No it's not. It's based on the VUE but it will share very few parts with it. They also have to completely retool and finish up this year's Tracker run.
Here's the Maxx, looking much more angular than the Signum. It also looks a little lighter in the rear, since it has a third side window (the Signum has a thick C pillar).
Unfortunately, there are no rear profile shots yet. Please post if you find any.
I like the idea of an extra window back there for visibility, but I'm not sure I like the styling of the finished product. I'll see it in person tomorrow and share my thoughts.
Apparently V6 models will be priced close to 4 cyl Camcords. Honda and Toyota do not have direct competition to this hybrid car so it won't likely matter too much anyway.
It's good to finally see the Maxx debut. My wife and I got the chance to see the '04 Malibu sedan at an earlier auto show. I was impressed with the overall functionality and flexibility, when comparing it to the competition.
For example, my wife is only 5'2", and I'm just over 6'4". Rarely do we find a vehicle that can comfortably accommodate both of us. The adjustable pedals and telescoping steering wheel will definitely keep the airbag a safer distance from her when driving.
I haven't seen it mentioned here, but the front passenger seat also folds flat, allowing room for larger cargo.
When the time comes, we'll probably splurge for a Maxx. The DVD system would keep me entertained if I could convince my wife to drive more often. I'm not too sure about the purpose of the remote. I mean, the controls are right there! The sunroof is a nice touch.
The packaging of space appears to be well done, although once again I think the Euro translation of the Signum was done more gracefully then the US approach. Nonetheless I think the Maxx may actually be better looking than the sedan. The rear hatch hints at Protege5 but looks like it also met a Citation along the way. The Opel Vectra GSi has the nicest hatch profile but admittedly would not share the same utility as the Maxx. The rear sunroof is AWESOME. And all that room, imagine getting down with your lady in that huge back seat....getting busy and looking up at the stars while doing it. I am extremely disappointed that the Maxx will not have the 4 cylinder, 5 speed option. As a Vibe intender, the chance of having an even larger passenger shell in the Maxx with a simple 4 cylinder 5 speed held appeal, but GM nixes that option.
But I do think the Maxx will sell like hotcakes once folks catch on. It won't come close to matching the Mazda6 hatch or wagon in termsof driving experience, but the innovative rear seat and rear sunroof should give them a leg up in that department.
Between the Equinox and Maxx Chevy is addressing some gaping holes in its lineup and while the vehicles may not wow the buff books, they may finally begin to actually connect with some car buyers again.
I definitely like the looks of the Maxx better than the sedan. It has a cool crossover type appeal no sedan could. The rear sunroof, adjustable pedals, remote starter and other innovations should really pull even more people in.
Personally, I much prefer the styling of the Signum. Perhaps I'll think differently when I see it in person -- all I've seen so far are the pictures. Unfortunately, it looks like GM has thrown in a deal-breaker for me: it looks like the only transmission choice will be an automatic. Sigh.
the proportioning of the three side windows is reminiscent of the citation. Take a look at the profile, squint a bit....the pillar angles, relative sizes to each other. Not exactly the same, but reminiscent.
Maybe this MAXX is really an undercover resurrection of the CUTLASS SALON hatchback of the late70's/ early 80's, with a little extra blip of a trunk on the rear so it doesn't look totally like a hatchback.
The lines are a big more rigid than the citation though. Like I said earlier, kind of a Protege5 meets Citation in profile.
misses the point that were Chevrolet in Europe, it would not be Opel, but rather Fiat, Renault or Seat.
I like that the Signum is more upscale. The thing is, GM is positioning Chevrolet to be its practical division, not its upscale division. When you look at the Signum and the Maxx, the distinction is obvious.
The Signum has a more toney look inside and out. The Signum rear passenger portion is much more shielded from the outside. The exterior says pamper me.
The Maxx rear passenger will be much more involved with the outside world. The Maxx storage space is much more mini-van practical than the Signums with all of its hooks, cubby holes. Even the front passenger seat lays flat.
