Chevy Malibu Maxx

jerrywimer

A lot of that is the low average speeds you're doing. Idling at lights and intersections your car is basically getting 0 mpg. Lots of stop and go traffic still hurts mileage too (I HATE constantly stopping and starting in my pickup- it has an instant mileage readout and shows 0 when stopped and between 5-9 while accelerating between stop and ~20 mph, while showing mid-upper 20's or higher while cruising at 40 or above). And at the ~18 mph speeds your car is doing much of the time it's staying in a low gear (more revs per mile = more gas burned). My DIC indicates close to 38 mph average.

In city traffic similar to what you must be driving in I got lower 20's. So yours might still be a bit low

bhw77

>

That is exactly my point. In exactly the same driving conditions I had better
mileage with my previous car - Diamante which is bigger and heavier.

To e2helper:
I also have "rough idle" issue. I found few other posts with the same problem and possible solution which require PCM re-flash. Could this be related?

kurtamaxxguy

Since the maxx starts up easilly I find myself switching the engine off if I am sitting at a stoplight for more than a minute.
A "mild" hybrid like GM has in some of their trucks would be nice to have in the Maxx, but _not_ as a 4 cylinder.
Interesting about final drive ratio - fortunately it doesn't force the Maxx to rev too high on the freeway (around 2500 or so at 75 mph in 4th gear)

also found the Maxx gives up MPH in a cold climate (mileage dropped 2 - 3 mph when temperatures hit 40 in my area).

e2helper

Latest PCM calibration started being used on 2004 Maxx in early May so check your build date or post back last 6 of your VIN

sciguy85

When looking at your gas mileage, you should also check your average speed (reset it at every tankful) I average 23 MPH per week and I have never seen less than 20 MPG. The higher the average speed (On trips) generally the better the gas mileage (high 20's low 30's). My wife has a less than 2 mile trip to work in our Buick Rendezvous and has a less than 16MPH average and she can dip into the mid teens but when I drive it it's in the high teens. Check your average speed to have a more apples to apples comparison.

bhw77

I do reset DIC with every fill up. I posted average speed in my first post - 19 mph.

e2helper: my cars build date is april'04. Do you think those two problems could be
related?

Thank you

townhome

This is the first car I've had with a MPH calculator, and I am amazed that my average MPH is soooooo low. I never would have guessed that over 300 miles I averaged 20 MPH. Really helps you understand how much traffic sucks!

e2helper

I don't expect your fuel economy has anything to do with PCM calibration but the latest calibration does address certain complaints others have had (but just FYI you don't have the latest).

What type of driving do you do? With 19 MPH average speed it sounds like you have a lot of stop/go driving.

bhw77

I would call it a "moderate city traffic" - from suburban to subway station 18 miles
two ways. I travel this way for about 6 years on three different cars: 96 and 00 Diamante and Maxx now.
So far Maxx has the lowest mileage D's had about 18 mpg (premium thou).
One of the reason I bought Maxx was advertised MPG (22 in city).
I honestly did not expect 22 and could live with 20, but 16,5 (best so far)
is a quite a dissapointment and there are lot of messages on this board from
guys with 20+ in city, also Edmunds has very decent MPG with their test car.
All of this makes me think that there could be something not right with my Maxx.

kurtamaxxguy

last 6 of my vin are 155772.
is maxx up to date or should I ask service to upgrade when goes in for 18K check in a week?

e2helper

I knew yours Kurt. I think we discussed this a while ago and you have latest calibration, in fact I think it was done at the clinic you attended last April.

maddmaxx

I use cruise control probably around 90% of the time. My average speed for gas tanks is in the high 40's or low 50's and my best mileages are around 28. Normally, with the type of driving I do, I can easily achieve or exceed by up to 2 mpg the hwy rating of a vehicle I drive. This one I haven't seen that yet. Just concerned something may not be right. Thanks.

csandste

St. Charles County MO to Branson and back via. Lake of the Ozarks. Haven't gone back out and checked trip odometer but a bit over 600 miles with some round town driving. Trip computer which has proven to be more accurate than earlier models (right on on three or four fill ups) showed 30 mpg on last leg heading into a strong head wind for part of the day. Pretty good mileage for a 3.5 liter engine with an automatic. About two mpg less than I would have gotten with my Elantra.

