Chevrolet Malibu Maxx End of the Line?
I see that the Maxx is no longer going to be manufactured after 07. Can anyone tell me why?
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Enjoy 'em while we have 'em, folks.
If the 2008 change is correct, I would also imagine that the next 2 years production may be somewhat limited. That said, I'm not sure they are capable of another complete re-design and testing in just 2 years. Actually about 20 months before production must begin, I suspect some of that may be wishful thinking on their part.
At first I was disappointed but now think, if true, Maxx owners may not be hurt. Hatchbacks are always in demand and nearly all here agree that the Maxx is a great one. According to the announcement, the Malibu will continue, just the Hatch dropped, so I don't expect it will effect value, it just might enhance it. What do you think, could the Maxx become the next "Collector Car"?? (just kidding)
Yes. After all, GM got itself into its current mess in part because of all the huge SUVs they've been pushing. Now they're dumping the best SUV alternative in their lineup, for what? So that they can push more Stupid Useless Vehicles like the Escalade and Hummer?
Oh well...I sort of expected this to happen. I always said that if the Maxx hadn't existed I would have been happy with a loaded LT sedan instead. But I plan to keep my 04 Maxx for at least 5 years more.
My short list consisted of a Suzuki Aerio SX (something that really ISN'T selling), and a Scion xB (really noisy churning engine). Had the HHR been out I would have given it a look but it won't have this level of power and sophistication. The space was what was important to me.
We must be odd because I don't see many Mazda 6 hatches or wagons, but I just keep feeling that Chevy has ignored this car from the beginning.
Actually, the Mazda 6 hatch is hard to tell from the sedan version. Mazda did a pretty good job of making their hatch unobtrusive, which might be part of the Maxx's problem...it looks a little too different from the Malibu sedan for most people.
But I thought the Maxx looked sportier than the sedan, plus when viewed from the rear, it has a less visible muffler. I can't figure out why so many GM cars have such low-hanging exhaust systems...
You're right, GM didn't really try to sell this innovative car. That's just their problem: They're too reactive. Even on those rare occasions when they come up with something original, they don't attempt to influence the marketplace and promote what they've created. They just hope that people will drift into showrooms and discover their new product. No wonder they're going down the tubes.
Looks like there's a 2008 Maxx SS in my future. That will be my third Maxx (unless some moron creams my '04 before then).
Madmaxx
Other than the SS variant, I doubt (but could be wrong :confuse: ) there will be any major changes in the Maxx from here on.
The rest of the Malibu line gets redone in 2008.
If GMs' light bulb had gone on and they stuck AWD into the Maxx in 2008 (which they hinted about doing at one time) and restyled the rear end a bit, it could have been a hot competitor to the Audi A3 and _ gasp _ maybe the AWD Chrysler 300.
The engineers knew what to do with this car. Pity that marketing was and is clueless about it.
Sorry couldn't help that - Only GM would make a decision to kill one of the best designed cars they've built in years. Sure, they didn't promote it. With all the behemoth SUV's collecting dust on the lots, the advertising bucket had to be put somewhere. They had much more tied up in the SUV's.
Oh, Well, there's still hope. The SS versions of both cars, due in 2006 may change some minds. Time will tell but until then I'm going to enjoy mine. I still don't see the value being hurt much, if at all.
I do respectfully disagree with the posts about Hatches being unpopular - I see them everywhere. But at the same time, lets be honest, the Foresters, Outbacks, Santa-Fe's, Rav-4's and other like sized vehicles, aren't SUV's. They are car based AWD hatches. Please don't yell. There's nothing wrong with that or with them, but that's exactly what they are. If gas keeps going up even the fuel stingy Subies, will feel the pinch.
I enjoy getting 30 plus on the highway when virtually nothing else with the size and versatility of the Maxx, is coming close.
As to another post that asked if the reported departure of the Maxx has been seen anywhere else. Actually the reports I've read quoted Edmunds. Of course, nothing official from any GM site. Maybe there's hope, yet.
Installed new Blaupunkt speakers in my Maxx over the weekend. The PIE (Precision Interface Electronics) model GM12-AUX v2 auxiliary input adaptor is 12 pin, and will not work on the Maxx LS (the stereo is 24 pin). I have a call in to PIE; they're supposed to call back in an hour or so with more info.
Getting to the stereo is easy---just pop the fuse panel cover off, and you can reach right up and unplug the stereo wiring harness (unless you have big hands).
It goes over twice as far on half the tank the Yukon did! (1 Tank $24 -vs $54 )
D~ (BTW My Yukon can't sell so I keep it for a winter beater here in the NE!)
That is terrible news.
I took a trip from Dallas to Chicago and I will say that the ride of my maxx was awesome. I wondered how accurate the computer calculations for gas mileage were so I did the calculations myself. On the low side, I was getting 32 mpg. On the high side, I was getting 35 mpg. This was awesome out of a V6.