The Maxx is a car designed for a more open and engaged lifestyle. The Signum for a more closed and proper one.
What we can hope for is that the hatch style gains more cachet and we do see a more upscale Signum like design either from Saturn or from the new Buick.
You mean the one that puts portholes on the side of Park Avenues and thinks it is being radical? Or the one that resurrects Mr. Earl in its advertising, a man who, though well known among auto buffs, is virtually unknown to Buick's target market? Or do you mean the Buick whose overlap with Cadillac makes marketing very difficult (it used to overlap with Olds as well)? Or the one with its very own version of the Pontiac Aztek? The one that is marketing the Ranier?
A new Buick?
Yep, I'll believe it when I see it. Just like I will believe a new, consistent and sustained marketing and brand philosophy at Mercury when I see that.
Judge car companies by what they DO, not what they say they WILL do. And judge the Maxx after you have seen and driven it! I have high hopes that there is a new GM, but I have had those hopes many, many times before. The best example was all the hoopla before the most radical small car ever introduced. The one that would change the world. I knew that because GM's ads told me so.
And then it came out.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Chevrolet Vega. Produced at Lordstown, Ohio with a largely robotic system, it did indeed make automotive history. Lots of it. Just not the type GM intended. And when did you see the last one of THOSE on the road being driven?
I don't even dare mention the Cadillac Cimmaron, the Cadillac 8-6-4 engine, the Caddy that zigs, the Caddy brought to the US from Italy and marketed with a resale guarantee that cost the company millions and millions (when did you last see one of THOSE?), and on and on and on...
you guys are the best. I just got in from Costa Rica, and found this wealth of information on the Maxx. Thanks to you all. I am even more energized than before. Yes, I don't like having a big V6 engine either. Nonetheless, if memory serves me, the difference between Honda Accords V4 and V6 is only 2 MPG. Apparenlty there is not a big difference anymore? Also, I would like to compare the Vibe's height with what is posted for the Maxx. I love the ease of getting in and out of my Vibe. Also, for the guy who is 6'4''; did you mean to say that you own a Signum and it has the legroom you need? I hope so; legroom is the main deal breaker with me, and I am excited about the number posted (42'') for the driver. You all mentioned that it has a telescoping steering wheel as well? Great!! The only other deal breaker for me is if I cannot change the oil myself. That is why I do not own a Passat Wagon, and why I have never owned a Honda. Keep the Maxx information flowing. Again, thanks to you all.
logic : I have seen articles mentioning a Buick on this platform in 06. Would not be surprised to see a Maxx in Buick clothing if sales go well. Like you said, Chevy is about value.
johnclineii : Whole Buick line is gone over the next 3-4 years. Regal replacement is coming next year followed by who knows. Lot's of new Buicks in the works.
reg : If I have to squint to see something then it can't be too obvious.
Five weeks & 2300 miles and still enjoying my silver green LT. I haven't noticed any tailgate squeaks or fuel gauge problems, but did think the 3rd-to-4th shift was a little delayed and the cruise takes more travel in the brake pedal to disengage than I'm used to.
I did have a strange thing happen twice, about a week apart. I used the fob to unlock the back doors, and when I opened the door, the radio was on. Then when I started the car, I noticed the average speed & fuel econ in the DIC had been reset to zero. I was using my "normal" fob (single, no kids, btw) so no issue of using a different remote, although I can't imagine that would, or at least should, make a difference.
The second time it happened, which was yesterday, when I started the car, the XM radio had "disappeared." Cycling through the radio bands only gave me AM & FM. Turned the radio on & off a couple of times. Then I got a message code "CHECK DAB," then the XM came back on. I checked the manual & found out the code means a hardware problem with the XM.
