2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Using a hatchback instead of a conventional trunk for the popular mid-size Chevrolet Malibu sedan transforms the car into a practical blend of small station wagon and hatchback.

Chevy calls the Malibu with a regular trunk a "Malibu.'' It calls the hatchback version the "Malibu Maxx,'' but avoids the words "hatchback'' or "wagon.'' That's because American automakers -- although not top European ones -- suspect those words will make car buyers think an auto is cheap or old-fashioned. Ironically, some popular "crossover'' vehicles are essentially just modified wagons with hatchbacks.

Chevy thus calls the Maxx an "extended sedan'' -- as if anyone can't clearly see that it's a hatchback. Both models use General Motors' Epsilon platform, also used for such stout GM cars as the Saab 9-3 and Pontiac G6.

Never mind such marketing tap dancing -- the bottom line is that the Maxx is more utilitarian than the regular Malibu. Both are front-drive models.

Adding the hatchback to the Malibu gives the Maxx an unconventional rear-end appearance, although it looks more distinctive than the regular Malibu.

The Maxx comes as the $21,465 LS and $24,610 LT. Both versions have lots of equipment, with the LT having the most stuff. It includes air conditioning, cruise control, heated front seats, AM/FM/CD player, power windows, doors, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry, split-folding rear seat and rear wiper and spoiler.

There's even a remote engine starter for the Maxx LT that works from as far as 200 feet away and a fixed glass skylight over the rear seat. The skylight can accompany the optional power front sunroof and helps brighten the interior, which has good gauges, supportive seats and easily used controls. The ignition switch is on the dashboard.

Safety features include anti-lock all-disc brakes and traction control. Front side air bags with curtain side air bags are standard on the Maxx LT, optional on the Maxx LS.

The regular Malibu offers good passenger room and decent trunk space. But the Maxx provides a lot more cargo room, especially with the rear seat folded down: 41 cubic feet, versus 15.4 cubic feet. Also, the reclining rear seat of the Maxx slides fore and aft to add cargo space or allow limo-style rear-leg room. And the front-passenger seatback folds flat to facilitate hauling extra-long objects.

Four tall adults easily fit, although the middle of the rear seat is too stiff for comfort. Wide doors close with a solid "thunk.'' They make entering the rear seat a breeze and allow easier baby-seat installation. The aluminum hatch is light and has two finger indents to help close it without getting hands dirty on outside sheet metal.

Drivers of various sizes can get comfortable at the helm of the Maxx with its standard power driver's seat, power-adjustable pedals and tilt-telescopic wheel. But it's impossible to see low objects immediately behind the Maxx through its rear window.

The 112.3-inch-wheelbase Maxx has a 6-inch longer wheelbase (distance between axles) than the regular Malibu. But it's half an inch shorter, which shows what can be done if a trunk isn't hung behind the rear wheels. The Maxx is about the same width as the regular Malibu, but is nearly an inch taller.

The 3,458-3,476-pound Maxx is 161 pounds heavier than the Malibu, but that's no problem because the Maxx has a strong 3.5-liter, 200-horsepower V-6. The regular Malibu comes with a 2.2-liter, 145-horsepower four-cylinder or the V-6, which is smoother than most domestic pushrod engines are expected to be.

The V-6 works with a four-speed automatic transmission. It shifts crisply, but a more modern five-speed automatic would be welcome.

Fuel economy is an estimated so-so 22 mpg in the city but a commendable 30 on the highway.

The 0-60 mph dash takes 7.8 seconds, and 55-65 mph passing is pretty quick -- although the V-6 mainly is designed for the best highway fuel economy. Only regular-grade gasoline is required.

The rigid Epsilon platform allows the supple all-independent suspension to filter out road imperfections and to help allow decent handling with the 16-inch alloy wheels.

The electric power steering, though, is a mixed bag: It's quick but sometimes feels too light, and other times overly heavy, while delivering little road feel.

The brake pedal has a firm, progressive action, and emergency stopping distances are straight and short.

The fairly new Malibu and Malibu Maxx haven't been much of a threat to the top-selling mid-size Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. But Toyota and Honda surely are keeping an eye on these Chevy models because their combined sales rose to 62,604 cars in the first four months this year from 38,451 units in the same year-ago period. 
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX
PRICES
$21,465-$24,610

LIKES
Versatile hatchback design. Strong V-6. Roomy. Good ride and handling. Nicely equipped.

DISLIKES
Quirky rear styling. Leaden steering. Poor vision through back window. Uncomfortable center rear seat.