I read something earlier about the HHR being the vehicle that someone replaces their maxx with... I am sorry but why would GM hire the same guy that designed the PT cruiser to come over and make a slightly larger version for GM? Frankly, I think that was mighty stupid. Also, I have only seen options for 4 cyl engines in the HHR. There is now room under the hood for a V6.
As for the look between the 'bu and the maxx, I like the style of the maxx much better than the 'bu. I do not know why anyone would want a 'bu over a maxx. I love the leg room in the back and don't need to worry about asking passengers if I need to move the seat up.
Of all the cars I drive, I like the maxx better than any honda or toyota that I have worked on. I really like the rear suspension for the fact that you get a camber and a toe adjustment, which many other makes don't offer. Therefore, it is not as frequent to have to install after-market alignment products.
If this rumor is true, I know that it is not the first stupid thing that GM has done... just look at the side post batteries in about a year or two... I suppose I will have to take my dollar somewhere else when it comes time for my next new car/truck. I hope I can get as many miles out of my maxx as I did my silverado...
Ok, so why not restyle the rear end (can't cost __that__ much to change the shape of the hatch!)?
As for HHR,,
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=106233
has info on it. Just another retro vehicle clone that's underpowered to boot.
Of course, when Olds was changed from huge land barge (98, etc) to slightly more European in nature, the plug was pulled. Certainly Saturn has no place to go but up-- and the Aura certainly DOES look up after the Ion.
"The midsize Epsilon is GM's workhorse platform. In North America, it will underpin vehicles from six different brands by 2010, including replacements for the Buick LaCrosse, the Chevrolet Malibu, the Pontiac G6 and the Saab 9-3, as well as the new Cadillac BLS and the Saturn Aura, sources told Inside Line. When the Malibu sedan is redesigned, the five-door Maxx will be dropped"
I would consider this normal....as they are maintaining the chassis/platform and redesigning the cover that the platfrom..sales always drives a car...and it is obvious the Maxx didnt catch on like GM thought it might...again...I think it was said early...there is this distaste for a hatchback...but personally.I love them!!
Forgive me for sounding cynical...and pardon me, truck/van/SUV owners...no offense intended (really!)...but the reason hatchbacks don't catch on in this country is because they're too polite & sensible. It seems that everyone would rather have a big, in-your-face trucklike vehicle whether they really need it or not.
I'm so sick of hearing from people with kids who say they "need" something like a Suburban to haul around two pre-schoolers and a couple bags of groceries (all of which would fit easily in a Malibu or Impala) because they don't feel "safe" driving anything smaller.
OK. I got that off my chest. Flame away!
If this statement is in response to my inquiry above.... as I am assuming you must not have kids.. neither do I (at least not until the Russian Govt. says I do $35,000 later)... therefore, I don't have the experience of packing all the "kid crap" into a vehicle of ANY kind... and just wanted a little advice from those who are experienced before I go out and purchase this "sensible" vehicle.
Thanks to those of you who were so kind to reply about cargo issues.
As to packing all the stuff needed, well, having raised 2 kids and now have 2 grand-kids, I can tell you it's a chore and a half. There's never enough room. When my kids were babies we owned a Mustang. Packing the kids and stuff into the "Stang" was a real show but we managed. Believe it or not we then went from the Mustang to an Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Wagon. 454 motor with all the toys. Purchased it about 2 months before the 70's gas crunch hit. (Yeah, shot myself in the foot with that one). Only got about 8 to 10 MPG with it but it towed our camper and all the "kid stuff" with ease. Except for the MPG it was a good car.
Whatever car you choose, get the DVD option. It will save your sanity on a long trip. By the way, with kids, a long trip is anything over 30 minutes
Honestly, the Maxx should be a great car for your needs with outstanding MPG, reliability and utility. However if you need a little more room, give the Ford Freestyle a look. Underpowered with the 3.0 but tremendous interior space. I gave it a good look before buying. However, since most of our traveling is through mountains, I found the motor a little sluggish. If it wasn't for the mountain driving, that might have been my next car. I do tend to agree with the other posts stating that for many people the 4 x 4 behemoth isn't a "needed" vehicle, rather it's a "wanted" vehicle.
You're right, I don't have kids. But even if I did, I wouldn't choose a Suburban or even a Trailblazer. And definitely not a Venture/Uplander. An Equinox, maybe. But the Maxx would seem just about perfect.
BTW, I know people who do have the aforementioned two preschoolers and who manage to haul them, the groceries and all the kid-related paraphernalia around in Taurus wagons, Accord sedans and (yes!) Subarus and other hatchback/small wagon types of vehicles.
Those who simply want a huge SUV are welcome to buy them, as far as I'm concerned; I was only commenting on the absurdity of claiming that having a child or two makes such a vehicle an absolute necessity.