Any ideas as to what I should ask the dealer to check? I don't want to sound like a complete idiot who doesn't realize he's resetting the DIC, although that may be preferable to them thinking I just forget I do it and have a case of early-onset Alzheimer's. Okay; well, maybe not so early. Thanks.
I did some math on Edmunds, and I like what I see compared to my Vibe. The Maxx will have 0.2 inches more legroom in front, and 6 inches in the back. Having tried every car out there, I know the legroom #s are probably the most bogus, but with the Maxx having standard adjustable pedals, it very well might give me the added legroom on the gas pedal that I desperately need. I tried the Taurus' adjustable pedals, and according to the salesman, they go down farther than if I were in a standard pedal model. The Maxx also has significantly more shoulder and hip room. It is 10'' longer in wheelbase than the Vibe, and is 15 inches longer. On the negative sides, the Maxx is 3 inches closer to the ground (I do my own oil changes) and is 5 inches shorter (I hope that does not make entering and exiting difficult. The turning radius listed for the Maxx also looks impressive. You can turn a Vibe on a dime, and the Maxx lists its turn radius as only 1.3 feet more. I'll tell you, this thing has me salivating. Plus, all the talk from you guys about Chevy being "value" priced hopefully will allow me to afford one. I was a bit concerned also about the leather in the posted photos. I know GM wants to show off its best, but I hate leather, and hope cloth will be available. I know all cars are international now, but this is freightening. I have never owned an American car before, and if I get the Maxx, I'll have 2 GMs in my driveway.....scary!! (of course I know I really would own a Toyota and an Opel, he,he,he)
Saw it yesterday in NY. But it was up on a stand and they did not allow us in. She did open the rear door and the hatch for me to look inside, though.
I could not see the size of the rear moonroof, but it looked bigger than the front. Nice touch.
The back seat looked very, very roomy. Reminded me of the space in the CR-V's back seat, way more than adequate.
Biggest disappointment, to me, was the cargo area size - not that big at all. No way could a 3rd row seat fit in there (reasonably). The hatch is angled and kills any chance of tall or boxy cargo fitting, too.
Seems to me they put ALL the emphasis on the rear seat, not on cargo. They could have moved the rear seat 6 inches forward, seriously, and a boxier rear would have made it as roomy inside as a TrailBlazer.
I did not like the front end styling, similar to the sedan. But the profile and rear look nice in person.
Overall, nice but could have been better. It really, really looks like a Malibu hatchback. She said the wheelbase was something like 6 inches longer than the sedan, and it's hard to see where that extra space went, honestly.
Not that many people were checking it out, and the show was crowded. In fact, while we were there only one other person had questions. The sound from the nearby Buick display drowned out her voice, too. Poor planning by GM.
Wish I could have gotten in to offer more info. Also, the *major* bum news is that our camera dropped and broke after we got just a couple of pictures. Ugh. No Maxx pics, sorry. At least plenty are available on-line.
But doesn't the rear seat move fore and aft to allow more cargo or passenger space, as the need dictates? I thought that was one of the major selling points for this car.
And if it does, why didn't the woman who showed you the car know that?
The VP of Buick and Lutz gave a joint interview about Buick about 2 months ago. They both emphatically said that GM has not even started its makeover of Buick, radical changes were in store, and GM would accept sales losses with the brand for now while the work is underway.
You'll believe it when you see it? Fair enough. But look at some of the other brands. Cadillac has gone rwd and will have 4 rwd vehicles by start of next year when the new STS hits the showroom. Chevrolet will have three major new models (Malibu/Maxx, Equinox, Colorado) by the Fall, Ponitac has the GTO, G6 coming, etc, etc.
And yes, the rear seat in the Maxx does move back and forth. Why didn't the union supplied demonstrator model know? Who knows.
hotties know nothing. They are there as part of the static display. You all know more about the Maxx than anyone at that show, and more than any dealer right now. Thanks for your insights. I am actually heartened by the fact you did not like the rear cargo area. My biggest complaints about the Highlander/Forrester/Outlander is that they have big back areas and force tall drivers into Japanese size driver's compartments. Folks, I don't know about you, but my Vibe's cargo area is empty 90% of the time I am driving, and the driver's compartment is FULL 100% of the time. These idiot designers seemed to have forgotten that simple fact of common sense!! I am hoping that the "smaller" cargo hold in the Maxx will mean ample leg room for the driver.