Seating not as comfortable as Elantra, but still pretty good. Elantra was exceptional for that class of car.

Much knocked steering a bit dicey on bad road surfaces (of which there are a lot in Missouri), sensitive to road crowns. Coming back on newer portions of I-70 as the wind died down, it was very good.

After about 2700 miles, I'm a happy camper. Good, flexible car. Much better than current gen. Impala.

madmadam

I have the same complaint. I was impressed with the advertised MPG, but I've always experienced far less. My 2004 was built in May. I also drive in the city, lots of stop signs not many stop lights, so my average speed is pretty low. I'm hover around 16 MPG, sometimes even less. I know I'm buying gas much more often than I did with my previous 4-cylinder Mazda.
When I go on longer highway trips, my MPG kicks up to 29 or 30.

csandste

so at 22/30, I'm just on the advertised EPA mileage.

kurtamaxxguy

thanks e2...had forgotten; current job pressure makes forgetting easy. Have noted the V6 still idles roughly from time to time but that's the way it is. Wrt steering I can "feel" the motor helping the steering but it is not pulsating or trying to make the car steer any given way. Wrt trans I'm noting more drivetrain lash but suspect that is simply aging universal joints - may have dealer check trans build date just to be sure. Maxx still remains one of the better ones I have owned.

hgr3inok

Email me directly if you want a couple of pictures of my "proof of concept" exercise on my wife's Maxx using a $2 roll of electrical tape.

bhw77

To csandste:
I wish I could say the same...What is your average speed?

To e2helper:
My car was build in May 04. Last 6 digit of VIN - 230409. Could you please check
if there is the latest PCM calibration?
I am going to service anyway - CD player does not work and couple other little problems...

to maddmaxx:
My car was built in May also - just a coincidence?

e2helper

You have latest PCM calibration

csandste

I normally average 22K per year. First two months I had Maxx were very light, less than half of that until this week.

csandste

I think my first year Elantra was better out of the gate than most of you with '04 Maxxes have experienced. It will be interesting to see what the build quality is on the first Alabama built new platform Sonatas.

bhw77

Thank you - I guess it makes no sense to apply TSB and try to fix rough idle problem...

maddmaxx

Maybe a coincidence. I don't know. I do know that my previous vehicles seemed to barely sip gas when idling as when slowing down and being at a stop. The reason I say this is that my last vehicle was also rated at 30mpg hwy and I could usually get this or very close even in city driving. It seemed more related to how gentle I was accelerating from a stop than if I was just on the highway. With the Maxx that doesn't seem to affect it as much.

I will say I really am enjoying my Maxx. I have had the oil leaks and some service problems early on. However, the service mgr. has cleaned house and has bent over backwards to make everything right. I am receiving a much higher quality of service from the dealer than I ever did from a Toyota or Honda dealership. I think what has made this difference is that the service manager drives a car with around 375000 miles and understands the value of taking care of your investment and hard earned money. And let me tell you, that car is in good condition and looks much newer than it is for around an 18 year old Ford.

csandste

This is the primary reason I switched. My Hyundai dealer (also handles Nissans and VW's), as well as the local Toyota dealer have both given me questionable charges in the past-- no proof, just suspicions. Loved my Hyundai, but huge add-on charges for undercoating and paint conditioning are huge turn-offs. Chevy dealers are more humble and lower key especially if you contact via. Internet.

rboggs

I bought a new '04 Maxx LT w/no options on 4/1. It seems to be a better car, with more features, than I expected. Just found this forum, and there seem to be several common problems discussed here. I'd appreciate any suggestions regarding service or maintenance issues I should be aware of. Thanks

csandste

24.6. Trip computer showed 30.2. Strange because three other fill ups got me two right on and one 1 mpg under the computer. Really surprised because 24.6 on 90%-- 70 mph freeway driving is not too good although I was bucking a head wind for about half the distance. My suspicion is that my last tank was short. :confuse:

I'll carefully measure my next fill up.

icedog97

Let me guess, you taped over the large piece of chrome on the front end?

I bought the Auto Vent Shade light covers and I think they help a lot with the look, but I have been toying with the idea of getting that big piece of chrome painted black, like the rest of my car.

Here are some pics of the covers installed:
http://www.geocities.com/icedog_97/maxxwithhlaccentslow.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/icedog_97/maxxwithhlaccentslow2.jpg

Let me know what you did with the tape...

icedog97

We live near a busy retail shopping area. To go 3 miles up the road you encounter at least 6 or 7 traffic lights and on most trips there is a lot of traffic. Add to that, to leave our housing plan you have to go up hill the entire way and you have the makings of a good test for the city mpg rating system.

We previously owned an Isuzu Axiom, rated at 16 and 21 and we averaged around 12.5-13 mpg through this type of driving.

With the Maxx we are at about 19.5 mpg.

I read how the testing is done for the mpg rating and I doubt ANY car would achieve the results posted for city driving if you drove it on our roads during the times that we drive our cars.

From that point of view, I am happy with the mpg we get with the Maxx.

brianma

Hi all. I've been reading the board for awhile and purchased an Gray 05 Maxx LT with 1SB, Onstar, rear DVD, and 6CD changer March 16th. I've put 1350 miles on it so far and have gotten 25.2, 28.6, 28.2, and 26.1 mpg on the four fill-ups so far. The two higher mileage legs were mostly highway and the other two reflect weekly commute runs that include stop and go traffic for about half the 68 mile roundtrip commute. The only issue so far was caused by me. I hit the parking curb in the garage when pulling into the space on the first day I had the car. I didn't see any visible damage, but I later heard a rattle/thump in certain situations, so took it into the dealer to have a look/see and it seems that curb hit broke the radiator mount. $44 later I was on my way and feeling a bit stupid. Just wanted to post the heads up on here so no one else pulls in too far and has a bracket to replace as a result.

csandste

Funny how Isuzu's entire Japanese built stable has been pulled, with two GM re-brands, don't know why GM keeps it going. As to large SUV's (even bigger than Axiom--Expedition for example), it's interesting to see the huge discounts given as oil prices keep climbing. If we get some of that $105 barrell oil that Goldman-Sachs forcast, I have a feeling that Maxx sales will begin to take a fair share of SUV sales. 5 mpg over compact SUV's like the Tucson is considerable with $3 gas.

hgr3inok

icedog97 - Yes, I taped over the center portion of the chrome bar. My wife's car is silver, so I did not cover the portions under the headlights. The front end no longer looks like it belongs on a pickup. I can email you a couple of pictures.

fulloutpwr

I can second that! I owned a nissan previously and that thing was the biggest PITA to get service for. There were a few TSB's that nissan didnt want to handle as well... with the chevy, ive faxed my TSB's over to the dealer, they ordered the parts and i stopped in and got it taken care of...im happy with the chevy! I am, however, kinda pissed that GM is shifting their building overseas... i doubt ill buy another GM if they shift overseas like they are saying they will...

csandste

You'll always be able to pick up a car built in the USA. There isn't any American company (only two remain) that doesn't share platforms across countries. If the Aveo troubles you, that's no different than the Chevy Sprint or Geo Spectrum (ok Korea v. Japan) of the eighties.

fulloutpwr

Its not that im kinda bitching about, its that GM has a current trend of moving their leadership, etc overseas. I, personally, am the biggest person against outsourcing... of anything... but thats the way the world works now!

csandste

that Opel engineered the platform of the Malibu. Lutz is still calling the shots, you see how long it took for Damlier Benz to toss him overboard.

ratified

Do you have a part number for those??? Where did you order them from? Thanks!!

sschriber

Was doing a routine pass last night on a 2 lane highway. Love how quick the acceleration is in the Maxx. I pushed it hard but didn't "stomp to the metal". When I glanced down to check the speed I noticed the tach indicating about 6300 rpm! This seemed high, but no way to tell since there are no yellow or red lines on the tach. What are the design limits on this engine?

icedog97

This is where I bought the headlight accents from:
http://www.carxccessory.com/avsc-337653.html

It says they can easily be painted...anyone know of the proper procedure for doing so? I would assume they should be wet sanded first, then primer, paint, clearcoat...sound right? I'm just not sure with this type of plastic what the best procedure is for getting results that won't easily chip.

csandste

Just did a quick fill up-- people fighting over 2.12 gas --other sites were all moving up to 2.27. My trip computer showed 23.2, I got 22.8. I think my low mileage on my trip was because I didn't fill up the tank on the previous fill. I think I'm real close to the epa figures of 22-30-- identical to a Suzuki Reno btw!

