2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

The the right front seat folds flat to accommodate long items or provide a working surface for the driver.

The three available levels of audio systems include an uplevel option with six speakers (including two tweeters in the A-pillars), an in-dash 6-CD changer, automatic volume and tone controls and XM Satellite Radio compatibility. Rear-seat audio and DVD entertainment systems with wireless headphones are optional. For crash survivability, there's extensive use of high-strength steel in strategic body areas, plus energy-absorbing crush zones front and rear. Additional safety equipment includes 3-point belts for all occupants, dual-stage front airbags and head curtain side bags with front seat-mounted thorax side-impact bags standard on the LT, available on the LS. The optional OnStar service includes a new Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system that, even without airbag deployment, provides crash data to 911 centers for fast deployment of appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment.


Our feature-loaded test LT started at $24,495 and added just three options: a $995 rear audio/DVD system, the $695 OnStar security and safety system (including a one-year basic subscription) and the $325 XM Satellite Radio (including a three-month subscription) for a modest (pre-rebate) total of $27,135, including $625 destination charge. One unfortunate result of that otherwise excellent package is the two separate antennae on the forward roof, one for OnStar, the other (off-center) for XM. (www.chevrolet.com)