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Chevy Malibu Maxx

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Comments

  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    A leading consumers magazine claims the Maxx needs 42 feet to turn, more than sedan. I've found my maxx does need more room to do a U turn than either my former Saturn ION or the Geo Prism/Toyota Corolla. The Cobalt is a refined Saturn ION and should have roughly the same turning radius - less than the maxx.

     

    And my last maxx sighting was over 3 months ago. But I still have people stare at my car, ask me what it is, then say they like its looks.
  • maxx10maxx10 Member Posts: 16
    Well.... I had the same problems with my car the when I first got it.. (regarding the gas tank reading 3/4 tank when full.)

     

    Apparently, this a 'hush hush' recall.

    They fixed it pretty quickly.

    Short story.. while they where fixing my Maxx they gave me an 03 cadillac CTS. to my surprise, it was a terrible car. In fact, it left me stuck on the highway twice. (electrical) The ride less than luxury, and the car was not roomy at all.. Five people 2 in the front and three in the back... and the people in the back where crunched. Everyone that rode in the car said that the MAXX was sooooooooooo much better as oppoed to the people who just saw it. They thought I was crazy for even comparing the two.

    Just FYI for those of you who have driven or even thought about a CTS
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    not to mention the difference in price...of about 20K..I looked at the CTS...almost 40K for a fully loaded one.....in late 03.....
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    Interesting comparison...Caddy to Maxx. I like the looks of the CTS, but the Maxx is all I can afford...and that's fine.

     

    My dealer solved my fuel tank problem in one day...new tank, no problems so far.

     

    I've sort of learned to live with the cruise control crankiness, and as for the sunshades...well, I'll just leave them open all the time. I seldom have back seat passengers.

     

    All in all, I've grown to like the car a lot, but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.
  • volvodan1volvodan1 Member Posts: 188
    It really all depends what you are looking for in a car. What is a luxury ride? The CTS is a luxury sports sedan. Luxury doesn't always mean cushy. It's a car that puts power, performance & handling first. I like the Maxx and think it's a tremendous value, but it's not even close to the CTS. It really just depends on what the drivers priorities are.

     

    The Deville is more of what you are thinking of. That is the traditional Cadillac. The CTS is the new Cadillac. If Caddy didn't have the new cars, it would be in the same boat as Lincoln.

    On life support.
  • maxx10maxx10 Member Posts: 16
    LOL lincoln on life support. I suppose your right.. I was looking for it to have the ride of a traditional Caddy.... but other things made me hate the car.... like it breaking down on the highway twice.. the gloominess inside. I felt trapped inside of it. It didnt feel sporty. I had a Grand Am GT1 (traded for my Maxx) so I know a sporty feel.. THe Caddy felt like a sick Ford Escort on steriods with AIDS. It was terrible. Though the Maxx may not have the looks or the horses under the hood, it makes up for it in comfort, room, and ride.. It also doesnt take 35 dollars to fill the mother trucker up... lol.. So I think that all in all my MAXX is a better car. I think that anyone who buys one of those pieces of junk is only paying for a name and a look... cause I think that (based on my having it two weeks) it is a car that is low in quality.
  • maxx10maxx10 Member Posts: 16
    Hey I understand the mathematics but trust me, that car is not worth it. It is just pretty... Its kinda like they stereotype blondes, pretty but dumb, well the CTS is pretty, with no substance inside. I love my Maxx. It is a classy little car. But trust me, if you would have driven the Lac that I was drivin, you would be sayin the same thing .. ( and the funny thing is the dealership tried to sell me that in place of my Maxx..)
  • californiamaxxcaliforniamaxx Member Posts: 17
    I'm leaving on a FAMILY EMERGENCY TRIP into the snow tonight and I'm debating on which vehicle to drive. HOW DOES THE MAXX DRIVE ON SNOW? I'M GOING INTO A BIG STORM THAT JUST PASSED THROUGH THE ROCKIES. HAS ANYONE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH THE OEM TIRES ON SNOW??? I just bought new tires (Goodyear rain/snow)for my minivan last month and am thinking about taking it over the MAXX. Please Help!
  • markf57markf57 Member Posts: 38
    Californiamaxx:

     

    I've been driving in the snow in Colorado for the last 2 days and I have had no problems with the OEM tires on my MAXX. The anti-lock brakes and traction control have both kicked in a few times. I bought my MAXX last week and this is the first snow we have had since then and I am very impressed. Of course, I'm driving cautiously.
  • firemanjackfiremanjack Member Posts: 123
    Hey californiamaxx..I have an '05 LS with just 1800 miles..OEM tires and have driven in light snow with it a few times..It is excellent..

     I think thoughtful, careful driving is equally important. Take your time...it may be an emergency..but you gotta get there..Make haste with caution(an old FDNY adage)...And good luck pard....Talk to us when you get there..Jack
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    If you haven't left already...I just want to chime in.

     

    I live in upstate NY and we've had some wet slushy snow (although most of it has melted already), but I think the Maxx is awesome. I have the OEM tires with about 6000 miles on them and there hasn't been anything so far that it can't handle. In fact, I haven't even had to use the snow blower on my sloping driveway...the Maxx climbs the incline with ease, even with half a foot of loose snow.

     

    Also, the front and side window defrosting and defogging is excellent. (The rear defrost less so, as someone here has already pointed out).

     

    Overall, it's as good on snow and ice as a mid-size FWD vehicle can be, in my opinion. Take care.
  • californiamaxxcaliforniamaxx Member Posts: 17
    THANK YOU ALL. I'm heading out to get chains as we speak. the Donner pass over to Reno requires that you have chains with you. I'm more concerned about the ICY conditions overnight. My experience with California and Nevada is that they salt and sand the roads quite well so I should be fine. thank you and I'll let you know how the trip was when I return. I'll still be checking this site up until I leave so anymore posts will be appreciated.

     

    thanks again.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    I would be very interested in hearing what kind of chains Californiamaxx finds that _fit_ the Maxx and won't tear the wheelwells up!

     

    When I got my Maxx, part of the ritual was signing a disclaimer that chains could not be used on the car due to tight wheel well clearances (and yes, those clearances _are_ tight!).

     

    I too face a long drive over three mountain ranges to visit my family (the CA I5 grapevine was a sheet of ice this week, with more to come).
  • hickorydhickoryd Member Posts: 57
    If mudflaps scrape the tires, chains have got to be improbable.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    I installed OEM mudguards on my Maxx...and I have not problems with tires scraping them, I can understand chains may be problematic.....Im going to check my owners manual for that one....I dont recall signing a statement regarding the use of them when i purchased the care either..but then again..dont need them here in NOVA.....am well aware of Donner pass....have driven over that several times..headed to Reno...
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    just looked at my owners manual..page 5-62..it states if you have 215/60-16 tires do not use chains...as there is not enough clearance it does state you can use chains if you have 205/65-15 tires.....which means all who have the 16" alloy/alum wheel option are out of luck for using chains on the Maxx. I checked the GM site..the Maxx only has the 16 inch wheel...the 15 inch wheel comes standard on the sedan in the base and LS models
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    I still can't see how you could put chains on the 15' wheel either. The clearance is waaaaay too small.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    i think yuo probably could with the new rope chains that I have seen vice the tru chain links....just my guess however
  • gagabubugagabubu Member Posts: 13
    Some Maxx drivers are finding the Maxx handles well in snow and slush or driving conditions that have used the traction control. That is heartening. My Maxx with 504 miles still hasn't been in bad weather so I personally dont know how it will behave.

     

    NHSTA studies found that Electronic Stability Control systems or ESC reduced mishaps such as skids in passenger cars by 35% (1977-203 cars) and by 67% in SUVs. I found a website (the link is copied below)

    http://safercar.gov/pages/ESC-EquippedVehicles-2005.htm

     

     The site lists 2005 cars with various ESCs named differently. Volvo calls it a dynamic stability and traction control system. However the Maxx with TC is not listed.

     

    Perhaps an oversight?? From the 2005 list it seems that few cars have ESC but they seem to be the better cars.

     

    In the MidAtlantic area we are having mild weather so my TC is untested. Please keep this board informed as to how you fared in bad weather drives. Love my Bu Babe

     

    Malibabe
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Am wondering if software changes could allow the Maxx Traction control to communicate with the ABS system and let it actually stop wheel spin via braking rather than simply reducing engine power?

     

    Or does this require a major rework of either TC and/or ABS?
  • markf57markf57 Member Posts: 38
    Malibabe:

     

    The TC on the MAXX is not the same thing that is reported in this article. The ESC that GM uses is called StabiliTrak and it isn't designed to provide TC as much as it provides correction in a spin out. The MAXX does not have nor is StabiliTrak available as on option.

