Chevy Malibu Maxx

1808183858695

Comments

  • mr_botsmr_bots Member Posts: 236
    The LS (Base) and LT are all that still have EPS. Hydraulic is standard on LTZ, SS and all Maxx models. The LT does have hydraulic optional though.
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    I just browsed the Chevy web site and I noticed that the flat-folding front passenger seat is now standard only on Maxx LT and LTZ...and not available on the sedan at all. Do I detect signs of the usual GM cheaping out? ;)
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    Actually EPS is still on LTZ. I told someone at Chevy to fix the website - I guess they didn't get around to it yet :D
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Wrt steering, which makes the reduction in fuel economy even more mysterious if EPS is still on the sedans.

    But the MAXX's all have Hydraulic PS, though ??
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    Wrt steering, which makes the reduction in fuel economy even more mysterious if EPS is still on the sedans.

    When the 04 Malibu first came out I recall reading somewhere that the EPS was supposed to make a contribution of .7 MPG to fuel economy. That's why I'm so surprised that the 07 Maxx with the hydraulic version has dropped so. Unless there are changes in gearing or other areas that I'm not aware of.
  • meandmymaxxmeandmymaxx Member Posts: 134
    I think they were being a little generous in their MPG estimations. The EPA recently changed or is about to, how MPG is calculated to better reflect real driving conditions and a lot of cars are doing less then under the old system.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I've always done close to the epa estimates. I think I've almost always averaged over 30 mpg on road trips. Lots of reviewers had complained about the steering but the only problem I ever had was a slight tendency to wander on roads that weren't absolutely level. Go figure.

    Is the G6's steering changing? What does the Aura have-- assume hydraulic.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Aura has hydraulic steering.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Can anyone confirm if the SS Maxx interiors are truely all jet black?

    I vaugely remember seeing one picture of an SS interior that was two-toned (black top, brown underneath). Were my eyes playing tricks?

    I'd post this in the SS topic but it seems pretty dead over there.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Check to see if your cowls' rubber edge is resting against the windshield on the right side (passenger side). If not, it's warped, and other posters including me have had that problem. I had no trouble getting it replaced under warranty.

    There is also a fastener in the center of the cowl that may not hold the cowl against the metal underneath. You could add an O-ring spacer between the fastener and the cowl which will help the fastener do its job.
  • mfletou1mfletou1 Member Posts: 508
    How bad was the quality on your '04, if you've had that many problems on an '06, and you consider the quality to be better?

    Yikes. I'm impressed with the design of our '04 Maxx, but not the quality. We now own an '07 Camry (Hybrid), and its not even remotely close. When I go from the Camry to the Maxx, the Maxx feels like a jalopy for a while.

    But hey, the Maxx was cheaper. You do get what you pay for though. I spent years trying to convince myself otherwise, but I was wrong.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Like any first year car, the Maxx has had a fair number of issues (transmission, BCM, steering columm, cowl, steering rack, side impact reinforcement, etc.).

    The suspension problems, however, affect a lot of Malibus from '04 through '06.

    If buying a Maxx used, I would avoid the '04's. Too many issues to worry about, and some are expensive to fix out of warranty.

    Unfortunately, the Camry no longer comes as a hatch (it did in '83 - I had that one for 9 years!), and is getting pretty big for a mid sized car. But if it does what the owner wants that is all that matters.
  • sschribersschriber Member Posts: 89
    :cry: Although I wanted with all my heart to keep it, the Maxx just wasn't big enough to haul my family of 5 adult sized people around comfortably and long trips were right out. We went with a Mazda MPV, but the dealer only offered me $9500 in trade for my 2005 Maxx with 29k miles on it. It took me two long months to sell it and I wound up settling for $11,500 in a private sale. ( The Edmunds private sale number is $13,629) I'll think twice about going down the private sale route again. PS - I signed up with (and paid $55 to)Autotrader and did not receive one lead from them, even though my asking price was at or below their recommended trade in price!
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    Im no fan of autotrader.com....too many dealers on it....trying to sell their cars.....there are several others out there that do better......but glad all worked out for you....three adults in the back is cramp in the Maxx for sure.....04 LT here....almost 80K on mine
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    Less than 6,000 miles left on my bumper to bumper pao. I won't make it to my 3 year anniversary (June). Now you've got all those Clemson games (or was it S.C.) to go to now. Drive safely!
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    right on both accounts...already been down three times.....GRIN..
  • cbosargecbosarge Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2006 SS with the potenza tire (94 W) and it will do
    128 in third and 128 in fourth. Need to locate an access port
    device to go faster. It is still accelerating in fourth when the limiter kicks in. I installed a K&N filter and a chip
    from a company called Next Level performace. It does increase
    mid range performance noticably and boosts MPG as well.

    CBosarge...Metairie La.
  • rferd43rferd43 Member Posts: 20
    I do not take my "old" (04) Max to such speeds but would like the mid range performance and the boosting of MPG. Could you give us more details about the chip that installed?

