Chevy Malibu Maxx

regfootball

no wheezing.....really smooth for a 4. the 3 felt very refined and expensive.

jchan2

just may be the Maxx's biggest competitor.

rctennis3811

and I think it'll win..HANDS DOWN

dindak

only if you don't need the extra space.

oldntired1950

I've been visiting this board regularly since my initial interest in the Maxx caused me to add it to a short list of possible replacements for an 8 year old car. I thought I'd find others who were interested in the Maxx, and a few who have actually purchased it and have had ownership experiences. Instead, all I have found is post after post of people who know little of the car and yet insist on knocking it. This is a great disappointment. While I've only owned my Maxx for a couple of weeks, with the crazy weather we've been experiencing here in the NY metro area the driving experiences have been as varied and challenging as one could ask for. The Maxx has been a shining example of what I was looking for. It's very comfortable and handles well. Despite criticism regarding the electric steering, I've found it offers a great compromise between ease of maneuvering at low speed, ie parallel parking, vs. the tighter feel at highway speed. The availability of XM, OnStar and rear seat DVD with the flexibility of the movable and reclining rear seats and the convenience of the hatch are options just not out there in other models in this price range - my Maxx LT fully loaded cost me just over $24K after rebates and before taxes. And pardon my patriotism, but I'm proud to drive an American car! So lets cool it with the bad vibes... or as my dearly departed mother would have said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing!" Of course, this is just MHO!

dindak

Maxx is a nice car. Saw it again today on display at the mall. Lots of people taking a peek. Navy blue is the best color.

rctennis3811

It's not that much extra space. If you want extra space, got get a wagon. By the way, I'd really like to see a Malibu or G6 wagon, and not a hatch. That would be pretty neat!

regfootball

vectra wagon perhaps....but chevy had to give in the urge to mess that up....

chevyguy657

Some points:

1) You got a special discount not available to most of us.

2) In my case, in particular, I've been researching the Maxx probably for longer than you (over a year now). And I like it, but it's overpriced (especially now that I see what imported COMPACTS are now offering). And, to me, the extra stuff now on the new Malibu/Maxx, engine aside, isn't all that attractive to me (and that's what made the bean counters jack up the price so high). Nor are the optional stuff like OnStar (which won't work if the battery is damaged in an accident, by the way), XM (big deal if you already have a zillion radio stations), DVD player, and on and on. I'd much rather have DVD navigation and head AND side curtain airbags. Also, we'll see after at least 6 more months if the stuff still works. And we'll see in a year how much the Malibu/Maxx are worth in the resale market. And we'll see in a few months if GM screwed up crash testing, like what just happened with the new Grand Prix.

3) Due to lack of interest by members, the "Maxx vs." comparisons board was discontinued, so we have no place else to go (similar situation in the sedan board, almost). I tried in vain a few weeks ago to stir up interest (via the sedan forum) in establishing a Malibu Owner's Club (which the host thought was a GREAT idea), because that would establish a seperate forum for current owners to discuss matters. Also, remember, I'm a current owner, like it or not. And the response was nil, myself excepted, so I didn't persue it any further. So, we're left with a mishmash in both this and the Malibu forum of current owners and possible owners. Feel free to try again. Just be aware that we don't have many Maxx owners yet, so the other discussion would be a better place to create a member drive, if you're so inclined. IMHO, the Malibu and Maxx forums need to be combined in some way acceptable to Edmund's. I noticed the same hodgepodge yesterday in that the Mazda3 sedan and hatch have seperate forums. Makes no sense. To be a good sport, I'll post something to cross-reference your post and my reply in the Malibu discussion, and I'd appreciate your chiming in as well. You're welcome.

dindak

I find it funny that on one hand you claim the Maxx is "too expensive" for you and on the other had you pan it for not having a $2000 Nav system. Do you think you will ever get that back on resale regardless of the car?

Look at a base Maxx. The car is very well equipped with alloys/ABS/disc brakes, adjustable pedals and a nice V6. For the same price you are looking at a comparable stripped 4 banger Accord with alloys but no ABS. Factor in $1000 cash back and the added utility and I don't see where you see the car as "expensive"

Karen_S

I'm here to announce the new Chevrolet Malibu Owners club now available on Edmunds.com Owners Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.

