Chevy Malibu Maxx

magnetophone

I love hatchbacks, even ugly ugly hatchbacks, but some faces only a mother could love.

rickard

The Maxx is now getting to dealers here in South Florida now, although only here and there. Tried it today and liked it. The V6 engine is ok, and the handing and ride are good, although on sharp turns it doesn't match our '98 Intrigue (which has been very good to us). The LT is selling for 24k plus in this area, which is probably 2k more than it should be (or the rebate should be 3k) to give a starting boost to this car. It's a hybrid in that you shouldn't buy it if you really want a sedan (if only because the trunk space is pitiful if you have passengers in back). If maximizing cargo space is real impt. to you, get something bigger. But if you don't ordinarily have people in the back seat, the extra cargo flexibility is a real plus for those of us who just don't want a big ól gas guzzler.

jchan2

some cladding, stick some third row jump seats in an extended version, throw on AWD, and call it the Malibu Maxx EXT. Or, if they prefer, just Prism EXT for the AWD car, Prism Maxx for the Maxx, and Prism for the sedan. Matter settled.

chevyguy657

rickard: Thanks so much for clearing up one item I'd been pondering. You hit the nail on the head re: the space behind the rear seats. Guess I'll save some $ and get the sedan.

Had Food TV on at 7:30 tonight when a friend called, so I put the TV on mute. During the call, an ad (at least 60 sec.) came on for the Maxx (not the car carrier ad), which shows folks getting in and out of a silver LT. The car looks good in this ad and the features are clearly shown (unlike the sedan ads that were marginal, IMO). Just wish I'd heard it.

fivespeed

After reading all these fine posts, I think that when describing a motor type.....a poster should use the abbreviation of "OHV" or "OHC" instead of "pushrod".

  Almost all car and truck motors have "pushrods".

fiver

ateixeira

But all cars have overhead valves, too. The industry still uses the term OHV, but if you think about it, it doesn't make a pushrod engine unique from an OHC engine.

-juice

jchan2

I haven't seen the Maxx specific commercial, but I hope to catch one during the super bowl.

chevyguy657

Can't guarantee it, but just switch on Food TV tonight at 7:30 (EST). I was channel surfing last evening when the phone rang. Kinda funny that the ad is on Food TV (to appeal to all of the moms, no offense intended or implied), but so was (and is) the Suzuki Verona ad (during Iron Chef USA, which I admit to being hooked on). Hmmm.

jchan2

I can just watch the American Revolution ad, which is a pretty good ad. I'm pretty sure that's going to be in the superbowl.

orangelebaron

I finally got the chance to check out the MAXX last night and while I was mostly impressed... General Motors has to realize that for a sticker price of almost 28K, people who want a leather interior want a leather interior.... not leather and ultra suede. The other choice is a cloth interior pattern designed by Dr. Mesmer. Also for 28K..it should have springs holding up the hood (not a prop rod) and a lock for the glove compartment. I also was disappointed when I saw distortion in the sheet metal where the rear fender meets the D pillar.

Otherwise it is a very nice car with comfortable seats, driving position and a versatile interior that you will not get in any other sedan/hatch.

Let's see how much they will really sell for.

chevyguy657

Well, the Maxx ad wasn't on last evening, so GM must be switching air times. For the S Bowl, I agree that the car carrier ad will be front and center. Whether the Maxx ad makes it is unknown, but remember by then Chevy will also be touting the Colorado (to a prime audience) and the Aveo.

I agree re: the pricing, as I've said before.

I too am disappointed in the synthetic UltraSuede. However, you should see what the leather on my Malibu's driver seat looks like after 4 years (and, yes, I treat it 2-3 times per year). Not pretty. I just hope the leather on the bolsters of the new one is higher quality.

ateixeira

I actually liked it. It's grippy and breathes better than leather.

-juice

jchan2

has any automaker used suede lately, besides Chevrolet, in the Venture Warner Brothers and the Malibu LT?

ateixeira

Subaru put "Ecsaine" in the WRX STi, it's a grippy blue synthetic suede. I'm sure there are plenty of others.

-juice

logic1

Ultrasuede is a great, and fairly recent synthetic.

I have some custom made designer furniture upholsted in ultrasuede. It looks great, is comfortable, cleans easily, and did not kill a cow.

I e-mailed the designer in Italy. He tells me the material is more pliable, and thus easier to work with than leather. I hope more cars use it.

jchan2

I sat in an LT one in Detroit at the car show, seats were fairly grippy, and I felt nice having not killed a cow to get the nice feeling seat.

chevyguy657

A few high-end vehicles (I think the new Rendezvous Ultra is one) use suede or Ultrasuede and leather. It seems to have that "je ne sais qoi" that big spenders like.