Do you think there is more room in the trunk than the sedan though? I would look at the Maxx as an alternative to a small SUV. As long as the back folds flat and the cargo room with the seats up is a bit larger than the sedan I would be happy.
From the pictures I agree, the profile is excellent. Front end is ok and rear is decent. I think the whole car would look better in a dark blue or red. Why GM shows gray show cars I'll never understand.
Good question, John. She did not demonstrate the rear seat fore/aft feature, at least not to me (even though I was asking about cargo space). Well, she was probably a trained model, not a Chevy spokesperson.
I guess it depends on your demographic. People with kids emphasize cargo room, for the stroller, port-a-crib, toys, tub, snugli, backpack, diaper bag, etc. To me the back seat just has to fit kids.
But if you cart around adults, say a car pool or something, the Maxx might be perfect.
The model said prices would start at about $21k, and that $21-25k would be what we'd see on the sticker.
I got the impression that cargo space was about the same as the sedan, because the rear hatch glass angle sort of keeps you from loading tall objects. I'm sure the seats fold, so if you want a Malibu hatch back, you'll be happy.
They should save the "Malibu Maxx" label for something more wagonesque, with lots more cargo room. They could easily offer a 3rd Malibu model in that format.
I guess I will have to wait and see the finished product. Part of my need is to carRy larger thing from places like Home Depot. The other need is to have a little more room than a sedan to carry strollers and other kid stuff. I agree, they should have named it Maxx if it were a little longer. Not sure why GM didn't make a wagon also.
You guys think they didn't want to scavenge TrailBlazer sales, so they kept it from getting too big?
I realize the price level is competitive, but Dodge showed their Magnum, and even though it was not a debut, it was surrounded by crowds. OK, it's a V8 Hemi with RWD and will cost $30k+, but still, people are looking at the styling, and it manages to be both bigger and more stylish (IMO).
But they may be onto something, most import brands showed crossovers with similar shapes and sizes, like the Lexus HPX.
that's a great thought on the trailblazer. I bet you are right. my problem is my long legs. I bet I fit (comfortably) in only 10% of the cars made in the world. I think I need to start thinking out of the box, and go and get my seat rails moved back after I purchase. Of course, that would null and void the warranty wouldn't it.
Oh great Edmunds webmaster: is there any way to find out information regarding the Opel Signum/Vectra. Specifically, I am interested in the Malibu Maxx when it comes out. Since it is already out in Europe as the Opel, I was hoping to get some insight from those owners during the next year to see how reliable it is during that time period. I may be crazy to think that both cars will have the same components, but I thought there might be a lot to learn from those who have already purchased it. Any thoughts?
Well, I just went down to Javits to see it, and yeah, the back seats DO move. They had the hatch up while it was on the turntable, and the seats weren't all the way back, so you could see the gap, indicating they can move back. Looks better than the sedan, which they DIDN'T have on a turntable. It was down where we could all get close to it.
I hope they price it under 20k. But they probably won't because I bet they don't want to eat into Vibe sales. Or sales of that little Aveo, which looked pretty decent for such a small vehicle.
