Chevy Malibu Maxx

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Comments

  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    The article does indicate that the 3.4 is "completely redone" (to become the 3.5) and will see appliction in 70-80 percent of future GM products.

    Bye bye G6.

    Reg is about to break the champagne open....
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Thanks for the information. Perhaps when it's posted at the Car & Driver website, someone can link it here.

    Revka
    Host/Hatchbacks & Wagons
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    that our Member Agreement forbids postings that might "infringe in any manner on the copyright, trademark or intellectual property rights of any person or other entity." And "Except for quotes of reasonable length, you may not post such materials in Town Hall itself." Okay? Thanks for understanding.

    And now, back to the subject of the Chevy Malibu Maxx! ;-)

    Revka
    Host/Hatchbacks & Wagon
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    Oops, almost blew it with the C&D quotes. Thanks for reminding us ;).

    Harry
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I really don't like the front end. I saw it in person at the NY show.

    The Maxx looks better to my eyes, the rear 3/4s view is its best.

    -juice
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I can see the 3.5L going into the Impala but I'll be surprised (and disappointed) if they don't put a derivative of the CTS 3.6 in the G6.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    "GM then spent a reported $722 million (which includes a complete retooling of its Fairfax, Kansas assembly plant) to adapt the Epsilon for the US market."

    No doubt a lot of that 722m was for new equipment at the plant. HOWEVER, I am sure many millions would have been saved had they just swapped the Opel lightning bolt with a Chevy bow tie.

    Or, maybe that 722m was just to re-equip the plant for production only. Who knows how much coin was wasted at GM just redesigning the body into something uglier than the attractive and entirely US salable Vectra.
  • bgabel1260bgabel1260 Member Posts: 135
    Malibu Maxx. Sounds like razor blades or some new fangled candy bar.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    "redesigning the body"

    I'm sure the cost of modifying the body is marginal at best.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Malibu Barbie meets Mad Maxx? :o)

    It's OK, "wagon" is a bad word in marketing terms, "hatch" equates to cheap.

    -juice
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    MODIFYING THE BODY?

    its not an easy thing for automakers to create extra new dies with new mathematical
    data, and then for unibody it required structural crash analysis as well. And then, all bumper designs etc. come into question along with wind testing, verifying all lights and signals are within height compliance, etc.

    Its not like a spaceframe where the skin is doing nothing and changes can be made without adverse effects. While the 'platform' hard points may be the same, many many things are affected and this creates a bunch of cost implications.

    For example, I hope they at least left the 4 'door rings' in tact. If Chevy resisted the urge to tamper with those, kudos. But the structure framing the door openings needs extreme engineering and changing the door opening even slightly means reengineering = dollars.

    Now is the windshield rake and structure the same too? Probably. For sure? Who knows.

    The C pillar and back glass of the passenger safety cage is different. So there was money blown re-engineering that by Chevy when the more pleasing roof shape and taper of the Vectra woulda been fine, coinsidering how ugly the butt end of the bu turned out anyways.

    Once you screw with the passenger safety cage, costs = goes up.

    Take your Alero. Do you think its a mere coincidence its a Grand Am in drag? (or vice versa). GM designed one safety cage for both cars and also saved money form interchangable parts as well between the two. In that example, GM saves money from doing that.
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    Surely, at least one of you must have the new C&D. Well, guess not. The 3/4 view of the Maxx is REALLY UGLY (when it's on the road). But, I'll probably buy one if the price is right. I'm good-looking enough that the car doesn't matter. Ha!!
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    Well dude, you've expounded. The rear of the new 'Bu sedan is its best part, by the way.

    GM didn't even design a safety cage for the current Grand Am and Alero. They both failed all of the important crash tests. At least I'm fairly safe in my old 'Bu, unless some id**t in his or her SUV hits me in the driver's door.

    Still a GM-intender.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    part of the faithful even?
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Why not just adapt the Opel design with the better interior and just throw a 3.6 with less horsepower than the CTS (to protect it) inside? We'd all save some hard earned money if GM did that.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    jchan2 : Because the car would then start $25K instead of $18K. GM could have done that with a Buick version though. I have read rumors it's in the works.
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    In Europe where hatches have cachet, the Signum sells for more than the intended Maxx market wants to pay.
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    It would be very interesting if Buick made a hatch/wagon version of the new LaCrosse. The concept was supposed to show cargo-carrying ability anyway. I am guessing that GM is still planning on making smaller (3.2L, 2.8L) versions of the Caddy High Feature engine? That could be the refined engine that Buick wants and needs. Maybe one of those (or even the full-blown 3.6) could be used on the rumored Maxx SS as well, unless there are any of those 3.5L Honda mills still lying around....
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    Buick is moving upmarket as well. Regal now becomes the LaCrosse. Sedan only.

