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Supposedly, in cold weather, the AC compressor stays off during defrost, but cannot verify that in S. California.
Personally I've only seen two on the road, and looking at my fiance driving back to her place in the garage tonight I really was struck but how refreshingly 'different' it looks. I can't really describe to people what it is. I don't think its fair to say its a hatchback or a station wagon because it really doesn't look like either. Its almost like a 3/4 Pacifica in terms of body shape I guess, but the rear end in particular is actually quite sporty. The stance is very aggressive, which the accent stripe on this particulary one really accentuates. The result is really a car that you notice.
There may have many regular Malibu's out there but I donb't pay too much attention to them. All of those style cares look alike to me anyways but the Maxx stands out!
My only complaint continues to be that the avg mpg on trip computer registers at least 2 mpg higher than actual.
But I do have one suggestion to Chevy. Get some colors other then the bland earthtones they have now! Let's see a bright red! Or an electric blue, maybe? How about a good bright green, even? Maybe the problem is that with the Sandstone and Muddy green and those other bland colors the car is getting lost in the suns glare. It deosn't stand out in the parking lot. If you want the younger generation to notice the car, make it noticeable! Just a thought.
For the record, I'm well under 30...
I'm looking for either 1.25 or 2"; just looking to pull a 3 bike rack (no trailer). Any help would be appreciated!!!!!!!! Plan to pick up my Maxx next week.
http://hitch-web.com/vhitch.asp?CLID=2&SM=LS+Maxx+Hatchback+5- - - +Door&DR=&MD=Malibu&C=Passenger+Car+or+Station+Wagon&- amp;- amp;- amp;MK=Chevrolet&Y=2004&SMBBID=1334-74&YID=86&CID- - - =3&MKID=12&DRID=5&MDID=795&OID=8&SMID=&cm- - - dNext=Next&BPID=6&VID=28121
there was a VERY small notch that the mechanic had to make so the metal would not hit a bolt. He also had to enlarge two holes with a drill. The website I am siting will tell you if there is a "no drill" policy for a hitch. In the case of the Maxx, I'm afraid a small bit of drilling is required. After watching him for 1.5 hours, I would seriously recommend a professional put it on when the car is on a lift. Also: Drawtite and Reese are the same company now.
Here's a bike rack I highly recommend.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=17093
It is the the most convenient and secure system I have ever seen. You will need to take 10 seconds and drill the nut on the inside of the bike rack post with a 1/2 inch metal bit, since it is made to use a threaded bolt to hold the rack to the hitch. I recommend drilling it out and using a Masterlock locking pin for easy on-off access and safety. There are also all kinds of cargo carriers out there which will also slide into your new hitch, keeping the inside of your Maxx looking good as new.
Glenn Butzlaff
Glenn
did you have any sealant or undercoating applications done to the car....is the smell constant.....if those applications get on the manifold or exhaust...they should...burn off, but certainly shouldnt be a constant smell......perhaps a belt binding or needing adjustment?..just some thoughts
Can someone enlighten me as to how Chevy was able to come up with a supposedly old tech V6 that has comparable performance to the Camry's or Accords V6's and for that matter, the Maxx's mileage approaches that of the 4cyl Camry and Accord.
However, when you consider that the V6 Maxx costs the same as a 4 cyl. Camcord, its a much different story.
One of the reasons why the fuel economy of the Maxx is significantly better than one might thing is the steering system, apparently they have eliminated the power steering motor which ran on the engine.
Our first tank of gas on Maxx, which was a mix of city and highway driving, yielding 19.5 mpg. I was very pleased with that. I should note that my Alero got around 14 mpg and my Intrigue right now gets around 15.5. That tells you what kind of driving I do!
I drove a new Malibu and I thought the V6 was very smooth and responsive. To me that's more important than the details of the technology. Reliability is there and that's all that I care about.