Like the Maxx more and more. Great mileage, more and more likable. I don't understand the complaints about the 4 speed and the ohv engine. The engine is lighter than a comparable ohc with plenty of torque!

rferd

I am looking for an air deflector, the one you put on the hood, for my Maxx. Does anyone knows where I can get one?

madmaxx

Several members have purchased a hood deflector from "Auto Seattle". Here is the link:

http://www.autoseattle.com/

MadMaxx

pao

I jsut got mine from the autoseattle...no drilling...easy to install...if I can get some digital pics of it I will..and post on my website.....would be glad to answer questions concerning it......took abotu 4 weeks to get mine....as they were out of stock and mine came from the manufacturer

rferd

Thanks Madmax and Pao. What I am talking about is not the item you mention, that I call "rain deflector". What I am looking for is a plastic that you install where hood opens and it serves to deflect the air from the windshield.

If I find an example on the WEB, I will post it.

Thanks anyway for your help.

PS. I have already install the "rain deflector".

minn_maxx

rfred, I think that you, Pao and Madmax may be talking about the same thing. I also purchased a "Hood Deflector" (as you described for the leading edge of the hood) from AutoSeattle (PN: hd5H04).

link title

It looks nice and was easy to install. The only issue is that mounting brackets deform the gasket over the headlights which allows water under the hood.

hickoryd

Could it be a BUG deflector? Have one on my Maxx from Auto Seattle.

maxx10

I would like to see a couple of pics myself

californiamaxx

I'm getting 28 -31 MPG consistantly with mixed highway (70%) and city (30%) driving. VERY HAPPY! I've got 14,000 miles on my '05 MAXX. Gas prices are $2.63 for 87 Octane in my part of the woods. Ouch!

csandste

Dealer had it @ mid-twenties. Goosed it up to 36. If it doesn't make the electric steering too goosy I should improve mileage of car AND tires.

kurtamaxxguy

I run Maxxs' tires 32 psi front, 30 rear. maxx has most of its weight on front wheels and suspect extra air will help keep tires from folding over in hard turns.

Had 18000 mile service today. Ran $100 for emissions check, tire rotation, oil change, general checkout.
Service shop also pulled the steering columm and lubricated it - apparently some of the rattle/clunk noises they and I heard up front were due to bad lubrication in that part. wierd in that the whole columm had been replaced about 6 months back.

davismaxx

We just returned from a one-week, 2500 mile Spring Break vacation trip in our 2004 Maxx, named Goldie by my kids (she is, of course, gold in color). :shades: We travelled from Northern California to Las Vegas, then Zion and Bryce National Parks in Utah, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Mono Lake. Car was totally packed with 3 bikes on a trunk rack, a Yakima cargo box and a 4th bike on the top, two adults and two kids.

The car was amazing! Despite the load, had plenty of power even at 8500' elevations. Very easy and steady on the road, tracks completely straight, great handling, well balanced. Very quiet. The kids were very comfortable with the extra legroom and reclining seatbacks in back. Great passing power, used frequently on two-lane highways with slow moving RVs.

Gas mileage not what I had hoped for (around 24.5) but we did have a full load, and were in the mountains alot, and spent alot of time at 75 mph. In Utah we encountered 85 octane gas. Never seen that before. It worked fine in the car, though.

On the last day, crossing the Sierra back into California, encountered blizzard conditions, 60 mph winds and mid-20s. Car was very competent in the slippery conditions. The manumatic transmission came in very handy for engine braking on long descents.

I'm using Pennzoil Synthetic 5/30. Almost no oil consumption. Used about 4 oz. in the 2500 mile trip.

The power point in the center console is very handy for laptop computer, DVD player for the kids (our Maxx does not have the built in one). The rear cargo cover was also very useful--a place for my kids to keep their stuff accessible while driving, and we also used it in picnic table position at Zion!

At night many oncoming motorists flashed their lights--I think maybe with all the weight our tail was down and the headlights aimed up a bit.

We had 3 bikes on a rear bike rack (plus one on a Yakima mount on top) so we couldn't open the tailgate. But the fold down rear seat gave us good access to the trunk through the back doors.

This is a well thought out car, and a tremendous value.

Nice work Chevy!

DavisMaxx
Davis, CA