    What's intriguing to me is that the replacement for the Saturn L-Series will be a Malibu clone, with a Maxx "hatch/wagon" as well.

    ION is a ridiculous name. Wonder what they'll come up with for the new L-Series??

    Suggestions (be nice)???
  • theo2709theo2709 Member Posts: 476
    I have lost all confidence in the marketing folks at GM. With all the alphanumeric name-changing, they seem to have forgotten how to come up with a real name. The Buick Terraza minivan is a good example.
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    And what's even more interesting is the fact that the "new" 3.5 doesn't seem to have a home other than in the new Bu/Maxx. Bet it'll make a home in the Saturn L-series replacement.

    Let's hope not in the G6, as well.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    The 3.5 probably will be thrown in the L-Series. The 3.0 that it uses (as I recall) isn't shared with any other design. Why not use a decontented version of the 3.6 (i.e instead of 260 horsepower maybe somewhere around 235-245 horsepower) The Opel Signum could be adopted over to Buick to make a third cousin to the Malibu in addition to the Signum and next gen L-Series.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    A nice surprise from the guy who panned the new Grand Prix..

    http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/L- - ayout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&am- p;am- p;cid=1062065846099

    Sounds like the biggest downer is the tires.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I doubt the 3.5L will find it's way to Saturn. Saturn has never used an OHV engine in a car and I doubt that will change.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    About the name or styling?

    Buy a Mazda6 Wagon and get it over with. It will have a better suspension and feel more like a driver's car than the MAXX, right?

    Dinu
  • gmallthewaygmalltheway Member Posts: 77
    thats all i have to say Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Please elaborate on your "HA!" comment.

    Dinu
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    There is a very good chance I may buy a Mazda6 wagon, though I am also looking at the Mazda3 hatch and Maxx....
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Saturn has never used a pushrod? regfootball, we have the GM corporate car for you! A Saturn L-Series Wagon. No pushrods and $200K a year. Happy now?
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    geez, doesn't look like you guys missed me at all. I'm back from Puerto Vallarta where I got to see the Chevy Vectra Wagon and Sedan. Ours will be significantly more luxurious.
    I'll go to my dealer on Monday to see if any sedans have come in. Thanks for not missing me.
  • manuelmanuel Member Posts: 13
    Saturn has never used an OHV design for their models' engines. The S-series had a 1.9L DOHC, the current Ion uses the Ecotec as does the Vue along with a 3.0 DOHC from which is also used in the L. So you see, Saturn truly has never used the "archaic" (but oh so efficient and powerful) OHV engine.
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    WHO didn't miss you?

    Glad you're back.

    Harry
  • wpbharrywpbharry Member Posts: 399
    dindak, you must be kidding.

    Reg, you'll have fun with that one. Thaught Cobalt was absurd.

    maxx, join in the fun. Labor Day Weekend!
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    What did you think of the review I posted?

    What am I kidding about?
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    he, he...went out to the store this a.m.
    the 626 rumbled and sputtered after sitting for a week. I kicked it a few times and murmured...Maxx..Maxx....and then I thought....rebate....rebate....and I kissed and made up........for now!!!
  • wsag26wsag26 Member Posts: 124
    Does GM hope for more sales on the Maxx than the sedan. I hope that GM can convince people that this is the only wagon to buy in its class. Hopefully, they can add a stronger engine and call it a day. It will be success, hopefully.

    Suggestions for a stronger engine:

    245 horsepower V-6 engine
    260 lb-ft of torque
    4500 rpm
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Funny how people might compare these two corporate wagons to each other. Pushrods vs. DOHC. regfootball, your car is a waiting. What color would you like your L-Series Wagon?
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    We can even put a Corvette nameplate on it for him. It must, of course, be red.

    Why, you ask? So everyone will know reg when he comes down the street with his little red wagon! :)
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    The Wagon isn't small. Some Corvette badges would help. And a Supercharger too. So he can fly by the Chevy Malibu at the stop light in his Medium Red Saturn LW300 wagon!
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    I think it is a great review. Thanks for the link.

    Too bad about the OEM tires. Hardly a unique problem in this category. FWD midsize sedans have such a broad market, finding the perfect OEM tire is impossible.

