2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Unconventional comfort and versatility

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At Detroit's 2003 North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet rolled out a trio of all-new, high-volume and critically important 2004-05 products for the assembled media: the Colorado compact/midsize pickup, the Equinox compact SUV and the Malibu midsize sedan. Most in the audience thought all three looked pretty good.

The 5-door Maxx rides on a six-inch longer wheelbase, which enables a surprisingly spacious interior for its size, yet is a half-inch shorter overall. Some felt the Malibu, however, didn't look new, sexy, bold or exciting enough to effectively take on the likes of the immensely popular (but blandly styled) midsize market class leaders, Toyota's Camry and Honda's Accord. This did not deter the phalanx of intense Japanese (presumably engineers and marketers) who swarmed inside and around all three to check out their accommodations, materials and features. Apparently, the competition was at least as interested as the media that day.

A few months later, we got to know and drive the Malibu and discovered for ourselves how good it really is. And, at that same time, we got our first look at the second new Malibu model, the wagon-back "Maxx," which Chevy prefers to call an "extended sedan." The Malibu 4-door is good in just about every way, but this commodious, flexible and feature-laden 5-door Maxx is even better, and some say better looking.

From the B-pillar (between the front and rear doors) forward, the Malibu Maxx is identical to the sedan. From the rear doors back, it's substantially different. For starters, it rides on a six-inch longer wheelbase—which enables a surprisingly spacious interior for its size—yet is a half-inch shorter overall. Compared to the previous Malibu, a former Motor Trend Car of the Year, both new models are firmer, quieter and more linear in ride and handling. Considering that their global Epsilon architecture is shared with GM's excellent Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3 and Pontiac's soon-to-come G6 sedan, this is not too surprising.

Tilt/telescoping steering column, a CD-equipped audio system, power windows, door locks and mirrors are standard on the Maxx LS. Standard powertrain is a new 200-hp, 3.5L V-6 driving the front wheels through a smooth 4-speed electronic automatic. It provides strong performance and—surprisingly, since it's an inexpensive cam-in-block design instead of OHC—best-in-class economy. EPA ratings for the V6-powered LT are an impressive 22 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway.