Five-door Maxx offers first-class comfort for less
This week, we’re behind the wheel of the new 2004 Malibu Maxx LS, a car Chevrolet says offers the comfort of first class for the price of a coach-class ticket. We tend to agree.
The Malibu Maxx competes in a highly competitive class, so offering a unique package that features maximum passenger comfort and impressive interior and cargo dimensions gives it an edge. The wheelbase has also been stretched from the 2003 model by a whopping 6 inches, resulting in both a better ride and excellent cabin dimensions. Surprisingly, the car is a half-inch shorter than its predecessor.
Chevrolet calls Maxx a five-door extended sedan and hopes to cash in on this all-new category. Inside, the rear seat slides nearly 7 inches fore and aft. The seat is also split 60/40, and offers cushion and recline adjustments. All Malibu Maxx models are equipped with “fit the driver” ability, offering power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, a tilt/telescopic steering column and a power seat-height adjustment.
Our tester included the optional ($995) rear DVD entertainment system, which offers a 7-inch flip-up LCD screen, two sets of infrared headphones, video game jacks, remote control and independent audio selection. It works great, and the sound is true movie-theater quality.
As for being quiet, a fully isolated powertrain cradle with tuned bushings (usually found on high-end luxury vehicles) enhances the Malibu Maxx’s very hushed ride. Handling is very good, thanks to an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a four-link independent rear suspension.
One of the features we grew to love was the optional factory-installed remote vehicle starter system, allowing the driver while indoors to start the car outside on cold winter mornings or sweltering summer afternoons. The system is part of a $925 Preferred Equipment group, which we highly recommend.
Standard safety features include dual-stage front air bags, three-point safety belts for all occupants, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with traction control, and a child-seat attachment system in all rear seating positions.
The standard drivetrain is GM’s new 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed electronic automatic transmission. The result is good performance and excellent fuel efficiency, with 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway EPA numbers.
All Malibus come with the expected powers, plus features like a driver information center integrated into the radio display that provides more than 15 warning messages, including the possibility of ice forming on the road.
The final options on our tester were OnStar in-vehicle communications and assistance service for $695 with one-year service, and the enjoyable XM Satellite Radio for $325.
Important numbers include a 112.3-inch wheelbase, 3,458-pound curb weight, 16.6-gallon fuel tank for 87-octane fuel, and a 1,000-pound trailer towing capacity.
The cargo area (the space behind the back seats when they are in normal position) of the Malibu Maxx deserves special note, with 22.8 cubic feet available — nearly 50 percent larger than the trunks of other mid-size sedans.
The bottom line came in at $25,165 with $625 destination included, a very fair retail price for a car that offers so much. When incentives and discounts are applied, you’ll park Malibu Maxx in your driveway for much less. We rate it a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10, and guarantee that this “new” car is really new.