    The best thing to do is work with your dealer and swap for the tire of your choice before taking delivery. You'll get a credit for the OEMs and have exactly what you want.
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    Is that true Logic1? Wow, what a great idea!! I had no idea I could negotiate the tires. I'll try it. I want Pirelli or one of the new Firestone high performance tires.
    In comparing wagons, I think any wagon is fair game for comparison. In fact, I believe the Maxx will make the VW Passat wagon look like a very dumb purchase (overpriced that is)
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    Yes I have shopped for one before.

    Looks are a bit dowdy and you can no longer get a stick. Cargo area isn't much more than a Ford Focus wagon, which is cheaper. The Jetta wagon and new Lancer Sportback promise comparable cargo space. The L is a decent drive, but its old and tired by now. The motor is OHC but is a rehashed Opel bit.

    And then, why would I buy any of those when the superior and classy Mazda6 wagon is right around the bend?

    Let's dissect dindak's 'logic' again

    "Because the car would then start $25K instead of $18K"

    and of course, no factual info to say 'why'? In a world where 15,000 dollar Kia Optimas and 8,000 Kia Rios and sub10k Cavaliers and Foci have an OHC powertrain and Ford Taurus has an OHC Duratec as an option for about a 1000 bucks, dindak goes way off the deep end and suggests it would take GM raising the MSRP a whole whopping 7 grand (And that's AMURCHAN dollars) for the general to plop a motor that's already engineered for the car (Vectra and upcoming G6) and selling in Europe. And he even has the audacity to suggest that it should not even be available as an option to those that want it.

    from jchan

    "Why not use a decontented version of the 3.6 (i.e instead of 260 horsepower maybe somewhere around 235-245 horsepower)"

    Agreed. Use the 3.2l version that's already out in EU with about 225hp and you're in business. Its already been engineered for the car.

    "Pontiac Pursuit??? Reg, you'll have fun with that one. Thaught Cobalt was absurd."

    Again showing the GENIUS of GM marketing. Has to be the most LAME model name ever....ROTFLMAO! How juvenile and absurd. Buyers will laugh!

    Star reviewer must have been paid off big time by GM after the Lutz visit AFTER he trashed the GP. Some big GM promo dollars headed the writer's way for the about face.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Just retune the 3.2 to make 235 and we're set.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    If you would read posts properly, when I said the MSRP would go from $18 to $25K, I meant adding in the upscale interior and adding a 3.6L, not just putting in some 4 cyl DOHC engine (which is available anyway). You always twist what others say when arguing which is weak.

    Why is re-badging a Cobalt for Pontiac a joke? Small cars are BIG business up here and I'm sure the Pontiac dealers will sell heaps of the Pursuits. The 03 Vibes were sold out long ago up here, 04s have been on sale for weeks. Small=big up here.

    "Star reviewer must have been paid off big time"

    Absolutely! If they don't agree with your pre-judgement or are even slightly positive on a GM product they must be getting paid off!
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Ya, I have heard you can do that. Never had the need so far, but I might consider it if I was buying a Maxx.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Doesn't GM pay off all the reviewers that give favorable reviews on Chevrolet Cavaliers? I mean, who would appreciate the Cavalier for the high sticker price, low resale value, poor crash test results, poor handling, and pretty much poor everything unless GM wrote them a check for $5,000?
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I doubt seriously that money changes hands. Not that gauche or illegal. How about a nice trip to Spain and a coffee mug, some wine, a chance to drive a Corvette on a closed course at very high speeds, etc.?
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Package probably includes:
    Trip for Family to Europe
    Rental Opel Signum in Europe
    Chance to drive Corvette and XLR on closed Course
    Trip to China
    Rental Buick Sail in China
    $5,000 shopping spree at the mall closest to Home
    Lots o' Wine
    Chance to see upcoming GM designs. (in 2003 you would have seen development of the 9-2 and the 9-3X)
    All This for a page long favorable review of the Chevrolet Cavalier or Pontiac Aztek.
    (If you say something good about the Aztek, you get two rental cars and a 5-star hotel in Europe instead of a 3-star.)
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    If there was payola in the business I'm sure GM wouldn't be the worst offender.

    I know Jim Kenzie's writing well, he is pretty objective and has criticized GM cars many times in the past and I certainly don't agree with him on many things he writes.
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    Oh yeah...in addition to seeing the Opel line-up in Mexico, I saw a lot of Azteks as well. Maybe they like the name??
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