I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Wagons.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owners Clubs

chevyguy657

Well, that got us somewhere and FAST. THANK YOU KAREN.

Now that us owners can discuss "our stuff" in other discussions, let's continue the Maxx debate among PROSPECTIVE buyers in this one.

dindak, you and I are not that far apart (I do believe, honestly and fairly, that you're even more mixed up as far as a short list than I am). That said, first, yes, I would pay $2K for a NAV system, but I don't want a lot of the junk on the Maxx LS that comes standard and that inherently increased the price. Yes, sure, the 3.5 over the 3.1 is in and of itself worth something and the functionality of the Maxx is worth something. But, down here in FL, I could care less about remote start, for example. And I'm sure the bean counters factored in a nice profit on that item alone.

Also, I want leather, so the LS is moot. As members have noted, the LS cloth (especially in grey, which I'd want, as I've had 3 cars in a row now with neutral), really is "UglyCloth". Had leather been an option on the LS, OK, I'd start to see the value. But, no, they got too hungry and made me look at an LT, which then includes even more stuff (like heated seats) that I don't want.

Basically, if I'm going to keep a car for 4-6 years and drive a lot, I want a good dollop of luxuries (of my own choosing). So, the LT with what I'd want is way overpriced. The base sedan at a few $ under $19K is VERY fairly priced. So, the numbers crunchers obviously loaded in the profit margins on all the extra stuff included in the LS and LT versions.

By, the way, we can agree to disgree about colors. Personally, I hate the new Bu or Maxx in the darker shades. It highlights the grille bar way too much. They look best in silver or white.

Note to oldntired: Well, I haven't been to the sedan forum yet to see what happened, but by now you've seen the result. I suggest you start posting stuff. By the way, my last jab at you for the moment is that you pride yourself for buying American, when in fact, the engine (a LARGE part of the vehicle) was made in Mexico. So much for that argument. Even if I end up with a Mazda 3s 5-door, part of those dollars go to Ford. NOTHING is all-American anymore, for the most part.

ateixeira

Mazda3's rear seat is small, call it compact.

Malibu Maxx' rear seat is massive, call it full-size plus. Cross your legs, easily.

But yeah, people are whacky, they'll still cross-shop these. I think the Volvo V50 is shaped more usefully than the 3, though.

-juice

chevyguy657

Until Lutz came on board, ABS was standard in nearly every GM product. Now it's not on the base sedan, but is on models priced higher. Again, the accountants were hard at work with overpricing that in to the LSs and LTs.

On Star. I'm still debating the merits of that. But, again, pre-Lutz, it was standard on most mid-to-high-end trim lines. $695?, you must be on something. Bet the hardware/software costs GM $100 max. Since GM owns OnStar, it's pure profit to GM.

Both OnStar and XM require a monthly subscription after a certain period. There is NO WAY that the price of entry should be as high as it is.

ateixeira

Lutz actually wants to cut costs in areas you don't see. He asked for thinner carpets, too, for instance.

-juice

chevyguy657

the sliding rear seat or the huge rear legroom in the Maxx. This is basically our "to the office vehicle". Since I'll be the primary driver, I would like the ability to haul larger things home from the Home Depot, etc., so I don't have to first wait for the "other vehicle" (UGH, that's all I'll say) to arrive home.

It's the hatch/wagon utility that is the reason for my interest in the Maxx, not the kiddie room in back.

Could care less about the skylight, either.

chevyguy657

I'm gonna bet that you already know this, so this is for other member's benefit as well.

Safety is a BIG issue with me.

It's reassuring to know that the Mazda 3, the Volvo S40/V50 and the new European Focus were all designed together, with Volvo taking the lead on safety.

So, I'm not gonna spend around $30K (my guesstimate) to start (I couldn't afford that anyway) on a Volvo V50, when a Mazda 3 will do just fine. Also not worried about the 3s big bro, the 6, and it's marginal side crash scores, since they are completely different platforms.

