Chevy Malibu Maxx

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Comments

  • prdmprdm Member Posts: 145
    You will essentially be getting a squared-off SAAB 9-3 without the maintenance headache of a turbocharged engine at a considerable discount. For us it was a no brainer to pick up an '05 in October.
  • michiganmaxxmichiganmaxx Member Posts: 72
    I have an '04 Maxx LT built in February. It's one of the most satisfying cars I have ever had...and that doesn't mean my previous vehicles were troublesome...they weren't. I sympathize with the few posters that have experienced problems, but mine has been virtually trouble-free after 6,600 miles and very enjoyable to drive! I think you would find that the vast majority of us are guite pleased.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    IMHO, Those hesitant to get a Maxx should research their local dealers very thoroughly.
      
    If those Maxx dealers show any potential for trouble (bad BBB ratings, poor testimonials, pushy salespeople, etc.), consider shopping for another brand.

    Car manufacturers do __not__ do a good job of policing their dealers, sorry to say. This trait has probably done more to create the lemon laws than anything else.

    The dealer that sold me my Maxx (started going wrong in finance) proved incompetent and damaged more than fixed things. The second dealer, 15 miles away, __so far__ seems decent and helpful.
  • rferdrferd Member Posts: 28
    I use it to keep the garage openner. It fits very well and is hidden from view.
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    that's a neat one rferd......if only I had a garage...he,he,he
    The reason for the cabin air filter is very simple: I have to replace the one in my Vibe every 4 months. The thing is absolutely filthy (dirt, mold, tree parts, pollen, bugs) after only 4 months. If you enjoy breathing that in, go for it; I think they have a reality show for that sort of thing now!
  • jerrywimerjerrywimer Member Posts: 588
    Sounds like a good use, except that our car has HomeLink.
  • townhometownhome Member Posts: 104
    I don't think you should be nervous about buying a Maxx at all. Most of us are happy with our cars and those poor people that do have problems still seem to like the basic car itself. But, like kurtmaxx said, pick your dealer with care. They are a major part of your happiness. On the other hand, we have e2helper, which is something that can not be taken for granted.

    On a different note, I finally had a stretch of clear freeway the other day and got my Maxx up to 90+ (I know, I know...) and was very impressed. It is very composed, secure, and quiet at those speeds-- very European. I guess I have to give credit to the Epsilon platform, which is a VERY impressive place to start building such an affordable car as the Maxx.
  • madmadammadmadam Member Posts: 55
    I love my 04 LS (built in May 04) and it has been completely trouble-free. I've driven through some difficult and challenging driving conditions, and most of what I do is City-driving. On the highway it really performs beautifully. My passengers love it for it's pure comfort, and I'm always amazed and delighted with the many nice touches that the driver enjoys. After 5 months of ownership I'm still discovering them! I think you'll be very happy with a MAXX.
  • skyhawkskyhawk Member Posts: 126
    The front end of my Maxx felt like it was starting to "float" as I approached 110.
    e2helper is there a governor that will shut down at a certain speed? My Bonneville was set at 115.
  • reese196reese196 Member Posts: 12
    I got up to 110mph as well and the car handled better than my 91 honda crx. I bet there is a governer set at around 115 or so. Travelling that fast is not safe in any car but it can be invigorating!
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    man, you guys are doing the indy thing today. OK, I'll confess, you are right townhome: the Maxx is magnificent at 90 mph; there is no doubt.

    maxxmadam: I couldn't agree with you more. Until proven otherwise, the Maxx is still the best value on the market today.
  • I noticed when HVAC is completely turned off, the forward motion of the car forces outside air though the dash vents.

    Today I found out you can stop that air flow by just pushing the recirculate button (the led lights up).

    Good to know if you want to keep outside odors outside.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    You guys behave with those not-so-legal speeds :)

    kcram
    Host - Wagons
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    In Los Angeles, most of our FW's are rated 65 mph. Hardly anyone drives that. Median speed is 70 to 75, with occasional Pickup Trucks, Euro and Tuner cars weaving at 80 to 90 as the - ahem - drivers frantically try to emulate race driving.
    A particularly "fun" activity is them jumping into the truck lane, accelerating like mad up to the next truck and cutting back into the main lanes. Of course we have 20 - 40 accidents on our freeway system most every day.

    One reason I got the MAXX was to have enough power to get out of the way of those - uh - drivers. Sad but true.
  • townhometownhome Member Posts: 104
    Man, I don't have the guts (or the traffic-free space) to get up to 110.

