Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
lizzzard
lizzzard
One thing I'm relatively sure of is that we'll still have our Malibu LT sedan though, barring an accident, severe issues, etc. I don't like trading vehicles too often. (BTW, if it weren't for the sedans back end, there'd be NO good profiles on ANY current Malibu of any kind. )
Would be really neat some day if Chevy uncorks AWD to go with the new engine for the SS.
I just got my 05 Maxx today. Wonderful car, smooth ride. Merging on freeway is so much easier now.
Dealer gave 1500 off MSRP, plus GM's rebate, and 2000 GM card savings.
Couldn't save that much if I had purchase a Camry or Accord, and those car would have less features. LE and LX with 4 cylinder engine.
Can't say enough good things about it.
Thanks to all of you who provided feedback. It drives straight and steering wheel is center. With the light rain today in NYC, traffic was bad. Couldn't drive very far.
I will post some updates later. It is going to be a fun day tomorrow. I think I will have lunch at Philly tomorrow.
Enjoy!
But when I saw the dramatic difference in rear seat leg room, it was a very easy choice. The kids absolutely love the room they have back there (compared to my old 95 Taurus, which overall is actually a slightly bigger car). And they also like the rear moon roof and the rear seat controls on the radio/CD. Although they haven't forgiven me for passing on the built-in DVD player.
Though my wife is the primary driver I'm the fetch it out of the garage guy (backing out onto a curving driveway not her strong suite). She's 5' 1", I'm 6' 1". She sits bolt upright and I'm way laid back. I'm not even going to ask for the pedals and mirrors, just the drivers seat. Can it be that expensive?
The control module would then directly control operation of each seat motor with relays or electronics.
1. The rear wiper switch is located down under the radio, which is not where a control regularly used during driving ought to be. I find I always have to take my eyes off the road, plus it's a reach. It ought to be on the same stick that controls the front wipers.
2. The AC/fan control buttons have ridges all around, instead of one tactile cue to tell you which way it's pointing. Particularly with the right knob that selects the vents, you always have to look to see where it's pointed. With the right knob that could be done by touch.
3. The dashboard dimmer (which ought to be able to dim those lights just a little more, BTW), does not dim the big orange MPH in the middle of the speedometer. No matter what, that MPH is sitting there glowing. It's not useful information -- I know very well I'm set at MPH, or something that has to be visible at all times. It doesn't have to be orange. It should be made part of the dimable light configuration on the dash.
I just started reading your forum because I am in the process of purchasing a leftover 2004 Malibu Maxx LT in black. I had a local dealer who had many left over ( very sad ) Rides excellent and love all the features the car has. I am getting it with 6K off of the list price. Looking forward to picking it up on Monday.
As for the big glowing MPH, I don't think you find many if any readers of this board that would disagree that the guy that came up with that should be sent back to design school.
I disagree. Unless it's just to the big glowing part. I thought the ability to switch the analog speed readout from kmH to MPH was a nice touch. But I definitely see a need to identify which one is currently in use. 1mph /= 1km/h, so if you were in mph mode but thought you were reading km/h and attempted to set speed by that you could possibly end up with a nice ticket. I agree that the indicator could be a bit more understated though.
I bought 04 in November and have got 8K+ off the sticker..
A small annoyance is the radio's memory.
1. Whenever my wife drives it with her key, a band or two of my pre-sets are gone when I resume driving it.
2. The radio must prefer "Jazz". After locking in variables on presets, such as "talk" or "custom" (hold the button in until it beeps and flashes), several days will go by when a talk AM setting becomes "Jazz", and a custom FM music station also becomes "Jazz".
For the previous dash discussion, I also think the green Cruise Symbol is also too bright.
Also, vehicles with memory seat settings usually include the mirrors and radio pre-sets. Our Maxxes have the radio memory (except mine is forgetful).
was shocked to see another 04 red sport metallic maxx today on I-495 outside DC....we smiled at each other as I passed him......
I have see a few cases where this doesn't seem to explain what the owner is experiencing but I don't really have any answer for you.
For the 2005 Malibu this radio personalization operation was disabled due to the number of service complaints it seemed to be causing.
My wife has medical issues. I hope she never has to use it, but she will always have Onstar in her vehicle. I also used it when the check engine light came on while we were spending the winter in Florida. They read the code and gave me the name and address of the local Pontiac dealer.
Congratulations on your new LS. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Noise #1:
When changing the vent system between vent/floor/defrost, I hear the vent "baffle" moving. That is, I hear a motorized buzz as it switches the direction of air flow. It is pretty easy to hear in my car.
Noise #2:
I hear a clicking when the transmission shifts into drive and into reverse (more of a click when shifting into drive). It's easier to hear this when the windows are down.
So, has anybody else heard these or can anyone listen for these noises? And does anybody know if these are normal or should be fixed?
Thanks
Wrt transmission, I've not heard clicks yet.
ericw55, "Chevy Malibu Maxx" #3272, 13 Apr 2005 10:16 am
First of all what pao said. But if that doesn't explain stuff......
Actually on an LT that Hi Blower Relay is just "going along for the ride" (it doesn't do anything on a vehicle with auto HVAC).
I will assume the HVAC display showing your selected temperature works, correct?
My guess would then be you could try a remove/reinstall on the fuse to the blower motor module. If you are game then look at the underhood electrical center and remove 30A fuse #19 labelled "RUN RLY". It is one of the big square ones and you will likely require a tool since the fusepuller in the IP center doesn't work with that big of a fuse and you can't get a good grip on it with just your fingers.
FYI - there is a special fuse puller dealer can likely order that will P/N 15401183. Probably should only cost a few bucks. It is similar to the plastic one in your vehicle but handles both sizes of fuses.
I'm waiting to find the best deal I can on a used '05 (Dad's connections to the GM wholesale market). I don't know if I can stand driving this '95 Taurus another day!
Am interested to see how the Maxx performs in the cold and snow here in Burlington, Vermont. Mixed reviews, but since I plan on buying good snow tires, I don't expect any real problems.
Thanks again, and I hope I never need the help of e2!!
Christina
e2 is also helpful with explanations, particularly ones that the owner's manual doesn't deal with very well - he isn't just for disasters. Good luck - you will like the Maxx.
I gotta know... Is e2helper some sort of tech/mechanic for GM/Chevy?
I agree he is great with the info he has...
What the heck is a TSB? Tech Service Bulletin?
Has anyone else noticed how much the rear toe and camber seem to lean in on their maxx or am I just paranoid?
So many questions... I know...
thanks
BTW good job of ridding one more ford from the roads... :P
I havent noticed the camber issue..paranoid.....nahhhhhhhhh