thanks to everyone that went to the show and posted info. I've been kinda soaking all this in, but I'm not totally sure how I feel about the maxx. To be honest I was disappointed with the design when they first released it last week. I thought it looked like an 80's car at a time when other companies are releasing real new concept crossovers (like the murano). To me the maxx looks dated. I was hoping for more of a hatchback look and instead they tried to make it look like a 3-box sedan. But, the look is kinda growing on me. Give it time, i guess. I agree COMPLETELY with the others that said it would look better in a darker color. I hate the light gray that GM promotes. The wide black window trim would look cool on a black car. I'm also glad the rear sun roof is fixed (won't open) I heard people talk about the rear one opening with the front one fixed and that would be stupid. The other thing that bugs me is the focus on the back seat instead of the cargo area. I don't have kids, and I don't want to buy a car catering to the back seat when 90% of the time it will be empty. I'll use the cargo area more often. I was surprised with all the negative reaction to the V6 engine. Usually people complain about a cars that DON'T offer a V6. Since I've always had 4-cyl cars, I would really appreciate the extra power, especially since the extra cargo space could mean a lot of extra weight in the car. In a way I guess I wished the maxx was more like a nicer, more expensive Vibe. The Vibe focuses on the cargo area more, but it doesn't have all the cool stuff like a V6, adjustable pedals/wheel, remote start, and rear sunroof.
It's nice to have a V6 if you want it, sure, but what about people who want a 4 for the better gas mileage? The thing is, you can ONLY get the V6. It's not optional, it's mandatory. And the Ecotec should be able to haul the Maxx around.
npaladin2000 : Gas mileage difference is not very big and the Ecotec would struggle with a full load unless it was matted with a 5-speed. 5-speeds don't sell that well in midsize cars so I guess GM axed that idea. Was looking at Accords a few weeks ago and they had zero 5-speeds on the lot.
ateixeira : What I am hoping to do is sell my wife on a crossover car as I am trying to stay away from SUVs. The insurance and gas consumption factors are erased with something like a Maxx (even with a V6). If it's not going to do the job we will look at the Escape, VUE and CR-V.
Already planning on moving one step up. How about that?
The standard V6 will have a DOD option sometime next year. The DOD V6 will probably get better mileage than the ecotec with a car as heavy as the Maxx.
After seeing the Debut of the Maxx on the web, I was a impressed and disappointed at the same time. I was hoping for an Opel Signum with the Malibu sedans exterior sheetmetal queues and the Malibus Sedans interior.
I have to admit, I like the overall design. I am not happy with how GM arrived at the design.
I read some where that from the Instrument cluster forward, both the Maxx and the Sedan share a common heritage. It's from the I.C. back where there are dramatic sheetmetal departures.
The Malibu Maxx has more in common with the Previous Opel/Vauxhall Vectra (2001)and the current Saturn L series. The '01 5 dr. Vectra and the New Maxx rear hatches are different. I like the Maxx's design better.
Granted, the external Sheet Metal of the Maxx is unique. Its the interior door pans and the interior of the Maxx that are similar to the old Vectra/Saturn LS Sedan. I compared interior shots of the new Maxx , the current Saturn LS sedan, and a 2001 Opel Vectra 5 door.
Interior seat and door panel materials/design aside, The interior windows and trim are nearly identical for all three vehicles. Why did GM go this route instead of using the new door frame design from the 04 Malibu sedan?
I feel as if GM has created a frankenstein, Combining old/new platforms to get desired results. I think GM wasted a lot of money, when they could have just refreshed the Signums exterior sheetmetal to conform to the new Malibus design.
The Maxx is going to sell like hotcakes. Believe it or not, I still may buy one.
My deal breaker is I'm holding out for a 5 or six speed manual transmission and/or the new Opel V6 diesel.
I am having a hard time believing it will sell well. I still don't see the precedent for car-like hatchbacks to sell well here. The Vibe by most accounts does not sell well, especially compared to the successful twin the Matrix.
If I were cross-shopping the two cars, sorry to say it, but I'd get the Vibe. It's far more fuel efficient and the cargo area is more useful to me, despite it being much smaller overall.
Comments
-juice
Unfortunately, there are no rear profile shots yet. Please post if you find any.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0304/17/e01-139653.htm
Hope I can crawl in and check 3rd row space.
-juice
Click on the Maxx. There are different profile shots.