    I forgot to mention that the Maxx is way better at high speeds than my 99 Jetta was -- and that car really was designed for European high speed travel.
  • mred002umred002u Member Posts: 4
    I got my Maxx up to top speed, about 113-114 and I felt like I was doing about 70 still. I wasnt looking at my speedometer and everything was fine but noticed I was passing cars pretty fast and saw I was doing 113-114, so I tried to go faster but couldnt. It was fun
  • mred002umred002u Member Posts: 4
    Does anyone get a slight shake at idle, and it goes away when you shift into neutral or park. I get a shake when Im stopped at a stop light or sign.
  • jerrywimerjerrywimer Member Posts: 588
    Is your A/C (auto climate control) on or off? I get the same thing occasionally in our Malibu sedan when it's off. I read in one of these Malibu topics that the dealership might be able to do a PCM reprogram with an update to fix the problem, but I haven't had any other issues serious enough to take my car in for since I read about it, and it seems such a minor thing that I won't take it just for that.
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    mred: the PCM reflash is part of a bigger package which "solves" hard starts as well. I got mine done, at it is a bit better. However, there still is a slight tremor, most notable at red lights with the AC off.
    As for high speeds, I agree, after 80, you don't notice what speed you are going in the Maxx. It loves it up there. I just wouldn't make a habit of it with the OEM tires still on the car.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Apparently GM is considering a Malibu Hybrid with a 4 cylinder as the base powerplant.

    While the idea of making the car more efficient is appreciated, the thought of having __less__power to deal with ridiculous road situations out here isn't.

     

    Why not apply the hybrid solution to the 6 cylinder instead? And while at it, add variable valve timing?

    I cannot believe Honda is the __only__ manufacturer that can pull this off. And they don't make hatch/wagons any more.
  • bwolterbwolter Member Posts: 51
    I agree. I can't hear the engine. And whenever I accelerate to cause the transmission to drop into 3rd, I can't hear it, but do notice the tach change. Impressive. After getting the "howl" out of the transmission, the drive train on my Maxx is unbelievably quiet. Currently, the only problem which I already posted is a strange noise over bumps. But, I'll let it go for a while until I am more certain about it.
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    If I were you, I'd be nervous.

     

    Maybe I'm just suffering from buyer's remorse, but I'm starting to regret having chosen this car. I just had it in to the dealer today for the second time in 4 months for the following (with dealer resonse in parenthesis):

     

    1)Cruise control that doesn't want to disengage unless you punch the brake pedal hard ("Operates as designed" is the diagnosis).

     

    2) Humming/buzzing sound while accelerating and even at steady 50-60 MPH. (Ditto.)

     

    3) Check engine light on steady (OK, that one was solved on the first visit).

     

    4)Intermittent creak/rattle from liftgate. (Can't duplicate).

     

    5) Fuel gauge that reads only 3/4 full when you top off tank (New fuel tank on order).

     

    6) Sunshades that won't stay closed (I'm living with that-- it's minor compared to the other problems).

     

    I knew when I bought the car that the first year of an all-new design would have glitches, but I didn't expect this many this soon. And I haven't even had the transmission howl, the electric steering failures and electronic glitches that other posters have had. Yet.

     

    Meanwhile, my sister has enjoyed 18000 trouble-free miles in her 03 Accord...the car I *should* have bought. Think about it.
  • townhometownhome Member Posts: 104
    Is it possible to say that every car of a particular model will be trouble free? My friends have an '03 Accord just like your sisters and their's has been back to the dealer twice with sunroof problems and other electrical problems. Maybe my friend *should* have bought a Maxx, like I did ;)
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    sorry, but Honda does make a wagon; you'll just never see it here since SUV sales would suffer, and that would cut into Honda's profits:

    http://members.aol.com/Ayakosst/accordwagon.htm#Accord%20Wagon
  • gla4601gla4601 Member Posts: 40
    I'm having trouble understanding this insatiable thirst for power. TV ads start off "The all new 250HP Blah Blah". When comparing cars HP seems to take priority like the Camry and Accord have a whopping 10% more HP than the Malibu.

     

    When is this power useable? Can anyone notice a 10% difference in HP? Will it get you where you are going any faster? Will a 100% increase in HP get you there faster?

