2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Other than some extra airbags and cosmetic changes, not much changed for the Chevy Malibu Maxx in 2005. This extended midsize sedan comes...
Other than some extra airbags and cosmetic changes, not much changed for the Chevy Malibu Maxx in 2005. This extended midsize sedan comes in 3 trims. All 3 have 4 doors, seat 5, and sport a 3.5 L, 200 hp V6 engine with 4 speed automatic transmission.
Gas mileage comes out to 22 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. All 3 trims have front wheel drive. Passenger volume comes out to 106 cubic feet and cargo volume comes out to 22.8 cubic feet.
Overall, drivers like the hatchback configuration, capable V6 powertrain, safety features, and rear seats that you can adjust. The critics point to the Malibu Maxx's subpar interior, and rough steering and braking. However, for the most part, the Malibu Maxx maintains a decent reputation as a capable sedan-wagon mix with an impressive list of features.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers are generally pleased with the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, highlighting its great versatility, good acceleration, and impressive fuel economy. Owners appreciate the spacious interior and family-friendly features like the rear CD player and sunroofs. However, some drivers mentioned issues with cheap interior materials and certain reliability concerns, such as squeaks and minor mechanical problems. The car offers good power and handling, making it enjoyable to drive, but a few negative experiences with build quality and certain features have been noted."
Great family car! First four-door hatchback I've ever seen. The side curtain airbags keep the kids safe in the back seat and they even have two sunroofs to let the sun in. Each side has a retractable shade, so if one kid is hot and one wants their sunroof open, everyone stays happy. The back seat also has a separate cd player/radio so the kids can listen to their music on the headphones and you can listen to yours. Great acceleration and handling. The best part about it is the gas mileage. A V6 that is averaging 29 mpg! Plus, it's fun to drive and looks good.
October 30, 2008I love my Malibu everything about it. I only have one thing I wish and that's the On Star not being functional because of the difference of Analog versus Digital. Other than that there is nothing that I don't love still about my car.
July 25, 2014Performance: Good power for a wagon. Handling and braking were above average as well, you could tell that the chassis was designed for a european market. Fuel milage was was usually 19 city and 29 hwy, which isn't bad for a 6+ year old car. Winter driving was fantastic due to the combination of dedicated winter tires and the FWD layout. It was a tank that could very easily be driven year round without worrying about getting stuck. Build quality overall was good. To me, the front half of the interior felt slightly up-scale with its softer plastics and nice stereo system. The rear was a little bit cheaper feeling, but not bad for its class. Leg room in the back was incredible, as were storage capabilities in the trunk/hatch. Very quiet and smooth ride without knocks or rattles. The select shift functionality (+ and - toggle) stopped working after 90K miles. Appearance: Nothing special to look at, but stood out from the rest of the pack. The redesigned front grill in 2006 looked better than this older style. Interior was open and airy, however, visibility suffered from the Large C pillars in the back. Cost of ownership: Very minimal. This car was reliable for the most part but did need an EGR valve replacement as well as a transmission flush at 95K miles. Transmission had a minor issue with shift smoothness towards the end but nothing noticeable to the average driver. Tires lasted over 30K miles and it was easy on gas. Fun: Although this car wasn't designed to be an exciting car, it was somewhat involving to drive. Power was decent, although top speed was limited to 110 mph. Cornering was good for a car of its size, but steering feel was vague and poorly weighted due to the electric rather than hydraulic assist.
August 25, 2011What owners say
Great family car! First four-door hatchback I've ever seen. The side curtain airbags keep the kids safe in the back seat and they even have two sunroofs to let the sun in. Each side has a retractable shade, so if one kid is hot and one wants their sunroof open, everyone stays happy. The back seat also has a separate cd player/radio so the kids can listen to their music on the headphones and you can listen to yours. Great acceleration and handling. The best part about it is the gas mileage. A V6 that is averaging 29 mpg! Plus, it's fun to drive and looks good.
October 30, 2008I love my Malibu everything about it. I only have one thing I wish and that's the On Star not being functional because of the difference of Analog versus Digital. Other than that there is nothing that I don't love still about my car.
July 25, 2014Performance: Good power for a wagon. Handling and braking were above average as well, you could tell that the chassis was designed for a european market. Fuel milage was was usually 19 city and 29 hwy, which isn't bad for a 6+ year old car. Winter driving was fantastic due to the combination of dedicated winter tires and the FWD layout. It was a tank that could very easily be driven year round without worrying about getting stuck. Build quality overall was good. To me, the front half of the interior felt slightly up-scale with its softer plastics and nice stereo system. The rear was a little bit cheaper feeling, but not bad for its class. Leg room in the back was incredible, as were storage capabilities in the trunk/hatch. Very quiet and smooth ride without knocks or rattles. The select shift functionality (+ and - toggle) stopped working after 90K miles. Appearance: Nothing special to look at, but stood out from the rest of the pack. The redesigned front grill in 2006 looked better than this older style. Interior was open and airy, however, visibility suffered from the Large C pillars in the back. Cost of ownership: Very minimal. This car was reliable for the most part but did need an EGR valve replacement as well as a transmission flush at 95K miles. Transmission had a minor issue with shift smoothness towards the end but nothing noticeable to the average driver. Tires lasted over 30K miles and it was easy on gas. Fun: Although this car wasn't designed to be an exciting car, it was somewhat involving to drive. Power was decent, although top speed was limited to 110 mph. Cornering was good for a car of its size, but steering feel was vague and poorly weighted due to the electric rather than hydraulic assist.
August 25, 2011stereo is not the best, overall amazing car, cannot beat the gas mileage, easily 350 miles in one tank, great in the snow and it has lots of power almost brand new brakes, great acceleration, no mechanical problems at all
August 29, 2011Great car so far...had a few quirks to deal with like the turn signal bulbs going out every 6 months. i get good gas mileage. i have the capacity of a small suv with the ride of a car!
October 2, 2009Great acceleration from the 200 hp V6. Drives very well on the highway and on the roads in the city. The interior is made cheap but the car is nice inside. The gas mileage is phenomenal for a V6, I can get over 1000km a tank on the highway. The car is pretty fun to drive , I will enjoy it until it starts to fall apart after 100,000 km as most north american makes and models do !!!!!!!!!!!
July 24, 2009Car is almost like a pickup truck! Fold down the back seat, fold the front, and you can fit some long lumber in there. Comfortable ride, decent fuel economy, great versatility. Sun visors don't stay in place, one or two misc squeaks/rattles.
January 11, 2008it it a great overall car everything is good. no problems. it is electric so handling is really smooth. there is not much to say about bad things. this car is very fun to drive it will surprise you in many ways.
September 8, 2009If u r a Chevy fan u might like it better than me. It over all ISN"T a BAD car, it's just not really what I wanted. If it where a comparable Ford, in the same condition, I would be slightly more satisfied.
December 22, 2008Not bad, but not euro or AWD
April 15, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $25,235 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 200 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 22.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,090 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 200 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 22.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,590 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 200 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 22.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