     

    BTW, in my mind the TC that is provided on the MAXX (and G6) is what I call a "poor man's traction control". It doesn't move power from a slipping wheel to a griping wheel, it simple backs down the acceleration when it detects slippage. However, I will say that mine has kicked in several times and it did help provide me with improved traction.
  • sschribersschriber Member Posts: 89
    Careful... I loved your idea as an option for snow tires. When I called a rim guy about a set of 15" steel wheels for snows, he said to check for brake caliper clearance. Sure enough, that caliper was almost touching the inside of the 16" rim. I'd check those 15s before buying anything.
  • sschribersschriber Member Posts: 89
    HELP! My first traction control snow test with my new Maxx (140 miles) came last night. I have an uphill, 800' driveway and I arrived home to about 3 inches of snow with a slight crust on top. I put the transmission in 2nd and the car climbed the hill with ease (it had slowed by the time I reached the crest.) However, when I parked it in front of my garage, there was a very strong burning smell, some sort of hydrocarbon , like rubber or fluid. The car ran fine today on the cleared roads with no smell.
  • michiganmaxxmichiganmaxx Member Posts: 72
    Quoting Mark, "BTW, in my mind the TC that is provided on the MAXX (and G6) is what I call a "poor man's traction control". It doesn't move power from a slipping wheel to a griping wheel, it simple backs down the acceleration when it detects slippage. However, I will say that mine has kicked in several times and it did help provide me with improved traction." I'm not a technical guy but I would agree with Mark's description of how the TC works on this vehicle.

     

    My own experience pretty much replicates Mark's in that I had mine kick in a number of times yesterday here in Southern Michigan in slushy snow (3"-4") and I felt very pleased with the TC performance.
  • gagabubugagabubu Member Posts: 13
    That is no small feat for the Maxx! Let us know if you got downhill too in snow with ease. Did the TC kick in? I think TC will be critical as you go downhill.

     I have a long curvy downhill driveway to the house. The home is nestled between 4 hills at the bottom of the driveway, near a lake. It is a watershed area with lots of trees and some wildlife.

      We have considered a heated driveway. The cost factor, the wildlife and the few snow days have kept us from decision point.

     We generally park on top of a hill and walk up and down on snow days. This gets to be challenging in some winters.

     My prior 2000 Malibu sedan LS couldn't negotiate any snow. In fact I recall sliding of a curve going up the driveway with less than a centimeter of snow. I thought I'd go with an AWD but decided to give the Maxx a try.

     The poor man's TC may be an answer. It seems to me that the driver remains in control with TC. The ESC system may take the control away from the driver and correct the skid in spite of the driver. That may be scary or discomforting to drivers.

      No one says TC takes control away from the driver on this Maxx board. Is that correct?
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    My $0.02 on this.

     

    There are 3 levels of this type of "chassis control" system on Malibu or G6 for vehicles with Antilock Brakes.

     

    Malibu only currently has available the Enhanced Traction System (ETS) which does engine torque reduction as mentioned above.

     

    The base model Pontiac G6 has the same system as mentioned.

     

    However the G6 GT model comes standard with an improved full-function traction control which will activate brakes to aid in slowing down a slipping wheel.

     

    When the G6 GTP model comes out for 2006 it comes standard with a vehicle stability enhancement system also like mentioned above by other posters.
  • sgr5516sgr5516 Member Posts: 163
    In the Maxx, there is no mechanical cable connecting the gas pedal to the throttle. The gas pedal just has a position sensor that communicates with the PCM module. The PCM then controls the throttle opening. The throttle is electronically controlled.

     

    On the Malibu, when TC kicks in, it does actually take control of the throttle. I was backing my Maxx into driveway under icy conditions. When front tires reached the sloping apron between the street and sidewalk, both front wheels where slipping on the ice. The TC kicked in and reduced power down to idle to keep both wheels from spinning and the car would not move, even when I continued to push the gas pedal down all the way.

     

    I'm no engineer or expert, but in my mind the end result of this system and the traditional (brake applying) system is similar, when you have one gripping wheel. They get you moving a short distance.

     

    The only negative on the Malibu, is that the power to the gripping wheel is limited. Whereas on traditional system you can keep increasing power to the gripping wheel to move the car along faster, because the brake is holding the other spinning wheel.

