx's over the last 6 or 7 months and my opinion has not changed.

Overall, though, I think it has some of the most potential of all the new "mainstream" or "daily driver" models to come out of the GM braintrust.  In short, lumping it in with the latest Corvette would be grossly unfair. 

[Snowman]

GM should take a page from DC and FORD and at least make some of their cars look interesting.

[airbalancer]

GM should take a page from DC and FORD and at least make some of their cars look interesting.

that is one of GM's biggest problems

[Shnak]

GM should take a page from DC and FORD and at least make some of their cars look interesting.

IMO, other than the Mustang, I don't think GM has many design lessons to learn from Ford... Ford doesn't have any G6 or Soltstice in its lineup... those are two very well done designs...

[Bullet Blue]

At least they got rid of that huge chrome bar that they pasted across the grille of the old malibu.

A friend of mine has one of these. I agree, looks very odd. I think it has something to do with the rear. I can't quite say why. Maybe because the hatch isn't rounded off? Or they wanted it to be a hatch, but tried to make it look like a sedan somewhow? I don't know.

[mdxtasy]

The fit on the right side of the centre stack seems to be mis-aligned.  Or is that just from the angle of the picture?
http://www.canadiandriver.com/cgi-bin/schlabo/sp.pl?/photos/2006/chevrolet/malibu-maxx/06maxxss_9.jpg&info=2006%20Chevrolet%20Malibu%20Maxx%20SS

As for the vehicle, I think it's alright.  The versatility is the trump card, being a hatch and all, but the extreme sloping rear glass does cut into cargo capacity.  For the $35K, it's priced with much of the competitors looking for a 240hp 6 banger family hauler....the question is...can it hold its own with the perinnial favorites like the Honda Accord?  How about a Nissan Altima?  These match power numbers of the Maxx SS but gives up a bit in the trunk no hatch configuration.  If you can stomach a few less ponies, a Mazda 6 hatch or sportback offers similar setup....and can save a few dollars.  How about the Acura TSX?  Near luxury, good handling, and less ponies.  Same price. 

[stickshift]

The fit on the right side of the centre stack seems to be mis-aligned.  Or is that just from the angle of the picture?
 

Looks like a shadow to me.

GM's build-quality issues aside, I love the Maxx and would gladly drive one, for the cargo flexibility alone. It doesn't hurt that I love the way it looks. Sure it's odd, but I think it works. To me, the Maxx is a nifty evolution of the mid-size station wagon.

[mdxtasy]

Like BB says, the front looks so much better without that front chrome eyebrow thing.  It's a good looking vehicle.  A bit bland but so are the competitors for the most part.  The Maxx is probably not a $35K vehicle, I can see good value and content for a family without the SS trim.  Like stickshift says, good versatility.

[Bullet Blue]

Who has Chevy listed as its competitors? Mazda 6 hatch or even the wagon?

[Demosthenes X]

IMO, other than the Mustang, I don't think GM has many design lessons to learn from Ford... Ford doesn't have any G6 or Soltstice in its lineup... those are two very well done designs...

I agree...  Chev missed the boat on the Malibu, but some of the offerings from Saab, Pontiac, and even Hummer (if you're into that sort of thing) are pretty solid.  Ford is, in a word, boring.  The new Fusion is okay, and the Mustang is good...  what else?

Dodge has style down, imho.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

That hatchback parcel tier shelf/divider thingie really bothers me. It's hard... it's bulky... frustrating to remove, and when you do more than likely you'll scratch the side lining of the trunk when you fiddle with it... and it has to be moved all the time as opening the trunk does not automatically lift it. It's a supremely annoying contraption!  

I like the Maxx though. Interesting shape... great sliding rear seating area, and sunlight. Front seats really are suitable for just any driver - no exageration. The base V6 is quite fuel efficient as well. Good deal at mid-$20G's - not so much above $30Gs. The base seats are more comfy and look better to me too.

The Saturn Aura should have more fashion sense with a large interior, to complement the G6.

[safristi]

Barrie ....what happened to the "MALIBOU MAXX!!?..... ........drillin fer oil inna Alaska PARKS?

[AVToller]

Dodge has style down, imho.

  You can't get much lower stying than that. 

[Scaerio]

The MAXX reminds me of a Renault 21 (Medallion to us) hatch... ...from the late '80s/mid '90s.

[Bullet Blue]

That hatchback parcel tier shelf/divider thingie really bothers me. It's hard... it's bulky... frustrating to remove, and when you do more than likely you'll scratch the side lining of the trunk when you fiddle with it... and it has to be moved all the time as opening the trunk does not automatically lift it. It's a supremely annoying contraption!  

I noticed that too in my friend's maxx. She finds it quite frustrating, especially when she's got two hands full or groceries or something. I understand the point of it, but I can't see it being very practical.

What I do like is the reclining rear seats idea. 

[Zoo]

This should have the 250hp 3.6L V-6! Also, have a no charge option of a manual transmission!

[Bullet Blue]

I would take it with a manual tranny for sure, however, I don't really think that it has much of a market to include a manual transmission for the samew reason that Honda doesn't give us the Accord V6 sedan with a stick.