    Thanks.
  • drejdrej Member Posts: 119
    Hi , I too would like the update for better MPG (on my 28K 05 Maxx), although unless I'm an off duty Metairie officer I wouldn't be doing 128+ in La...I assume you're on the causeway and not worried about blowing a tire and dumping in the swamp~
    D~ has anyone done a tune-up yet earlier than the 100K interval as stated on my 05 MAxx LT...any improvement
  • cbosargecbosarge Member Posts: 2
    I have a chip from my 2005 maxx for the 3.5 6cyl.What engine is in your car? The chip is easy to install...cut 2 wires and splice it into the IAT sensor...takes 30 mins. max. I have the complete Chev wiring pin out and if you are interested I would like 50.00 for all. The chip sells for 99.00 new. If you need info from mfg. look up Next Level Performance . If you are interest in this email me at cbosarge1@cox.net.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Visited the Next Level site... am surprised at some of their claims, such as an ECU cannot compensate for increased engine compartment temperature. ??? That depends whether or not the Mfr put sensors in the engine compartment for the ECU to monitor !.

    The modules' sole feature appears to be enrichening the fuel mixture for more power. Question is, what happens to the Cat converter and other parts of the emission system when one is burning a rich fuel mixture?

    E2 or any GM tech - comments on these modules, please?
  • bhw77bhw77 Member Posts: 101
    I guess that's it. After 25 months and 13K miles of bumpy relationship I have dumped her...
    To be serious I decided to cut my losses, bite depreciation bullet and traded Maxx in. I liked the car, but I have absolutely no confidence that it is going to hold up. I lived through 3 steering rack replacement, the number of other problems, but the last straw was knock in the engine and crack in exhaust pipe. There is still warranty left, but enough is enough.
    Good buy MAXX.
  • rferd43rferd43 Member Posts: 20
    Sorry to hear about your experiences with the MAXX. I own an 04 LT with 57,000 and the only problem has been one steering replacement, under warranty.

    With all the problems you have experienced, I do not blame you. Better luck on your next car.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    probably time to cut your losses since you lost confidence in the car.......I echo the previous poster however....85K on my 04LT and done nothing but oil changes, tires, wiper blades and brakes......no warranty issues at all....

    good and better luck with your next car....what did you trade for out of curosity???
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Not quite the end for my '04 Maxx yet but will admit it had lots of teething trouble with suspension, steering and interior fit/finish. Then again, 1st year cars tend to be problematic. The traction control's the main reason I won't be getting another (the "good" system is on the SS, which guzzles too much fuel for its size thanks to its ridiculous rear axle ratio).

    Still ironic that all the Malibu reviews I have read praise the Maxx's thoughtful design, yet that is the model Chevrolet is killing in 2008 as they then soldier on with their clone of the Saturn Aura.
  • bhw77bhw77 Member Posts: 101
    ....what did you trade for out of curiosity???
    I've Honda CR-V for my wife and took over minivan for the next couple of years.
  • tsc401tsc401 Member Posts: 5
    HI,
    I have an 04 LS maxx, and I was wondering How i program the remote unlock? the dealer wants to charge me 40 freaking dollars!
  • hgr3inokhgr3inok Member Posts: 28
    The various features for the remote are programmed through the DIC (Driver's Information Center). See your Owner's Manual for instructions. However, if what you need to do is program a new/replacement remote, you may have to use the dealer.
  • marlapmarlap Member Posts: 18
    Once again something has gone wrong with my 05 maxx. so far had to have the crank shaft seal replaced, visors replaced, rotors turned, and the mysterious starter problem that no one seems able to fix. now the hinges that hold up the back door have gone bad and it won't stay open at all unless you hold it. luckily all this has been under warranty, but who knows what will go wrong after it expires. should have gotten the extended warranty. i don't think that i will buy an american car anymore. they just don't seem to hold up well. and they wonder why their business is doing poorly!!
  • tsc401tsc401 Member Posts: 5
    Whats the starter problem?
  • maddmaxxmaddmaxx Member Posts: 81
    I may have the high mileage here, just about 97k on my '04 LS Maxx. I've had a few issues, but overall less in the same mileage than my old Accord. My biggest complaint at this point is how easy water spots get on the upholstery. If I have a drink in the car and condensation drops on the seats, a ring appears and requires the whole seat to be shampooed to remove.

    I could also use to find a tire that performs well in the rain. I replaced the factory tires with some Tire Rack Dunlop SP60's that don't have very good traction in the rain. I want to stay with an S-rated tire for reduced weight to keep my gas mileage up. Any suggestions?