On another subject, it's not just GM pulling these cost-cutting maneuvers. Ford's gotta be doing it too, in light of recent $ troubles. I'm worried about Ford's new products as well.

dindak, to clear one thing up. I'm sitting on the fence re: sedan vs. hatch/wagon. While the 3s 5-door appears to be the Maxx alternative, the top-drawer Sonata appears to be the Malibu sedan alternative. I was just "looking at" the LaCrosse, more since I'm a car guy, with NEVER an intention to buy that (and I've seen you in more than a few forums wondering why you were in those, so fair is fair). It's not as ugly as certain parts of the Malibu, by the way. Just disappointing. I'd expected better with it, the Malibu and the Maxx.

I'll hop right back on board with a Bu or Maxx if GM comes to its senses and throws more money (a LOT more $) on the table by mid-summer.

ateixeira

Definitely, when one make makes changes, the other does too, to compete on costs.

The 3 will benefit from the Volvo link, definitely. It gets side curtains and some really premium options, too.

But...I still think they made it very small, more a 5 door hatch than a true wagon.

Wait for the Maxx' rebates, you might get more size for the same money.

-juice

jchan2

may give you a better value, considering you get a bigger car at the exact same price. (but you're giving up a few features though)

regfootball

Mazda 3 is so classy and sophisticated.......worth giving up a little size for.

dindak

Remote start adds a couple of hundred dollars, it's not much money (especially compared to a NAV) and it's optional. On star is optional also, so why you complain about it I can't understand?

You keep using the word "over priced". I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who would agree. Even CR says the Malibu is a bargain.

ABS is optional on almost any base sedan, Chevy is not doing anything but offering up what the competition is doing.

Colors - subjective.

dindak

Like the Mazda 3 but "classy" is not a word I would use.

With your growing family you will see the need for space.

ateixeira

I agree, some people will take one peek at the interior space and laugh. No way, no how, could I even consider a Mazda3 for my family. A Maxx could cut it, even then maybe because I'd like more cargo space.

Make it a Maxx wagon and we could fit.

-juice

chevyguy657

one more time to make myself clear, and then I'll be over it.

First, neither the vehicle that reg and I are acquiring are to be the "family truckster".

dindak: Let's go thru this one more time. Let's compare the Malibu sedans, since I haven't priced the Maxx carefully as of yet (and I'm sure I'll hurl when I do).

You take a loaded 2003 Malibu LS. Sticker $22,090. $3,000 rebate (got to $3,500 at one point), less say $1,400 dealer discount and you get a pre-tax total of $17,690.

2004 loaded Malibu LT (although I'd cut back on a few options, I'm not sure what the total would be. Maybe $1,300 less). Sticker $25,740. $1,000 rebate, less $1,500 dealer discount (argue all you want; that's all they're discounting down here) and you get a pre-tax total of $23,240.

Where the "h" is the value in the $5,550 difference? I'm not going to waste my time delineating all of the improvements in the '04 over the '03; you know what they are, but regardless, the new one IS NOT worth $5,550 more.

Put another $2,000 on the hood and I'd agree, I guess, to a $3,550 increase.

Comprende?

Frankly, although I'm not buying until July/Aug., I'm really being swayed by the Mazda 3. Dealer is closer (1/2 mile vs. 6), resale value will be undoubtedly a higher %, city mileage is higher, and yes (despite some that say MapQuest is the answer, which is no good if I'm on the road, get a call, and have to locate someone in the "boonies"), I'd pay the $1,750 for the NAV. Plus the dealer is listing the 3 hatch in the paper (not sure I believe the ad, however) for a discount of $4,100 off sticker.

I'd much rather pay $19,000 for a loaded 3s 5-door than $25,000 (close guesstimate, using the $1,000 cash back) for a loaded Maxx LT. BIG difference. And yes, you get a few features on the Maxx which are N/A on the 3, plus a tad more cargo space (but not much), but you also get a few more features (including safety features) which are N/A on the Maxx.

I'm not arguing anymore until I actually sit in both. It's pointless, I'm sure you agree.

ateixeira

You should be comparing a Mazda6 hatch, the new 5 door model, arriving soon. The 3 is too small to compete with the Malibu.