I do find it curious however, that the Pontiac G6 isn't using it. The Buick La Crosse might; we'll know next month, as that debuts in Chicago.

orangelebaron

But a cow WAS killed! The rest of the seats are leather.

regfootball

"and did not kill a cow"

the cow died anyways, either naturally for a big red steak. might as well skin em and make use of what's left. A little A1 with that sandwich?

IOW, they didn't kill the cow for the leather. They killed it for the meat and used what ever was left to make use of it.

or if you prefer, eelskin on the seats?

but please. say NAUX to FAUX.........

and the cow would understand as long as it's OHC under the hood......

ateixeira

You crack me up, reg.

Who cares what the material is as long as it's comfortable, durable, and grippy?

BMW's leatherette is better than Acura's real leather any day.

-juice

jchan2

is more about quality than low price. I'd much rather drive a Focus with cloth than one with leather.

chevyguy657

another Malibu LT today, as well as an Impala LS. Leather quality in the Impala seems better than in the Malibu, which is on par with my '00 (not great). The UltraLux is OK, not griping or raving.

What got my goat, however, is that the seat cushions are too short (are in mine too), which would make for uncomfortable long trips. Not enough legroom for someone over 6' even when the pedals are pushed all the way forward. When the seat is all the way back, the legroom behind it is hideous (in the sedan, dealer had no Maxxes yet).

For sure, my eyes are wandering away from GM...

dindak

Hyundai awaits you.

;-)

orangelebaron

I wish American manufacturers would offer vinyl , excuse me leatherette again. I think the only cars it's available on besides BMW and Mercedes? is the Chrysler Sebring convertible.

It's so easy to wipe ketchup, dog puke and grease off vinyl.. and if it's the same quality as the kind Mercedes and BMW uses it will last for at least 20 years!

But I have a slight feeling that's not what the manufacturers want!

ateixeira

No perceived value, so they can't mark it up for profits.

-juice

dindak

My dealer has an ad in today's paper stating the Maxx is now in stock.

May have to go check them out though I won't likely test as I have a pretty good idea what it will drive like (I tested the sedan in December).

jchan2

The 2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible GTC had it, cloth was an extra $300, which seems kinda crazy as cloth is standard on even a lowly Hyundai Accent that stickers at $9995 but a $25,000 Chrysler has OPTIONAL cloth.

logic1

leatherette. And certainly better than the grade of leather available on most cars in the Maxx price range.

Why say naux when faux is better?

jchan2

The UltraSuede can't be bought on an Accord, Camry, Galant, Verona, Sonata, XG350 or Taurus. All come with standard cloth (minus XG350) and optional leather. (XG350 has standard leather)

logic1

The market needs to warm to it.

The more people ask for it and praise it when they get, the more you will see.

I think Chrysler's using it in their super-car concept will give a nice boost among auto designers.

dindak

Went to Towne Chev Olds today at lunch and took a look at a navy blue Maxx LS with the only option being a package that included side air bags, 6 way power driver seat and remote start. List price was a very reasonable C$26200. Option added about C$1200 I think.

I don't think the back has enough extra room for us though, we will need more. Rear seat room was unreal, I suspect they had the seats all the way back to give that impression. Over all the car is quite attractive and better than the sedan. The only downer was the interior gray which is a bit drab. GM could easily spruce up the dash with some accenting or just a deeper darker gray color.

If I was just shopping for a sedan I would definitely consider the Maxx. The uniqueness alone is great but the remote starter, utility, big back seat and price tag are what really shine.

ateixeira

You mean there wasn't enough cargo room?

What else are ya gonna test drive? Nox?

-juice

chevyguy657

Granted, I've only been a reg'd member for a few weeks, but really, and sincerely, you're getting to me. First, the dark blue is only available with the neutral, not the gray.

Second, you didn't seem to give it one iota of a chance. Did you even move the rear seat forward and back?

And what about room for (a supposed) new stroller behind the rear seat?

Your report is lacking big time.

chevyguy657

dindak, you need to buy a new '04 Aztek with Versatrac, use the Olds owner loyalty, and basically get a near $30K vehicle for $17K.

The solution. Maybe they'll even through in an extended warranty so you don't get stuck with the intake gaskets.

Then we can all get a good night's sleep.