    I feel pretty confident in my Maxx's ability to go another 100k +
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    The seats on my 05 (same?) seem to clean pretty well with a Magic Sponge. I have a neutral (beige) interior.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    beleive you do have it on mileage..not too far behind you with 86K...had very minor problems with my Maxx LT as well..as far as tires...I upgraded to aftermarket rims on my Maxx..and went with Michelin Pilots.....for OEM size...I have heard some good comments about Bridgestone Potenza G009s..tire rack has them for 80 a tire
  • maddmaxxmaddmaxx Member Posts: 81
    Tire Rack Reviews on that Potenza G009 are really good, some of the best I've seen. How many miles can we get out of our Maxxes Pao? Are you going for broke? :)

    How do you like the Pilots?
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    well IM keeping mine at least two more years...so it should see around 125K at least..maybe more......

    love the Pilots..pricey..but handle well and look good too....of course I have them on aftermarket 17 inch rims.....got about 20K on them now..and no sign of wear at all
  • marlapmarlap Member Posts: 18
    Hello! the starter problem I have experienced has to do with the computer program that just lets you bump the key to start the car for emissions control. I have a very intermittent problem that never does it for the mechanic of course. The starter will not disengage as it should and grinds for a few seconds before the car actually starts. there is a service bulletin out about it and they did reprogram it recently. it still does the same thing just not as often. it seems to make no difference if the engine is hot or cold. i do really like my car. I just wish I wouldn't have had so many problems. I dislike the way the interior stains so easily too. i put a towel across the back seat bc of the kids and i have to constantly clean the front seats. i may have to get some seat covers. sorry so long!
  • maddmaxxmaddmaxx Member Posts: 81
    I saw the TSB on the '04 hot start reprogram and it said it was for cars that have the Delphi EGR valve. e2helper, how do you tell if you have this if the sticker is now gone? Thanks.
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    I don't understand why that was mentioned in TSB because I am pretty sure your vehicle doesn't have Delphi EGR but yet a new calibration was made available for the 2004 model year for this complaint.

    The best way to tell EGR type is look at it and look at the wiring connector.

    Does the connector plug vertically (up/down) with wires pointing straight up? That is Delphi part

    Does the connector plug horizontally with wires exiting to the side? That is non-Delphi.

    If I get opportunity to look into further I will post back
  • rc52rc52 Member Posts: 27
    I think I have warped rotors on my '04 and only 22K miles - front end shakes when braking. Is this supposed to be covered under warranty via some TSB?
  • marlapmarlap Member Posts: 18
    hey i have an o5 maxx and had the same problem at 20,000 miles and it was covered under warranty- :)
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Didn't know rotors were ever covered. I've only rotated my tires once in 42K out of fear. Actually things have balanced out given a single rotation in the mid twenties. I'll probably get 50K on the oem tires. They have stayed in balance too. Does Safeco hand tighten tires? Might go there for replacements.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    But be very sure your wheels are properly torqued. The Maxx and apparently most of GM's midsized car line have flimsy rotors which can easily be warped by bad or over torquing wheel lugs.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    I'm at the age where I look at my postings and think it must be Alzheimers....Safeco=insurance, Costco=tires. Anyway-- anybody have good luck with Costco? Do they hand torque if requested?
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Both our current vehicles are running tires purchased from Costco. No problems or issues with the Costco tire center. I presume they do NOT hand torque but have never asked.

    The pricing has always been great and it is convenient to shop at Costco while the tires are being rotated.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    bought 4 michelins to replace the OEMs on the 04 Maxx at Costco....and ours were hand torgued.....I watch the tech do it personally and I didnt ask to have it done....any reputable tire story should always hand torque vice using the impact wrench....
  • robs6wagonrobs6wagon Member Posts: 68
    Hi! Has anyone had any real problems with their SS? ALthough I am currently looking at the Impala SS, I am quite curious about the Maxx SS, due to it's utility purposes. Thanks for any replies! -Rob
  • lne216lne216 Member Posts: 13
    Me too. I am so glad, in a way, I am not alone. Still have to fix the visor that fell out, but I have had rotors warped 2x within 24000 miles, a sunroof that was missing a drain hose, seats that the backs have fallen off, exhaust replaced, I have had the cruise accelerate without me doing anything, but since they cannot duplicate the problem that is not fixed, heater and air conditioner stopped working, temperature sensor stopped working, all under warranty but the shop is not happy with me coming in so much. I did buy the extended warranty but I am worried they will not honor it when I need it. I was told by a mechanic to make sure I have an extended warranty. How sad is that?
    I am also thinking of buying foreign next time. I only have 30000 miles on the car with so many problems. Thanks for letting me vent.
  • maddmaxxmaddmaxx Member Posts: 81
    I have been told by my dealer that GMPP does not cover reprograms/new calibration to the computer. They also tell me their GMPP reps says it does, but will not pay any of the tickets they have already done so they won't do any more. What gives?
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    if your dealership isnt happy with you coming in with true warranty problems..I would find another dealership in all honest....the attitude leads to shoddy work or no work at all...with the infamous we cant duplicate the problem...

    sorry to see all your problems...04 Maxx LT here...86K ..no problems at all....minor ones

    right front turn signal socket replaced
    I replaced the CHMSL

    other than that normal wear and tear...tires, brakes (64K), and wipers...
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    GMPP, at least the "major guard" version, should cover any work on the computers (saw no exclusions for those on my policy).
    If I am wrong I'd appreciate hearing it..

    Dealer service is so variable it's almost a joke. 12 miles separates two Chevy dealers here; One's a circus, firing their clowns in service every few months, hires new people, and goes back to their incompetence a few weeks later. Other doesn't always get it right, but at least tries to do decent work (as long as it's during day shift - their night mechanics are second stringers or trainees and are badddddd).
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