     

    I have the 4CYL Malibu. More than adequate power. Yeh sometimes you have to press the accel a little harder but it responds quite well and actually comes alive almost impressivly as the rpm's climb.

     

    I also have a chevy S-10 pickup that is grossly overpowered. Lots of bottom end torque combined with poor handling makes it almost dangerous.

     

    I used to have a 91 Gran Prix with a 6Cyl. I realize engines have improved since then but the 4Cyl malibu will leave that car standing still and get some 8 to 10 MPG more. If the 6cyl's power was adequate in 1991, why is it not anymore? Above a certain point what good is it?
  • redrisingredrising Member Posts: 5
    Just purchased a new Maxx LT yesterday, and like all the conveniences it offers. Between the rebates and incentives, I believe it was a wonderful deal and look forward to hearing positive (and negative) experiences from other owners.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Congratulations on your new Maxx. Be sure to post the specifics of your purchase in the Maxx prices paid & buying experience forum.
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    Very true. I might be having some problems with an Accord, too.

     

    But I've known many people with Hondas and many of them are repeat owners...3 or even 4 Accords and Civics in a row, and while not all their vehicles are 100% problem-free, I've never heard of any of them having so many glitches and annoyances within the first year, let alone the first 4 months.

     

    Even my last two Fords...not exactly a brand known for superb quality...went for well over a year before developing any sort of problem. (And their cruise control puts this Chevrolet's to shame).
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Driving in Los Angeles can be very tense and difficult. If the car cannot respond quickly it's hard to maneuver or get out of someone else's way. I've owned cars of low horsepower for years, and have found the maxxs' 200 hp a nice asset. The good fuel economy is appreciated as well. Yes the maxx could handle more precisely, but given our bad roads some suspension compliance to smooth things out makes more sense.

     

    Also, on mountain roads, most hybrids exhaust their battery on the way up to the pass, leaving the vehicle dependent on its gas engine. I'd prefer having 200 or so HP available.

     

    As for "thirst for power", personally, I've no desire for these "Hemi" or other vehicles with 400+ hp. Car magazines are ecstatic about them, however.

     

    And as for Honda, my first and last Accord was a lemon.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Edmunds posted its top 10 list of cars which loose the most in value. Guess what? The Malibu is on the list!

    Wow...wrt GM it's been downhill for me ever since the Prism (a decent Toyota/GM car).

    Now __if__ the Mailbu follows the Consumers Union predictions with brakes and electricals falling apart within next two years, I'll know GM is a lost cause.
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    Yeah, I"m starting to think GM is a lost cause, based on my Malibu experiences so far. At the rate things are going (see earlier posts) I'm probably bailing out of this car a lot sooner than the 8 and 9 years I kept my last two cars, and I'll probably be taking a beating on the depreciation if I do.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    How much below MSRP did you guys purchase your Maxx? We bought our 2004 LT demo for about $8,000 below MSRP. Getting a great deal is a good way to minimize the depreciation impact. Folks who paid $1,000-$2,000 below MSRP for a Maxx surely are looking at negative equity for at least the first couple years.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    My lemon Saturn IONs' return mandated me getting a replacement last Feburary. Out of choice of Honda, Toyota, and Malibu Maxx, I went with Maxx LS with the main option 1 equipment. Roughly Invoice and a $1000 cash discount put total (after usual last minute Autonation dealer fee sneak-ins) at $23K. So my Maxx was expensive compared to what others are now paying.

     

    Would I do it again? Probably not.
  • townhometownhome Member Posts: 104
    FYI -- the Maxx makes great substitute patio furniture!!

     

    The weather was finally nice on Saturday and I wanted to hang out in the sun for a while, but the patio furniture was too dirty. What's one to do in that case? Well, you open the rear passenger side door, fold the front passenger seatback down flat, recline the rear passenger seatback, sit down, prop your feet up, open the sun shades, and relax! It was great!!! So comfortable and warm. If only I had ordered the DVD...........

     

    I love my Maxx.
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    WHAT??? no barbeque sizzlin' with the picnic table all decked out in the back of the Maxx?....and your headphones jammin' as you're plugged into the rear audio controls??

    You missed out buddy!!
  • jcm1229jcm1229 Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2004 LS. Bought it about 6 weeks ago as a GM Cert Car. I love the car and haven't had any problems. This morning my radio (XM version) had lost all its presets. Anyone else have a similar problem.