Looks like only the V6 is avaiable on the Maxx though, I wonder why?
Camry and Accord are mostly 4-cyl vehicles. I don't see the Max competing without a nice smooth, efficient 4 as the base engine.
For example, my wife is only 5'2", and I'm just over 6'4". Rarely do we find a vehicle that can comfortably accommodate both of us. The adjustable pedals and telescoping steering wheel will definitely keep the airbag a safer distance from her when driving.
I haven't seen it mentioned here, but the front passenger seat also folds flat, allowing room for larger cargo.
When the time comes, we'll probably splurge for a Maxx. The DVD system would keep me entertained if I could convince my wife to drive more often. I'm not too sure about the purpose of the remote. I mean, the controls are right there! The sunroof is a nice touch.
Overall, I can't wait to take one out for a spin!
But I do think the Maxx will sell like hotcakes once folks catch on. It won't come close to matching the Mazda6 hatch or wagon in termsof driving experience, but the innovative rear seat and rear sunroof should give them a leg up in that department.
Between the Equinox and Maxx Chevy is addressing some gaping holes in its lineup and while the vehicles may not wow the buff books, they may finally begin to actually connect with some car buyers again.
For April 17.
* looks a lot like the Citation or older Saab 9-3
* maybe in black w/nice wheels it looks better
* for the sedan and Maxx...wait 2-years for either the new 6 from the CTS or the supercharged engine to appear and it could be a killer
* wish GM would stop releasing cars with the lesser engine when they have the better units ready to go
* price - what will it be? If it is $24K or less loaded it could be a very sweet deal w/incentives
4 cyl would have been nice, it still may come if people ask for it but I would but the V6 anyway. The new 3.5 is suppose to be nice.
Color choice is bad. GM seem to have all it's new show cars in gray, don't know why?
Maybe this MAXX is really an undercover resurrection of the CUTLASS SALON hatchback of the late70's/ early 80's, with a little extra blip of a trunk on the rear so it doesn't look totally like a hatchback.
The lines are a big more rigid than the citation though. Like I said earlier, kind of a Protege5 meets Citation in profile.
With swooshes.
I like that the Signum is more upscale. The thing is, GM is positioning Chevrolet to be its practical division, not its upscale division. When you look at the Signum and the Maxx, the distinction is obvious.
The Signum has a more toney look inside and out. The Signum rear passenger portion is much more shielded from the outside. The exterior says pamper me.
The Maxx rear passenger will be much more involved with the outside world. The Maxx storage space is much more mini-van practical than the Signums with all of its hooks, cubby holes. Even the front passenger seat lays flat.
The Maxx is a car designed for a more open and engaged lifestyle. The Signum for a more closed and proper one.
What we can hope for is that the hatch style gains more cachet and we do see a more upscale Signum like design either from Saturn or from the new Buick.
You mean the one that puts portholes on the side of Park Avenues and thinks it is being radical? Or the one that resurrects Mr. Earl in its advertising, a man who, though well known among auto buffs, is virtually unknown to Buick's target market? Or do you mean the Buick whose overlap with Cadillac makes marketing very difficult (it used to overlap with Olds as well)? Or the one with its very own version of the Pontiac Aztek? The one that is marketing the Ranier?
A new Buick?
Yep, I'll believe it when I see it. Just like I will believe a new, consistent and sustained marketing and brand philosophy at Mercury when I see that.
Judge car companies by what they DO, not what they say they WILL do. And judge the Maxx after you have seen and driven it! I have high hopes that there is a new GM, but I have had those hopes many, many times before. The best example was all the hoopla before the most radical small car ever introduced. The one that would change the world. I knew that because GM's ads told me so.
And then it came out.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Chevrolet Vega. Produced at Lordstown, Ohio with a largely robotic system, it did indeed make automotive history. Lots of it. Just not the type GM intended. And when did you see the last one of THOSE on the road being driven?
