GM's woes don't carry down to this Malibu

Thursday, June 02, 2005

By Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

General Motors may be having serious troubles on the financial and model fronts, but don't assume that you should wipe it off your shopping list.

Some of the motor giant's cars and trucks need replacement, this much is true. But it is equally true there are some stellar models that you'd be wise to check out.


	General Motors The Malibu Maxx received "recommended'' and "best buy'' designations from Consumer Guide and Consumer Digest, respectively. It also was listed in "Best Cars for Families" by Parents Magazine and the AAA, "Car of the Year" from the Detroit Free Press and "Most Dependable Entry Midsize Car" by J.D. Power and Associates. Click photo for larger image.

Chief among those is the 2005 Chevy Malibu Maxx. This versatile front-wheel-drive, five-door "extended wheelbase" sedan is chock full of consumer-friendly features.

The Malibu Maxx has won many awards, including "recommended'' and "best buy'' designations from Consumer Guide and Consumer Digest, respectively, "Best Cars for Families" by Parents Magazine and the AAA, "Car of the Year" from the Detroit Free Press and the "Most Dependable Entry Midsize Car" by J.D. Power and Associates. To top it off, it also earned 19 out of 20 stars in impact tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The bottom line here is that you are making a huge mistake if you are in the market and don't consider this car.

Prices start at $22,090 for the Maxx LS, with a 200-horsepower V-6, a "Multi-Flex" 60/40 sliding and reclining rear seat, fixed rear skylight with dual retractable sunshades, rear carbo panel system and four-wheel disc ABS with traction control. The LT model costs a little more -- it starts at $25,235 -- but includes other extras such as side impact air bags, rear spoiler and wiper and leather seats.

One of the biggest complaints leveled at GM products is that the interiors are not up to snuff. I didn't find that to be an issue with my test model, a Malibu Maxx LT with a huge sunroof and hatchback area with a built-in picnic table. The seats were made of leather, with suede-like inserts and attractive aluminum trim all around. There was no loose stitching, squishy feeling cushions, loose screws or similar maladies.

The gauges were logical and nicely done, with one exception. I found the climate controls to be somewhat confusing, even after consulting the owners manual, and I also thought it was slow to cool things off or warm them up. On the other hand, two upper air outlets in the center of the dash worked just fine providing direct airflow to the back.

The front passenger seat has a "fold flat" design, and worked via an easily operated lever. The same was true for the rear seat. You just open the trunk and pull one or both of the gray handles on the upper side of the trunk. Easy as pie.

I was not as pleased with the picnic tray and shelf combo. It was hard and bulky to operate, and the handle for the tray stand needed to be snapped back "just so" or it would make noise.

On the other hand, road performance was quite lively, and the cornering and handling were all more than adequate, all adding an element of fun to driving this car.

If you're in the market, don't miss it.

All prices and equipment reflect base model products.

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Price: $22,090 to $25,235

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6

Mileage: 22/30

Traction control: standard

Stability control: not available

Side air bags: dual front, optional

Basic warranty: 3 yrs./36,000 miles

Luggage capacity: 22.8 cu. ft. with rear seat up

Dodge Magnum

Price: $22,495 to $31,995

Engine: 2.7-liter, 190-hp. V-6; 3.5-liter, 250-hp V-6; 5.7-liter, 340-hp V-8

Mileage: 2.7-liter engine, 21/28; 3.5-liter rear wheel drive, 19/27; 3.5-liter all wheel drive, 18/24; 5.7-liter, rear wheel drive, 17/25; 5.7-liter, 340-hp all wheel drive, 17/23.

Traction control: optional

Stability control: not available

Side air bags: not available

Basic warranty: 3 yrs./36,000 miles

Luggage capacity: 27.2 cu. ft. with rear seat up

Mazda6 Sport Wagon

Price: $23,415 to $27,315

Engine: 3.0-liter, 220-hp

Mileage: 19/26

Traction control: standard

Stability control: not available

Side air bags: dual front