     

    Thanks!
  • 12251225 Member Posts: 4
    We purchased a new 04 Maxx LT with $7000 off the list price. After 2000 miles it has been a fine car with no problems. On a recent 200 mile trip my gas mileage figured out at 34.5 mpg as it took 5.76 gal. to refill the tank. The reading in the car showed 33.6 mpg. This was highway driving at an average of 55 mph. Our dealer provided the first oil change at no charge, and has been very helpful in answering questions. Our previous car was a 1993 Camry, and I hope the Maxx holds up as well as it did.
  • rferdrferd Member Posts: 28
    I just put 11,000 miles on my 2004 MAXX LT and it is still running very well. The only thing I noted is that sometimes the steering is a little hard if I try to steer when the car is not moving.

     

    I went to TN and back once, to VT during a winter storm of ice and rain and the MAXX behaved like a champion. Maybe the car is good or I am lucky. Either way, I am very happy with my MAXX.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    havent lost the presets but have had it on another channel...other that XM when I started the car....it is suppose to be tuned to the key fob last used to unlock and lock the car....I simply change it back to XM..probably happened 3-4 times in a year that I have had the car.....almost 14K on mine and no complaints at all

     

    cheers
  • 12251225 Member Posts: 4
    Some one was requesting specifics of the price paid for a new Maxx. I purchased my LT with five miles on it Labor Day during a special sale and paid $15,852.45. This is the one that had $7000.00 in discounts applied to the dealer's invoice price. The date of manufacture on the driver's door was June 2004.

    This car did not have the extras added to it which I did not want anyway.
  • skyhawkskyhawk Member Posts: 126
    I have noticed on cold mornings that if I get in and start and immediately put it in gear that the power steering is stiff for about 30 seconds. When I remote start and let it sit for 4-5 minutes the steering is perfect. I wonder if the computer goes through a set program for turning on functions. I also noticed about a 1-2 second delay before the windshield wipers will work at start up. The wipers on my other car also are slightly delayed at start up. I will turn 12k by weekend. I too am happy with the vehicle.

     

    Maybe e2helper can comment on how the program works when the car starts.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Yes, rear seat in Maxx is a high point. No banging of head, lots of thigh support, decent foot room, lots of leg room.

     

    I tried a Pontiac G6 back seat for comparison as it uses the maxx chassis. Ugh. No thigh support, little foot or head room.

     

    Incidently, while the DVD is definitely a great idea for passengers, I wish Chevy had made it removeable (or at least the screen/control part) to protect against theft.
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    great point Kurt. That is why I opted out. I'd rather buy a portable which allows me to take it on a plane, or anywhere else for that matter.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    Kurt.....dont imagine the system is that theft prone since it is built in.....have you experience any problems with it....or stolen?...I think it is very unobtrusive as it sits in the car..I must admit..mine has been used twice in the year I have owned the car....
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    I've had two cars with "built in" radios, which did nothing to prevent the thieves from smashing the glass (always the rear quarter window) and ripping the radios right out of the dash.

     

    To anyone in LA, CA, I wish anyone with a DVD player in their Maxx the best of luck, and strongly suggest they have __good__ comprehensive insurance !!

    Hopefully GM will catch on and in future Maxxes make the player toteable!
  • minn_maxxminn_maxx Member Posts: 51
    Skyhawk, It was our first (pretty) cold day here in Minnesota (15F or so). My 2004 Maxx had almost zero power assist at low speeds -- even after driving for 10 minutes. I hate to think what it will be like when it really gets cold (-20F)! Is this normal?
  • zachzach Member Posts: 3
    I am having the same problems. It starts on somedays and not on others. The lights flash etc.. Did you go to the dealer yet? If so, what was their response. I am getting ready to make my own appt.

     

    Thanks.
  • zachzach Member Posts: 3
    No fellas. it's for Palms or PDA's and has a charger slot for them.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    well finally got to mid 20s here in northern va...and didnt experience any of the steering problems you mentioned..good luck with the issue...remote start has never failed yet....and use it almost every day......13K and going strong!
  • michiganmaxxmichiganmaxx Member Posts: 72
    Zach, are you referring to the slot in the bottom of the console compartment? I think most of us would agree that would accomodate a Palm/PDA as well as most cell-phones.

     

    However, unless I misread the original message "Mysterious storage compartment", I think the reference was to the slot area on the underside of the console compartment lid. That particular area doesn't seem to be able to handle much more than one of those small packets of tissues.
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