CR said the Malibu had more interior space than the Grand Prix, even.

The 3 is about the size of a Cavalier or Cobalt, maybe even a tad smaller.

-juice

chevyguy657

Too quick on the draw. I edited and then reposted. Heads up.

chevyguy657

Very fair point. Actually, one could argue that the 6 wagon is the better comparison, but I tend to agree that the hatches (6 vs. Maxx) make the better compo.

Since I'm also looking at the sedan, THAT'S PRECISELY WHY I used the sedans to compare. Apples vs. apples, no?

ateixeira

Yeah, apples to apples, but I'll admit that's tough when car sizes don't match up.

-juice

chevyguy657

There's the little matter of the Extended Warranty price. I paid $950 in '00, and the comparable plan (price is negotiable, but don't know how much), from what I've read in these discussions, is now more like $2,000. Yes, I DO know why (the reason is parked in my driveway; well, office parking lot right now).

Hyundai charges $450 (due to the 10/100,000 powertrain coverage), Honda around $800, Mazda around $1,000. I gleaned the latter 2 prices from posts. I know for sure about the Hyundai price.

I'd hoped to use some of my GM Card Earnings to cover the full GMPP price, but since I can only use $1,000 towards the Bu/Maxx, I'm in the hole another $1,000.

I don't care how GM chooses to do it: increase the allowance for loyal GM Cardholders (have $3,000 in earnings), plop $2K more in for owner loyalty, or add $2K across-the-board.

Otherwise, I'll be shopping elsewhere.

ateixeira

They only let you use $1000 for the Malibu? Really?

Can you use it for service or parts? I wonder because that's how Subaru does it. 3% back to be used on anything at the dealer, even an oil change or a bike holder for the roof rack.

-juice

dindak

You can't compare an old dated lame duck model to an all new modern car??? GM was LOOSING money on the old Malibu, probably about $1500-2000 / car. You have to look at the Malibu compared to the current competition not to an old dated car. Come on, be a little more realistic. Compare to a Mazda 6 hatch back or a Camry sedan.

rctennis3811

I can't wait to see the results of a MAZDA6 and MAXX. First, compact hatchbacks came back. Now, midsize hatchbacks are here. What next? I really like this hatchback fad though. Versatility without the feel of an SUV.

Sylvia

On your question...

Checked out the total cost to own and the Maxx comes out at $36,847 based on a cash price of $23,387 versus the Accord at $29,188 based on cash price of $25,910. Looks like the major differences are 1st year Depreciation - $4,892 (Accord) vs. $8,744 (Maxx) and Maintenance (5-years) $3,384 (Accord) vs. $7,639 (Maxx).

Something seems out of kilter that a car based on a price $2,000 less over 5-years costs $7,000 to own. To me that looks like a value swing of $9,000 to the Honda. What is the deal here? I'm looking for enlightment!!

Here is the response from the TCO team:

"I believe that you answered your own question here. The main difference is the depreciation on the vehicles, Honda has always maintained a high resale value and Chevrolet hasn't. The maintenance costs are based on factory recommended services and Chevrolet has a more demanding maintenance schedule."

dindak

I'll buy the re-sale / depreciation argument but the maintenance cost is totally B.S.

The depreciation is also offset by greater discounts and lower insurance and gas cost.

regfootball

"With your growing family you will see the need for space."

like chevyguy says, it ain't no family truckster. It'd be my fun wagon, just want some utility for the occasional bigger box purchase. Example, I want to get a new TV soon for my kitchen. I am able to get anything from a 20-27". A lot of sedans will not hold that tv in the box. A hatchback with folding seats will get that tv in.

to elaborate on the mazda/maxx comparo, TO ME, the 3 doesn't really have much less cargo room and even tho the cabin is smaller the more upright seating position makes it feel more comfortable. plus the seats and interior are way nicer in the 3. The 3 feels like the car that ought to be 5 grand more. The 6 wagon would be equal price, and has more space and is much nicer overall as well.

