Introduced last year to rave reviews, the Chevrolet Malibu
Maxx is a direct offshoot of the Malibu sedan (covered in
a separate review). However, just what classification to
give the Malibu Maxx is a difficult task. Not a sedan and
not quite a wagon, the Malibu Maxx essentially provides
all the benefits of both.
Designed with passenger comfort in mind, the 2005 Chevrolet
Malibu Maxx has a rear seat that slides nearly 7 inches
fore and aft. It is split 60/40 not just in the seat back,
but also in the seat cushion, to further increase comfort.
The seat backs also recline, allowing different-size rear
passengers to tailor their seating position in a similar
way front-seat passengers can. Now that's versatility.
Available Models
The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx is available in an LS trim
and an LT trim.
Interior Features
Though a half-inch shorter than the Malibu, the Malibu Maxx
has a wheelbase that is 6 inches longer. This means that
all that extra room is reserved for passengers and cargo.
It boasts 106 cubic feet of passenger space and 41 inches
of legroom with the seats all the way back. The trunk space
measures in at 22.8 cubic feet.
Standard equipment includes power adjustable pedals, air
conditioning, power mirrors, windows and door locks, an
AM/FM/CD player, a digital clock and more. And that's just
the base LS package.
For options, there are heated front seats, the OnStar system,
a remote vehicle starter and a rear-seat DVD system.
Exterior Features
The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx uses GM's Epsilon architecture
for improved riding dynamics. In terms of design, it has
clean, crisp lines, crystalline-like headlamp lenses and
a chrome front bar with a gold Chevy bowtie.
Bridging the interior and the exterior is a glass skylight
over the rear seat.
Performance
The front-wheel drive Chevrolet Malibu Maxx comes with a
3.5-liter V6 engine with 200 horsepower at 5400 rpm and
220 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. It is mated to a 4-speed
automatic transmission with overdrive.
The Malibu Maxx's engine is based on GM's 3.4-liter V6
model. It has been improved to improve performance and fuel
efficiency and reduce noise and vibration. All Malibu Maxx
models feature electric power steering (EPS) with variable
assist for sharp handling ability.
Safety and Security
Head curtain side-impact airbags with front seat-mounted
thorax side-impact airbags are standard on the LT, and available
on the LS. 4-wheel antilock brakes with traction control
and the LATCH child-seat attachment system in all rear seating
positions are standard on both.
|