     

    Just my opinion.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    We paid $1,599 (I know, I know -- we overpaid by a few hundred bucks) for a 5yr/90k mile GM MajorGuard extended warranty when we bought our demo 2004 Maxx LT which had 5,267 miles. My assumption was, and the salesman confirmed at the time, the ext warranty would cover 0-90,000 miles. However, we received our MajorGuard stuff in the mail today (there was a delay because the online 'paperwork' was never sent in to GM!) and it indicates the ext warranty covers our Maxx through 95,267.

     

    Is ours good thru 95,267 because 1) all MajorGuard warranties start at the mileage on vehicle when warranty was purchased, or 2) because it was a demo, the first 5,267 miles didn't count?
  • ownerof4chevysownerof4chevys Member Posts: 35
    Vanman, the first Maxx (LS) had a $4,000 rebate, $1,000 GMAC rebate, about $750 GM card redemption,and another $1,000 incentive for what I believe was a construction rebate (Dealership was building a new showroom and everything was disorganized)....plus over $3,300 discount as a leftover.

         The LT was a clear leftover (rare to find a 2004 in Dec). $5,000 rebate ($3,500 rebate plus $1,500 GMAC) about $1,000 GM card, and $4,500 discount.

         I only bought the second one knowing I was going to buy it cheap!...but I LOVE the car!!!!
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Is ours good thru 95,267 because 1) all MajorGuard warranties start at the mileage on vehicle when warranty was purchased, or 2) because it was a demo, the first 5,267 miles didn't count?

     

    Answer: #2. For most manufacturers, a demo is still entitled to its full warranty upon sale to a consumer.

     

    kcram

    Host - Wagons
  • prdmprdm Member Posts: 145
    <HELP! My first traction control snow test with my new Maxx (140 miles) came last night. I put the transmission in 2nd...strong burning smell.>

     

    Let me first say I don't have much experience driving an automatic transmission but I think if you shift to 2nd you have locked the transmission in 2nd. No upshifts or downshifts can happen. So if the tires break free they are going to spin like mad. I suspect what happened was your tires stared to spin and were locked in second gear spining (and burning) until you stopped. Maybe just leave the thing in D and see what happens.
  • mr_botsmr_bots Member Posts: 236
    When in "L" and putting the transmission in a gear, it doesn't lock it in that gear, it just prevents it from shifting up higher then that gear, but will still downshift. So I don't think that is exactly the cause. This is really just an advertised "tap shift" type system, but really its just like moving it down into 3, 2, or 1 as you would in any other automatic transmission.
  • prdmprdm Member Posts: 145
    So in this case then putting the lever in 2 just dictates the upper limit? If I shift to 3 (is there one?) then the only gear locked out is 4? Man, my had hurts. Aside from running a long time downhill is there any reason to leave D?
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    Description of this ETS function is covered in owner manual for 2004 Malibu around pages 4-9 & 4-10
  • dplavdplav Member Posts: 6
    today i got my car back after taking it to another dealership to try and get the "highway pulling/leading to the left" problem fixed after my original dealership where I bought my car told me not to come back because the steering pulling problem is "fixed.". they say it's torque steer, yeah sure it is. wait until you hear this one. not only did the other dealership tell my i had a red flag next to my name from chevrolet but they didn't even put down on my repair order that i came in for a "highway driving" concern. we all know why they avoided putting down "highway driving pulling/leading to the left" because theres an open tsb that fixes that problem.

     

    instead they put down i came in for the exact problem as i did before which was the car pulling to the left when accelerating from a red light. then as im driving out of the lot i noticed i have no heat. there's no light on my heat display to show the temp or anything! the dealership did something to my car intentionally to turn off the heat in my car. i live in WI and today it was 5 degrees. I drove back and then they told me to leave and that chevy told them not to touch my car for the steering problem. i told them that's fine, but they have to fix the heater that they intentionally broke. they told me to leave or they will call the police. my mailbu has 8,000 miles on it and never had a heating problem where you couldn't even turn on your heat in your car. chevy corp. is obviously playing games with me and now they intentionally disconnected my heater.

     

    i don't know what else to say or do. the WI DOT who is investigating my original dealer will also hear about this other dealership.
  • avantiavanti Member Posts: 27
    "e2helper" - I don't want to put you in a spot - but since you brought up 2006 models: any changes to the Maxx for 2006 you can talk about? I recall you mentioned a "Malibu" trim piece on the dash is being modified, I've read there could be a new front design, and I think the "hybrid" has been pushed off to 2007 or 2008, but know nothing else. Any chance the Maxx will get "Stabilitrak" or a similar system?
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    Let's just wait and see for further details, OK?

     

    I am hoping one of these car shows this year creates some announcement on features like I have seen already for the 2006 G6 GTP and the Coupe and Convertible models.

     

    If I see something out there public I will post link to it.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    you need a lawyer at this point..have you consulted one...and i dont mean a lemon law attorney
  • maxxlt2004maxxlt2004 Member Posts: 71
    wow look what i found!

     

    the dealer never did this and that's why the heat doesnt work!

     

     Important: During the service reprogramming in the next step, DTC U2127 may be set in the body control module (BCM) and P1626 in the powertrain control module (PCM). These codes must be cleared immediately following the reprogramming. In addition, the IBCM 1 (30 amp) fuse located in the underhood electrical center must be removed for 10 seconds and then reinstalled. Failure to remove and reinstall this fuse will result in the HVAC system not functioning.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Was that information in the Service manual?

     

    Incidently, for those who are curious as to if a "chevyfans" site exists on the web, typing in full path for chevyfans.com within your browser will take you to a page dissing Chevy with a clickable line below it. That line will put you on the Ford motor site!
  • maxxlt2004maxxlt2004 Member Posts: 71
    nope it was from a good gm tech friend of mine in FL.
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    Dealer would look up #PI01535A (Jan '04). Instructions slightly different but the intent is the same - cycle battery power to HVAC control head after service reprogramming of another module in vehicle.

     

    I should have guessed that was it but didn't know it was an LT :)
  • ericw55ericw55 Member Posts: 53
    After reading some of the posts in these forums, I feel like I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

    Thanks, guys.
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    Sorry I am dense but I don't understand reference - did I miss some TV commercial or something :)
  • ericw55ericw55 Member Posts: 53
    If you spent less time engineering, and more time watching inane TV shows, you would have seen the commercials. Oh well. Thanks anyway, for all the great info.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    How have others fared with their Maxxes in the Rain?

     

    Edmunds claims the maxx wheels respond slowly to the wheel but mine (which has the steering column fix) seemed to behave very well in the recent California storms over LA. Driving 55-60 on the freeway, the Maxx tracked steady (no nervousness like the ION or the recent Jetta rental), was not deflected by the gusty winds, did respond promptly to small turns of the wheel (a 5 degree shift from center was plenty in most cases), and the wheel did provide some road feel. The windshield wipers occasionally jumped a bit from the gunk thrown up on the glass from our greasy roads, but never chattered.

     

    By comparison, a rental 2004 Jetta had chattering wipers, and hair trigger steering responses in similar rain. On other hand, its ride never had the "gut jiggle" the Maxx sometimes produces (Perhaps in 2006, GM can be kind enough to add hydraulic bushings to the rear suspension as they have done with the Cobalt?).
  • prdmprdm Member Posts: 145
    All right this post is suspect. Everyone knows that no car without flashing lights has ever reached 50 mph on the clogged LA freeway system since the late 70's.

    Incidentally, chattering wipers is probably an indication of age - keep them fresh; every six months or so especially in sunny climates due to ozone.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Actually the median speed on most LA freeways is 80 or so, whenever the traffic allows it (late night, before high noon, parts of weekends). Drivers of tuned Civics, Accords, Audis, and BMW's go crazy when traffic gets heavy. Tuesday is the worst as lots of trucks are on the roads due to railroad capacity limitations.

     

    My Maxx wipers are a year old so I guess they need replacing.
  • madmadammadmadam Member Posts: 55
    My first "long drive" in September was in a driving rainstorm--about 80 miles out to the Hamptons from Queens. Up until that point I'd only driven around the city since I bought the car in July.

    I was nervous, but the car handled beautifully. I had a couple of short stops and the brakes were firm and stable. I ended up driving through a couple of rather deep puddles but had no problems.

    Recently I took a longer trip to Ohio(500 miles each way) and ended up in a bad sleet and snowstorm. Again, no problems--the car made me feel confident.
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    Last September I drove through the Catskills & southern NY state and got caught in a blinding, torrential rainstorm -- the kind where the rain is coming down so hard on the roof that you have to crank the stereo way up -- and my Maxx was excellent. The water was just puddling all over the 4-lane section of Route 17 but the Maxx tracked straight, and the wipers at high speed worked perfectly. A very confidence-building experience!
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