2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Chevy promised great things from its new-for-2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The premise was that GM needed a car that could legitimately take on Camry and Accord, which long ago assumed the roles of America's best-loved and best-selling midsize family sedans. The aptly named Maxx sportwagon variant--something the others don't offer--is intended to help eke out some extra volume. The appeal is more rear legroom and cargo space than in a conventional sedan, without it being a crossover or conventional sport/utility. Our well-equipped example cost $27,045 all in and included other rear cabin accoutrements such as a glass roof panel and DVD system.


The Chevrolet Malibu Maxx's interior is awash in plastics of just-average quality, but they withstood our abuse well--except for a broken seatback. The leather/fake-suede seating surfaces are comfortable and grippy. Most everyone liked the simple radio and climate-control knobs and buttons, although resetting the trip odometer (done through the radio, of all places) was a hassle. One parental staffer gave the LATCH car seatbelt mounts double thumbs up for ease of use.


The Sigma platform architecture and "high-value" V-6 powertrain didn't rock our world, but got the job done. "The Mr. Roboto styling isn't my favorite design trend," commented one editor, "and the 3.5-liter V-6 has all the aural charm of a jigsaw." But there are Chevrolet Malibu characteristics we have warmed to. The structure is as solid as some BMWs or Mercedes, and, as a result, the modest tire-wearing Chevrolet Malibu slices through urban/suburban territory with its head held high, managing a decent ride in the process.