2003 CHEVROLET Malibu Maxx 3.9L V6 4AT (243 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Designed as a vehicle fit for any salesman, adequate for any family that couldn’t afford an expensive station wagon, or a money-maker for a car rental company, the 2003 Malibu Maxx was a badge-engineering done good example.

Chevrolet developed the Epsilon platform together with Fiat, thus resulting in the European Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, the Italian Fiat Croma, and the Pontiac G6. But GM needed a more affordable vehicle that could sell in high numbers to fleet owners, including car-rental companies. For that, the bow-tie brand made the Malibu Maxx. A car that was a far cry from the original 1964 Malibu.

At the front, the grille was split in two by a horizontal slat that sported the bow-tie badge. In its first two years, that was chromed, but after 2006 Chevrolet dropped that, favoring a body-colored one. Its look resembled the European Vectra C, yet there were different quarter panels and fenders. The added, rack-forward D-pillar at the back made the car look like a mix between a station wagon and a hatchback. It wasn’t a design to write home about it.

Chevrolet made the Malibu in a few trim levels, starting with a basic version featuring mediocre plastic panels and amenities. It was the kind of vehicle preferred by salespeople and rental companies. Still, it could be a handy family car thanks to its low running costs. In addition, thanks to its split-folding rear bench fit for three, the Malibu Maxx impressed with its massive trunk space.

Under the hood, GM installed the 2.2-liter gasoline engine for the base trim level but didn’t forget to offer an SS version powered by a punchy, 3.9-liter V6.