I'll bet you really drive a GEO Metro.

jchan2

well, I'm not quite sure dindak would like driving such an ugly car. Test drive the Buick Rendezvous CX w/ Versatrak or wait for the Uplander or Equinox.

dindak

chevyguy : Aztek is a nightmare. Would never buy one though if you can stand the looks, they are giving away 03s here in Toronto. As for the Maxx, I'm not saying no yet BUT we will have 2 kids and out Intrigue is already cramped on long trips with 1 kid. The Maxx does not have any more room than the Intrigue trunk. Utility is great if you can fold down the back seats for cargo but with 2 kids you can't do that. The car did have a gray interior by the way, I'm not color blind.

jchan / ateixeira : I wrote in the Equinox forum that I actually spotted one on the road today, white with alloys. Looked very sharp. I live about an hour from the plant so they must have a few out for testing or something. Had regular Ontario plates, not dealer ones. NOX, VUE, Escape, CR-V and Rendezvous will all likely make the SUV short list. Vans are also under consideration.

regfootball

"Why say naux when faux is better?"

which would explain the proliferation of fake leather jackets........

not. I don't see Eddie Bauer makikng huge coin off of faux leather. Or any other jacket retailer.

reason, feel. skin on skin. The human sense of perception is amazing. You can tell when its fake. That's why faux is always second best.

Looks too.

Granite is more splendid than Cambria or Corian, wood is always nicer than the atrocious Pergo and Leather connects more with humans than fake leather.

dindak

You guys are funny.

orangelebaron

I totally agree that the Malibu needs a richer looking interior. They should offer charcoal grey. That two tone light grey is so weak looking. It doesn't help either that the dash and gauges are nothing to write home about.
Oh well.. that's GM for you.

chevyguy657

Well, my situation has changed, and the Maxx is rising to near top. As is Malibu and Sonata (dindak, cool it), but in dif configs.

Charcoal grey would solve a lot of my probs.

Wish it could solve dindak's. All over the map, dear friend. Minivan now? Rainier, next, I'll bet.

johnclineii

Or he might want to give the Five Hundred a gander, if he isn't in a huge hurry and can spare the extra shekels. Actually, there seems to be a price overlap between the Maxx and what seems to be the Five Hundred's likely pricing.

4itgog

After anticipating the Maxx for over a year ( counting days- even) it has just been removed from my list. Wonderful car that it is, the electric steering left me wondering how I could stay awake driving, even 30 miles.

When will GM start building exciting cars to drive? The E*steer is tunable, but obviously I can't have it done by a dealer.
 
Compared to my VW, there is absolutely no feeling of being connected to the road, and steering (to me) is the most important feature for fun and safety.

Second on my list was the Saturn Vue Redline.
Steering is wonderful, electric-but tuned to the max. However, I found out (just before signing the dotted line) that it will be built with AWD only, so the gas milage penalty puts that out of reach.

That leaves me looking forward to the Mazda sportwagon (manual 5 Spd. - which I have driven for 30 years) unless a Maxx SS suddenly appears.
That would be the ticket, although they would put a larger engine and there goes the excellent gas milage of the present one. Can't win!

logic1

off of its all synthetic fleece, however.

Those who really climb mountains and ski in the back country where poor clothing choices can hurt seem to flock to Patagonia. Eddie Bauer is nothing more for poseurs sitting in the lodge.

The low grade quality China sourced leather in the cars in the Malibu Maxx price range has nowhere near the quality, consistency or feel of ultrasuede.

rctennis3811

I agree with others saying the Bu needs a richer interior. Frankly, I'd like to see a black interior with gray accents and FULL leather seating.

jchan2

I hope there's a limited version with full leather seats and a tiptronic.

chevyguy657

the ticker goes over $30K, which, according to the latest Edmunds press release is the AVERAGE transaction price of a new vehicle in the US.

8-year loans, pishaw. 10 on the way.

jchan2

I'll give up the shiftronic transmission in exchange for a lower sticker price. (and a conventional five speed automatic)I'll be financing for 36 months, with my credit union, thank you very much.

rctennis3811

jchan2: I'd like to see a tiptronic automatic too. I'm not very fond of a button on the lever to control 3 gears of shifting.

townhome

Okay, it's down to this -- the Maxx is almost $6000 less than a Passat GLX wagon. I think that's a huge difference, and we should get the Maxx, but my wife still insists on the Passat. What do you guys think?

regfootball

is that a new cologne?

logic, did get your mail (finally checked my hm acct.) for some wierd reason couldn't open the pic. will try again tomororw.