How much is your life worth? Have you seen what sometimes happens to smaller cars in an accident where the car splits in half or is crushed beyond recognition? Air bags and crumple zones can only do so much to protect you in an accident. That is why many people choose to drive larger vehicles. I drive an '85 Volvo 240 with no air bags, but it has more built in crash protection than most newer cars and I would put it up against any SUV in a crash. Today's cars aren't built that way any more, so it boils down to how much risk of being killed in an accident are you willing to accept by driving a smaller vehicle verses the extra cost of driving a larger vehicle. Life is about making choices and taking risks. Sometimes you win,
The safety advances in cars over the last 20 years are far greater than during the previous 75 years put together. It doesn't matter who pioneered them, the fact is, they are here. By current standards, your 85 Volvo is in the dark ages with regards to safety issues.
The vehicle we were discussing received a 5 Star side impact rating from NHTSA, tying with Audi. Equipped with side curtain air-bags the driver would not suffer any appreciable injury. In a similar side impact with your 85, injuries, probably very severe, are guaranteed. That heavy steel is exactly what would impact your head. Even if the side of your car doesn't give way, You will !! No shoulder and lap belt combination can keep your head from impacting the steel in the side of your car.
This same car also received a 5 star rating for front impact. I am very aware that air-bags aren't the entire answer and there have been injuries and even deaths from air-bags. However thousands have been saved. Air-Bag technology has been modified to reduce those tragic incidents. In a frontal impact you have less than 7/10 of one second to protect the occupants. Whatever you build into a vehicle MUST do it's job in less than 7/10 of one second. That's all the time you have and nothing can change that fact.
With todays advances in safety, driveability, quality and yes, even value, it's no longer an issue of big vs small, just for crash purposes. Please remember one of the major vehicle safety issues is equipping a car so that an "average" driver can avoid a crash. Anti-Lock brakes, (another feature lacking on your 85) is just one such advance. Simply put, the behemoth is no longer needed, just to be safe.
If you are "Taking Risks" when purchasing a vehicle, You will loose. The proper safety equipment is out there and very affordable. However it's up to you to find out and ask the proper questions. I have no doubt that you are completely satisfied with your 85, but hiding in the sand with 20 year old technology and telling others, that's the way to go, is doing them a great disservice.
Who's hiding in the sand... not me. If you think ABS is so great, I should let you drive my '99 GMC Sierra pickup on a bumpy road. Your eyes will pop out of your head when the ABS kicks in for no valid reason and the pedal goes almost to the floor as you pray to stop before hitting someone in front of you or blowing through an intersection. Don't take my word for it. Do a google search or go read the complaints yourself on the NHTSA website. I'm not saying that all ABS systems are bad, but I'm glad my Volvo doesn't have ABS. In fact, many new cars today only offer ABS and side curtain airbags
as an option and not standard equipment.
"Simply put, the behemoth is no longer needed, just to be safe."
You can keep believing that if you wish, but mass is mass and the bigger mass usually wins over the smaller one and time isn't going to change that. You remember that the next time you see a small car split in half after an accident. I'll keep driving my 20 year old Volvo until it quits which will probably be long after many newer cars have already gone to the scrap heap. :P
This is a chat room for discussing the MAXX. Perhaps you can get each other emails and have it out in private. This back and forth arguments about safety are interesting to a point, and that point has been reached. Get back on track.
However, I stand by what I said. For the last 35 years I've seen the suffering and death caused by these crashes, firsthand and yes I've become passionate about this.
I am very aware that safety technology isn't the total answer but it's a wonderful tool that has evolved and changed considerably over the past few years. Advising others to the contrary is to say the least, untrue and a disservice to those who might tend to listen. Sorry to say, but I find that offensive. For that I do not apologize.
USA makers and buyers just can't get a grip on Hatches; attitude is they are cheap econocars and always inferior to Sedans.
Hatches do well everywhere else but in the USA.
As for Audi, am watching it but no plans to move to it yet. Dealer network is weak and the reliability is spotty (not that my '04 Maxx is so great; a lot of problems over two years, but it was a first year car.)
Because in spite of $3 a gallon gas, the idea in this country is still that you should have an SUV if you want versatile carrying capabilities. A hatchback just makes too much sense for most people. :confuse:
Good luck, Chevy.
The Maxx platform lives on in the new sedan as well as the Saturn Aura and G6, minus the hatch and with trunk in place.
A pity most Americans just don't "get" hatches.
But people dont know about this and they hate the words Wagon/hatch.
The best thing for GM is to create a Maxx which is an inch taller and call it a CUV (just like Chevy HHR) and it will sell well.
Its a very useful vehicle. They priced it 2K above Malibu and people thought thats expensive. Thats why Maxx did not sell.