I don't even dare mention the Cadillac Cimmaron, the Cadillac 8-6-4 engine, the Caddy that zigs, the Caddy brought to the US from Italy and marketed with a resale guarantee that cost the company millions and millions (when did you last see one of THOSE?), and on and on and on...
johnclineii : Whole Buick line is gone over the next 3-4 years. Regal replacement is coming next year followed by who knows. Lot's of new Buicks in the works.
reg : If I have to squint to see something then it can't be too obvious.
I did have a strange thing happen twice, about a week apart. I used the fob to unlock the back doors, and when I opened the door, the radio was on. Then when I started the car, I noticed the average speed & fuel econ in the DIC had been reset to zero. I was using my "normal" fob (single, no kids, btw) so no issue of using a different remote, although I can't imagine that would, or at least should, make a difference.
The second time it happened, which was yesterday, when I started the car, the XM radio had "disappeared." Cycling through the radio bands only gave me AM & FM. Turned the radio on & off a couple of times. Then I got a message code "CHECK DAB," then the XM came back on. I checked the manual & found out the code means a hardware problem with the XM.
Any ideas as to what I should ask the dealer to check? I don't want to sound like a complete idiot who doesn't realize he's resetting the DIC, although that may be preferable to them thinking I just forget I do it and have a case of early-onset Alzheimer's. Okay; well, maybe not so early. Thanks.
I could not see the size of the rear moonroof, but it looked bigger than the front. Nice touch.
The back seat looked very, very roomy. Reminded me of the space in the CR-V's back seat, way more than adequate.
Biggest disappointment, to me, was the cargo area size - not that big at all. No way could a 3rd row seat fit in there (reasonably). The hatch is angled and kills any chance of tall or boxy cargo fitting, too.
Seems to me they put ALL the emphasis on the rear seat, not on cargo. They could have moved the rear seat 6 inches forward, seriously, and a boxier rear would have made it as roomy inside as a TrailBlazer.
I did not like the front end styling, similar to the sedan. But the profile and rear look nice in person.
Overall, nice but could have been better. It really, really looks like a Malibu hatchback. She said the wheelbase was something like 6 inches longer than the sedan, and it's hard to see where that extra space went, honestly.
Not that many people were checking it out, and the show was crowded. In fact, while we were there only one other person had questions. The sound from the nearby Buick display drowned out her voice, too. Poor planning by GM.
Wish I could have gotten in to offer more info. Also, the *major* bum news is that our camera dropped and broke after we got just a couple of pictures. Ugh. No Maxx pics, sorry. At least plenty are available on-line.
-juice
And if it does, why didn't the woman who showed you the car know that?
You'll believe it when you see it? Fair enough. But look at some of the other brands. Cadillac has gone rwd and will have 4 rwd vehicles by start of next year when the new STS hits the showroom. Chevrolet will have three major new models (Malibu/Maxx, Equinox, Colorado) by the Fall, Ponitac has the GTO, G6 coming, etc, etc.
And yes, the rear seat in the Maxx does move back and forth. Why didn't the union supplied demonstrator model know? Who knows.
From the pictures I agree, the profile is excellent. Front end is ok and rear is decent. I think the whole car would look better in a dark blue or red. Why GM shows gray show cars I'll never understand.
I guess it depends on your demographic. People with kids emphasize cargo room, for the stroller, port-a-crib, toys, tub, snugli, backpack, diaper bag, etc. To me the back seat just has to fit kids.
But if you cart around adults, say a car pool or something, the Maxx might be perfect.
The model said prices would start at about $21k, and that $21-25k would be what we'd see on the sticker.
I got the impression that cargo space was about the same as the sedan, because the rear hatch glass angle sort of keeps you from loading tall objects. I'm sure the seats fold, so if you want a Malibu hatch back, you'll be happy.
They should save the "Malibu Maxx" label for something more wagonesque, with lots more cargo room. They could easily offer a 3rd Malibu model in that format.
