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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Chevrolet
General Motors is in somewhat dire financial straits these days, but we'd like to point out that we don't think the problem is necessarily in the product. GM can build top-shelf products, even if you don't hear about them much. As Exhibit A, we'd like to present the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS.
The Malibu Maxx takes the place of a traditional station wagon in the Malibu lineup, offering additional cargo space and versatility over the standard sedan. The five-door body style and stretched wheelbase gave the Malibu Maxx a bunch more personality in addition to the usefulness. For 2006, Chevy sweetens that particular deal with more urge in the form of a stylish and sporty SS model. What could be finer?
Performance model or not, the Malibu Maxx SS isn't an aggressive car at the curb. Something of a wallflower styling-wise, the Malibu looks much more at home in Chevy showrooms, now that the larger Impala shares its basic Chevy-conservative design theme. The grilles have been tweaked in keeping with Chevy's family look. The Malibu Maxx stands out because of its unusual rear end; it shares the Malibu's standard sedan dimensions up to the B-pillar, but the hatchback truncates the decklid for a rabbit-like look. The Malibu Maxx also gets a six-inch longer wheelbase than the sedan, which emphasizes the stubby tail. The Malibu Maxx SS' looks are dressed up with special crosshatch grille pieces, platinum-look trim, ground effects and standard 18" wheels. Fog lamps and dual exhaust tips help to complete the package. The body cladding and big wheels are subtle, but improve the Malibu Maxx SS' look.
Inside, all Malibus get a slightly reworked interior for 2006, including additional wood or aluminum trim. The Malibu Maxx SS adds unique sport seats and dark gray trim for a sportier look. The Malibu Maxx has always been a great place for passenger comfort, thanks to the improved rear seat legroom. Back-seat passengers also get small skylights over each seat, to bring the sun in. The rear seats can be adjusted fore and aft and recline as well. XM satellite radio, a six-disc changer and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are available. Open the tailgate and the cargo cover doubles as a picnic table. Need to carry stuff? The Malibu Maxx SS' front passenger seat folds flat to allow loading of long, cumbersome objects. The Malibu Maxx can swallow a ladder.
The 3.9 liter V6 in the Malibu Maxx SS produces 240 horsepower, a boost of 39 ponies over the standard Malibu. Variable valve timing and air intake runners broaden the power curve and offer smoother power delivery. There's a bit of torque steer if you get on it hard. We wish that a manual transmission was available, but the standard four-speed automatic can handle the extra power. This is a surprisingly mature and well-rounded car, given Chevrolet's tendency toward crudeness in its performance versions. The power-hungry will point out that the 240-horse engine should be available in the standard Malibu, leaving room for even more power in the SS model, but we think that 240 horses is plenty entertaining in this car.
The tweaks to the suspension may help. The Malibu Maxx has MacPherson struts up front and a four-link rear in standard form; the SS model adds a tightened up suspension with stiffer springs and heavier roll bars that improves the driving dynamics considerably. On the freeway, there's a notable lack of harshness. The Malibu Maxx SS has larger brakes than standard, with 11.65-inch discs up front and 10.6-inchers in the rear. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard. The stretched wheelbase is noticeable when maneuvering in tight spaces; the Malibu Maxx likes to clip curbs if you're not careful. Other than that it's docile around town and easy to drive.
Pricing is reasonable, of course--this is a Chevrolet. The Malibu Maxx SS commands a about a $4000 premium over the Malibu, with a starting price of $24,065. With XM satellite radio installed, our tester came to just $25,015, a virtual bargain for such a surprisingly well-rounded car.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS.
Length: 187.8 in.
Width: 69.8 in.
Height: 58.1 in.
Wheelbase: 112.3 in.
Curb weight: 3620 lb.
Cargo space: 22.8 cu.ft. (seats up); 41.0 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price: $24,065
Price as tested: $25,015
Engine: 3.9 liter OHV V6
Drivetrain: four-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 249 @ 5800
Torque: 240 @ 2800
Fuel capacity: 16.3 gal.
Est. mileage: 18/26
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