Regards
Rob
I had an '00 L200 for a few years. I noticed a similiar smell especially after long drives. There was never any problems associated with the smell. The car held up perfectly.
By the way, good points about the 3.5 ltr. mileage/performance mix. The 3.5 may not be race track ready. It is not meant to be. What it is meant to do is get you around effectively and efficiently. From what I have been reading here and elsewhere, it does both well.
In defense of pushrods:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?n=198&sid=198&a- rticle=7178
I love my 3.8L, don't miss my multivalve 4 cyl Accord at all.
Are we missing something here in the US?
It would be nice to see variable valve timing on the future versions.
They look the same, in spite of some speculation on other forums that there would be some styling changes.
The new spoiler and rear window wiper look very good.
Steven
Also, during last week's disappointment when I was unable to find a local installer to install the hitch, I decided to once again consider going to a Trunk mount bike carrier...and I looked into Saris and Yakima, and neither of them offer a trunk version of a bike rack/carrier. I did find one manuf (I believe it was Thule) that offers one, though if you read the fine print is says not recommended on this model).
Has anyone with an '04 Maxx been able to find a rear trunk bike rack? Just wondering incase I run into a problem with the hitch receiver. I am picking up my Maxx tomorrow (they're putting an after market SunRoof in - guess I cannot complain for free - with Lease - but it is rather small compared to the factory ver), and will probably try and get the hitch installed on the weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to once again carry the bikes by next week ;-)
I think addition undercoating is a personal preference and not a necessary requirement....it does add some sound proofing but also adds additional weight to the vehicle as well....just my two cents!
my Maxx website
http://home.att.net/~p.oswald
simple and easy installation of the deflector..takes about 15 minutes and no drilling required...no tape...simple clamps..hopethis helps
The neutral scheme in our blue Maxx actually has three tones--a darker color beige, lighter beige, and the wood trim. I think its very tasteful and gives the cabin an airy feel.
I just picked up my Maxx Wed, and believe it or not, its back at the Dealer. Long story short, they put the free after market Sunroof in and now none of my interior lights work ;-( Didn't notice that in the morning during pickup, until later that evening when there were NO interior lights working. Also, my after market moonroof is slightly smaller than the factory, but one nice thing is there is NO wind noise (or very little). I sure would have liked the larger moonroof, but I suppose I cannot complain for free on a Lease. I'm back driving their 24Hr test drive LT Maxx...so my daughter is happy since it's got the DVD player in it ;-) I'll just continue to put miles on their car.
I'll let you know after I get mine back and get the Hitch installed, to confirm all is correct with the part, price, etc...probably not till late next week now.
Just an aside...I've used the VentVisors on my S-10 and the WeatherTechs on my Olds Alero. Like the Weathertech much better because of the "no-glue" feature. Both work as advertised and here on the Carolina Coast they DO keep the interior cooler on hot days. Only drawback is an increase in wind noise with both. But then, neither where quiet vehicles to start with. *L*
Ran with the sunroof open...and the back windows down about two inches...for a nice ventilation, low noise with my wind deflector in place for the sunroof for part of the trip..so will be real nice this fall..
ran 70-80 MPH most of the way..usually about 7-9 MPH over the speedl imit...Maxx maintained well...and got many stares as I passed or was passed by other cars....saw three others on the road this time...two in Charleston and one with FL tags on I-95
6700 miles on the Maxx now...and still very pleased with it...I did send an email to GM thru GM LINK, reference the poor engineering of the rear sun shades...the customer service rep was very responsive in returning my call and sending an email...I havent spoken directly with them as of yet..but they have left two messages as a follow up..so GM seems to be working hard...for customer satisfaction in this regards..Im going to try to contact them today....to discuss the sun shade issue....will keep you updated
Rain X does fine so absolutely no need for a rear window washer. Still, in all of my travels in over three months have only seen three or four of the Maxx's on the road. Maybe some of the regular Malibus but I really don't pay attention to them.