-juice
I realize the price level is competitive, but Dodge showed their Magnum, and even though it was not a debut, it was surrounded by crowds. OK, it's a V8 Hemi with RWD and will cost $30k+, but still, people are looking at the styling, and it manages to be both bigger and more stylish (IMO).
But they may be onto something, most import brands showed crossovers with similar shapes and sizes, like the Lexus HPX.
-juice
I hope they price it under 20k. But they probably won't because I bet they don't want to eat into Vibe sales. Or sales of that little Aveo, which looked pretty decent for such a small vehicle.
To be honest I was disappointed with the design when they first released it last week. I thought it looked like an 80's car at a time when other companies are releasing real new concept crossovers (like the murano). To me the maxx looks dated. I was hoping for more of a hatchback look and instead they tried to make it look like a 3-box sedan. But, the look is kinda growing on me. Give it time, i guess.
I agree COMPLETELY with the others that said it would look better in a darker color. I hate the light gray that GM promotes. The wide black window trim would look cool on a black car. I'm also glad the rear sun roof is fixed (won't open) I heard people talk about the rear one opening with the front one fixed and that would be stupid.
The other thing that bugs me is the focus on the back seat instead of the cargo area. I don't have kids, and I don't want to buy a car catering to the back seat when 90% of the time it will be empty. I'll use the cargo area more often.
I was surprised with all the negative reaction to the V6 engine. Usually people complain about a cars that DON'T offer a V6. Since I've always had 4-cyl cars, I would really appreciate the extra power, especially since the extra cargo space could mean a lot of extra weight in the car.
In a way I guess I wished the maxx was more like a nicer, more expensive Vibe. The Vibe focuses on the cargo area more, but it doesn't have all the cool stuff like a V6, adjustable pedals/wheel, remote start, and rear sunroof.
ateixeira : What I am hoping to do is sell my wife on a crossover car as I am trying to stay away from SUVs. The insurance and gas consumption factors are erased with something like a Maxx (even with a V6). If it's not going to do the job we will look at the Escape, VUE and CR-V.
Reg : The SS looks good, much better color!!
The standard V6 will have a DOD option sometime next year. The DOD V6 will probably get better mileage than the ecotec with a car as heavy as the Maxx.
I have to admit, I like the overall design. I am not happy with how GM arrived at the design.
I read some where that from the Instrument cluster forward, both the Maxx and the Sedan share a common heritage. It's from the I.C. back where there are dramatic sheetmetal departures.
The Malibu Maxx has more in common with the Previous Opel/Vauxhall Vectra (2001)and the current Saturn L series. The '01 5 dr. Vectra and the New Maxx rear hatches are different. I like the Maxx's design better.
Granted, the external Sheet Metal of the Maxx is unique. Its the interior door pans and the interior of the Maxx that are similar to the old Vectra/Saturn LS Sedan. I compared interior shots of the new Maxx , the current Saturn LS sedan, and a 2001 Opel Vectra 5 door.
Interior seat and door panel materials/design aside, The interior windows and trim are nearly identical for all three vehicles. Why did GM go this route instead of using the new door frame design from the 04 Malibu sedan?
I feel as if GM has created a frankenstein, Combining old/new platforms to get desired results. I think GM wasted a lot of money, when they could have just refreshed the Signums exterior sheetmetal to conform to the new Malibus design.
The Maxx is going to sell like hotcakes. Believe it or not, I still may buy one.
My deal breaker is I'm holding out for a 5 or six speed manual transmission and/or the new Opel V6 diesel.
-Ken
The Aveo is cute, tiny too. Big step up from a Chevy Metro, I thought. It's actually made by the ex-Daewoo factory in Korea.
-juice
The Matrix is made at a factory with twice the capacity of the NUMMI factory that makes the Vibe.
In any event, even if your premise is correct, doesn't that contradict your statement car-like hatches sell well?
-juice