2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
What's Special About It?
The Malibu Maxx is a slight twist on the typical midsize wagon. Chevrolet calls it an extended sedan rather than a wagon. The wheelbase is six inches longer than the standard Malibu four-door yet the Maxx is actually shorter in overall length. The idea is to add additional space for rear-seat passengers without giving up the ride and handling of the sedan. Unique features for rear passengers include a standard auxiliary skylight and rear seats that can slide fore and aft individually as well as recline. Additional heating and cooling vents, stereo controls and even an optional DVD entertainment system further add to rear passenger comfort.
The cargo area offers 22.8 cubic feet of space along with an adjustable cargo panel that allows you to configure the space for two-tier loading. Storage nets along the sides help secure awkward loose items while numerous cargo hooks are available for securing plastic grocery bags.
The Maxx will use the same 200-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 found in the standard Malibu. For the first time on a production car, both the Malibu sedan and the Malibu Maxx will offer an optional remote start feature for those cold mornings or hot afternoons.
Why Should You Care?
Family sedans are great if you just have four people and not a lot of stuff. The Maxx offers more than enough room for four and their luggage without requiring a vehicle the size of a sport-ute. Midsize wagons have never really caught on before, but the Maxx's unique take on the idea might just be a viable solution. — Ed Hellwig
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