WHat is it with the notion of all these folks that once you have a kid, you need to give up a fun car and start driving a big ugly fat slob of a vehicle? Vans are nice, SUV's are nice, but I don't need one. Leave some of your stuff at home.

That said, if I ever do need a big fat space hog, the FOrd Freestyle is looking like a darn good offering.

triedntru

Congratulations on your Maxx purchase. I couldn't convince my wife on the Maxx, so we ended up getting the sedan.

I was reading your comments on things you thought your Maxx was deficient on (no rear wiper, etc.) and I noticed you didn't mention the headrests.

Just out of curiousity, what is your opinion on the headrests? Several people posting on this board have never driven the car and are bashing the headrests. I just thought it'd be interesting to hear your take.

dindak

Maybe you don't go on trips or out of town much but for us, the Intrigue we have now is packed pretty tight at times. I can't imagine how bad it's going to get in June when #2 comes. Mazda 3 is a great second car maybe, but there is no way it work as a primary car. Space is just not there and I would not be surprised if that 27" would not even fit in there (unless you unbox it).

I've seen a few of the 3 Sports around now and it's amazing how much their profile looks like a Vibe from a distance now. Great car, sporty and fun, just not as much space. I see they have low finance deal on them now though. I know you have not driven a Maxx so you might want to before you say it's no fun.

oldntired1950

Hi Triedntru - Yeah, I've read reviews that comment about the angle of the headrests. I lowered all four to the lowest position, resting on the seatback, and I have no problem with the position of the headrest. I find it somewhat comforting that I can put my head back slightly and rest it on the padding. And in an accident, I figure the further your head travels before it hits the padding, the more possibility for pain - the whiplash kind! I don't know if that's scientific, but it comforts me. My wife is about 4'9" tall (or is that short?). She sat in both the sedan and the Maxx, and had much clearer vision to the rear in the Maxx - the bobtail styling on the sedan restricted her rear vision. So far, it's love to the Maxx! (just ordered the custom plates for her - MAXXIMUM... damn, I'm cute!)

jchan2

is a fairer comparison than the Mazda 3 and the Malibu MAXX.

rctennis3811

I said that too. Should we start a comparison forum??

chevyguy657

I racked up about 500 miles on the Bu between yesterday afternoon and tonite. Now the A/C is kaput. Revenge for suggesting that the remote start will burn out A/C compressors early in the deep south, which it will.

Guess I'll see the Maxx on Monday, as my monthly trip for service beckons.

And I'll rack up more GMPP expenses, so GM can raise the price of the Extended Warranty even more. Just doing my job.

Yes, our other vehicle is a minivan, but I don't talk about that vehicle (a DC product). So, I don't need a family truckster for me.

Since the 3 5-door is only 1/2" less in width than the Maxx (but, yes, 10" shorter), I'll be very surprised if the cargo capacity is really all that much less. I'll see the 3 next month.

I feel like I'm starting to waste my time. After all of the problems I've had in just the last month or so, would YOU buy another GM product? Didn't think so.

johnclineii

Wait for the 6 hatch. It comes out in April and is slightly larger than the Maxx, I believe. It certainly is not a class smaller like the 3 is.

You may very well be very disappointed if you don't. The 3 is not even nearly close to the Maxx.

You told me to wait for the LaCrosse. I may still look at it and drive it when it comes out, but I suspect I will be in Five Hundred/Montego. But at least look at the 6 Hatch before you decide on a 3. On the other hand, the 3 is going to be a lot less money than the 6 Hatch...

chevyguy657

and, not only does the 3 offer features that the 6 doesn't (a bit strange, no?), but since Volvo designed the safety systems, I suspect it'll be stellar.

The 6 sedan didn't do well in side crash tests, and I see no reason why the hatch would improve.

I appreciate the advice, though.

The 3 is shorter, but from pix, I'm guessing that the reduction in length is mostly ahead of the rear seat. That's why I'm not seeing much diff in the cargo hold. But, that's pix. I might be surprised by the Maxx on Monday, but kinda doubt it.

I'm not buying anything until summer anyway. If I have to rent a room at the dealer until then (and I just might have to!), so be it.

P.S. John: yeah, I did suggest you look at a LaCrosse. But that was when I was under the impression that it'd look like it did back in '01/'02 (the sedan with portholes). Not to digress, but I still think that GM is mixed up on the LC. Currently, they have it trying to be all things to all people.

rctennis3811

6 didn't do good in side-impact crash tests!?! When did the results come out? Wow, I wonder how the others fared. I actually thought it would fare well with its side-impact airbags and side-curtains. Are they on the IIHS website or something?

jchan2

how the Mazda 3 has an optional Navigation system while it's big brother Mazda 6 does not.

chevyguy657

I'm currently in the process of asking a member for greater detail about the NHTSA tests in the Grand Prix discussion, so you might want to check that out. Their website is www.nhtsa.gov. I understand the stars, but not how to get, or interpret, the numbers.

For some reason, NHTSA tests some vehicles with side airbags and some without. Don't quote me on this, but I think the 6 was tested without and got 3 stars (1-5 scale) for both front and rear occupants on the side. The 6 got double 5's in the front, by the way.

The IIHS website is www.iihs.org. I don't think they've yet posted much of anything on the '04s yet.

Check out the Buick LaCrosse discussion for info on a recently "departed" member. Why me? Now, all of a sudden, another "partner in crime" seems to have disappeared as well. Hmmm.....

rctennis3811

Who's the other "partner in crime"?? LOL

chevyguy657

LOL. It's not you, as if I thought it might be. Let's just hope we don't have to have a mass funeral/wake, etc. on Monday. Things must have gotten ugly around these parts (not a Bu discussion) late last night. Details are very sketchy, but I can guess which discussion was the battleground; NOT one I've mentioned. There are things you stay away from.......

Anyway, friend (out-of-state; large metro area) test drove a Maxx this week and came away unimpressed. Not looks, not people/cargo capacity, but the engine. This is another one that's, plain and simple, used to OHC engines. Loved the acceleration, but in his words, "what good is 0-60 in 2.5 seconds gonna do me when I'm stuck in gridlock?" "Sounded raspy". You want a raspy engine? One's in the driveway.

chevyguy657

Sincere apologies for not having gotten back to you sooner. Weird stuff these last few days.

Anyway, yes, the GM Card has redemption limits, and they are vehicle-specific. Also cannot be used on parts & service. You get 5% on every purchase.

There ARE, however 2 GM Cards, the old and the new. I'm an inagural member ('92, as I recall), and at that point, you could earn a max of $500 per year for up to 7 years. No vehicle limits. I used earnings on 3 vehicles.

In 2000, they began to offer another program (the "New GM Card"). No yearly earnings cap, but vehicle-specific limits. Since I can run both most biz AND personal stuff thru it, I switched. Bad move, in retrospect. Yes, right now, $1,000 is all I can use on a new Bu/Maxx.

njscribe

Bought 2004 Malibu Maxx LT silver with every option except engine block heater and DVD (no kids) on Jan. 23 and have put on 725 miles in constant sleet and snow in NYC metro area. The car makes me happy every time I drive it. I was going to buy a Honda Accord coupe, but looked at Chevy because my 91 Corsica LT six (don't laugh) had never failed me in 13 years so I felt I owed them at least a look. I was amazed by the Maxx and bought a fully loaded black one (with the DVD) at the closest dealer, but the sales manager refused the deal saying I would have to pay list if I wanted to take the "hot model." I checked the Malibu website and went to a dealer a few miles further that had just what I wanted. He was glad to sell it to me for the price I wanted. The car is a bargain even at list. The remote starting automatically turns on the heat or AC as needed and requires the key for the car to move. XM radio is worth paying for no matter how many radio stations you have, as it lets you listen to just what you want without any frustration or annoyance (priceless). OnStar is a lot more security than AAA or similar for less. The car handles and rides so well it impresses Cadillac owners. The Maxx is built on the new platform GM developed for the Saab 9.3, which costs thousands more. Most of the people on this posting don't know what they are talking about, but they can take a test drive and speak from firsthand knowledge. It will be worth the time!