Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS

Virtually everybody knows what a sedan is. Likewise with a coupe. There's not much mystery behind the identities of hatchbacks, wagons, fastbacks, and convertibles. But a Maxx? What gives?

In the context of the just-completed generation of Chevy Malibus (2004-2007), at least, the Maxx is a blurred mix of hatchback and wagon, generally looking like a four-door hatchback while providing most of the utility of a true wagon. In practice, it's a pretty nifty compromise.

Let me take a step back and provide some context before I get too deep, because I can already hear the derisive hooting. No, I haven't gone off the deep end--if anything, I've always been off the deep end.

The Malibu has long been one of Chevrolet's proudest models. The Malibus of the mid-1960s were stylish mid-size cars that are commonly collected and restored today, and were in fact joined at the hip with the legendary Chevelle muscle cars. Even in the dark days of the 1970s, Malibus were still solid family sedans and stylish coupes. In the late 1970s, the downsized Malibu was both a revolutionary step forward in terms of packaging as well as one of the last hurrahs of traditional rear-wheel-drive American sedans.

I've been as big a fan of those Malibus and Chevelles as anybody. I've lusted after just about every one of them. Witness my passionate Car Lust for the SS454 Chevelle. At the other end of the spectrum, out of all the cars I've owned, my old 1983 Chevy Malibu Wagon is unequivocally my favorite.

This is why I was so crushed when, after 14-year hiatus, the Malibu name was resurrected in 1997 on an awful little car. And it explains why I was pleased when the Malibu was subsequently replaced in 2004 by what is actually a decent little car. Now that the brand new 2008 Malibu looks better yet, I'm over the moon.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. The point is that not only am I an admitted wagon and hatchback junkie, but I'm a well-known Malibu addict. The Malibu Maxx was designed for people like me.

Most people look at the Malibu Maxx, pull up memories of its immediate Malibu predecessor, and allow their upper lip to curl in disdain. Given the previous Malibu's reputation as a rental car--styrofoam-like rigidity and model-car build quality--that's easy to understand.

These 2004-2007 Malibus, however, are a massive step forward. Based on the Opel Sigma platform, which is also the basis for the Saab 9-3, the last-generation Malibu suddenly had a solid chassis, supported by a growly and torquey V-6. The 1997 Malibu was strictly rental-car mouse-fur upholstery inside, but the 2004-2007 Malibu feels much less like a penalty box.

Combine all this with the space and cargo-carrying capability of the Maxx, and throw in the 240-horsepower V-6 in the SS edition, and suddenly you have a car worth desiring. Perhaps, for those of us unfortunate enough to feel tingly all over when looking at hunchbacked wagons, the Maxx SS is even worth lusting over.

Comments

[Tera Yamaru on August 06, 2008 at 10:58 AM]

I'm looking into buying one of these actually. i'm moving cross country and need as much space as i can get so i might buy it. just hearing this review has boosted my confidence in buying it. i just want to know. can this car take abudse? because god knows it'll get it where i'm going.

[Rob Perkins on September 01, 2008 at 03:52 PM]

Also looking to buy a Maxx. It reminds me very much of that 84 Quattro that I'll never afford.

[Alks Risitic, Toronto on December 20, 2009 at 04:17 PM]

Hatchback - almost a wagon but not quite - a present day version of the early Camry 5 door and Gen 1 & 2 Stanza hatchback. Not bad, I certainly prefer it to the sedan version of the same time.

[Peter on April 07, 2010 at 05:22 PM]

I have a 99 malibu that my parents bought for my younger sister in 2003. I now use it as my winter car to keep the miles and wear and tear off my southern rust free 1995 pontiac trans am. Anyway, i ran a carfax on the ol' malibu a few months ago to see if there was any reason why we didn't get original GM keys for it back in 03. It's first owner was a "major rental car company"

I'm not suprised, lol. It's even rental car silver.

[Patrick on June 27, 2011 at 04:59 PM]

My grandmother has one but its a sedan with the v6. Very nice car.