Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Unloved: 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS

The 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx (MAXX if you're into market-speak) SS might have well been painted camouflage...

Can you find the car in the picture above?

Nearly invisible, if not eliciting downright distaste from enthusiasts, the Maxx is nonetheless an interesting option for gearheads that need to haul (clean) stuff and people. The hatchback format allowed for wild shopping sprees, puppy pampering provisions alike and the surprisingly spacious and flexible rear seat featured 41 inches of Lexus LS 400-stomping (36.9") legroom. Under the hood was a 3.9 V6 with 240 units of horsepower and torque hitched to a FWD-only shiftable 4-speed automatic. MPG was nothing to write home about with 15/22, most likely a result of the 3620 pound curb weight. The poorly designed and cheap looking interior is infamously know for its Tupperware-like appearance but it's perfectly functional. Current KBB hovers in the $4.4K-$5.3K range and it does the 0-60 dash in the high sixes. Are you brave enough to put aside your ego and drive this functional flyer?

3 comments:

  1. Another interesting one, K2. This design seems to be less than the sum of its parts. Nothing wrong with any of the elements as they stand but somehow GM created a completely bland look. Yet its also odd in the case of the Maxx. Like you said, if a person cares more for function over form, this is a steal.

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  2. I own this car. It's been absolutely awesome. Two things - some minor electric problems have popped up but have been easy fixed and the car is very sensitive to tire choice. Put the wrong tires on it and it ruins everything. These engines can be twin-turboed fairly easily, or you can swap in a V8 (or both). I've been in a 600 hp Epsilon 'Bu, so I know it can be done.

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