2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT Hatchback Review & Road Test at Automotive.com
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2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT Hatchback Review

Below is a full, detailed review and road test of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx ...     more
Resale Price: $9,804 - $14,205 / Used Value Calculator
Value Rating: Below Average / Maintenance Costs
Fuel Economy: 22 MPG city / 30 MPG highway / Engine Specs
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2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT Hatchback Review

Driving personality in a midsize sedan or Maxx.
Introduction
The Chevrolet Malibu was launched to compete with mid-size imports such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Malibu emphasizes civilized road manners, quality construction, and buttoned-down practicality wrapped in innocuous if not anonymous styling.

The driving performance of the Malibu exceeded our expectations. We were surprised by the acceleration performance from the V6 and delighted by the crispness of handling on winding roads. It feels firmer than the Camry, but softer than the Accord, a good balance, in other words.

Malibu's solid structure is based on GM's newly developed Epsilon platform used by a couple of highly successful European sedans. Along with its compliant suspension, this gives the Malibu a smooth, comfortable ride, yet allows for spirited driving. This is no mush-mobile. At the same time, steering effort is light at low speeds, making the Malibu easy to maneuver in crowded parking lots and other tight parking situations.

The cabin offers roomy accommodations for four passengers, five if one of them is sufficiently slender to squeeze into the rear middle seat. The seats are comfortable and the controls are logical and easy to use. Malibu is quiet underway, and it offers a wide range of engine choices. No question, this is a highly competent sedan that's practical and easy to live with.

The Malibu has something the imports don't: the Maxx. The Maxx is a long-wheelbase variant, whose extended roofline and rear cargo hatch suggest a sporty wagon. While Malibu seems destined to disappear into a crowd, Maxx looks just as determined to stand out and be noticed.

For 2006, the Malibu SS models receive a new, 240-hp, 3.9-liter V6 coupled to a sport-shift automatic. Performance in these is even peppier yet, adding to the Malibu's overall promising lineup.

Starting at just over $17,000 and topping out around $27,000 fully optioned, the Malibu is extremely competitive with the prices of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, which can approach $30,000 with options. Next Page


Community Comments
mrmike08  (07/01/08 10:13 AM)

I have a 2006 chey malibu witch i bought in april 2008.
this is my frist american car in 15 years.this car handels
great good gas milage.runs great if this car lasts 6 years i will happy.workmanship has inproved alot with american cars in the last few years.so far so good.
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