2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx is approximately 1577 kg (3476 lbs). This weight is fairly typical for midsize hatchbacks of its era, contributing to a solid and stable ride. The weight balances fuel efficiency and handling, making it manageable in both city and highway driving conditions without sacrificing comfort or performance.

The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx offers a considerable luggage capacity of 646 liters (22.8 cubic feet) with the rear seats upright. When the rear seats are folded flat, the cargo space expands significantly to 1161 liters (40.9 cubic feet). This versatility allows the Malibu Maxx to accommodate larger items, making it practical for families or those needing extra storage for trips or shopping.

The ride height or ground clearance of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx is 154 mm (6.06 inches). This clearance is sufficient for most urban road conditions and light off-road situations such as gravel paths or modest speed bumps. However, it is not designed for serious off-road use. The ground clearance balances a low center of gravity for stable handling with enough height to avoid scraping on uneven surfaces.

Yes, the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With its height of approximately 1476 mm (58.1 inches) and width of 1773 mm (69.8 inches), it easily clears typical garage door heights and widths. Its length of 4770 mm (187.8 inches) also fits well within standard single-car or two-car garage bays, making parking and storage convenient for most homeowners.

The Malibu Maxx is equipped with 16-inch rims sized 6.5J x 16 and tires sized 215/60 R16. These dimensions provide a balance between comfort and handling. The tire width (215 mm) offers good traction on both dry and wet surfaces, while the aspect ratio (60) helps absorb road imperfections, enhancing ride comfort. The 16-inch wheels are optimal for maintaining responsive handling without compromising ride softness.

The Malibu Maxx variant differs from the standard Malibu sedan primarily by offering a hatchback body style with an extended rear cargo area. It is slightly longer and taller than the sedan, particularly due to the hatchback design, providing 646 liters of luggage space versus the sedan’s smaller trunk. This makes it more versatile for hauling larger or bulkier items. However, the Maxx retains similar width and ride height, maintaining similar handling characteristics. This generation (2003-2006) emphasized increased cargo versatility over the traditional Malibu sedan layout.

Compared to other midsize hatchbacks from the early 2000s, such as the Honda Accord Wagon or the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, the Malibu Maxx is slightly longer and offers a larger cargo capacity with a maximum luggage space of 1161 liters (40.9 cubic feet) when rear seats are folded. Its width of 1773 mm (69.8 inches) is on par with competitors, while its competing ground clearance is adequate but not as high as some crossover-like models. Overall, the Malibu Maxx provided excellent cargo versatility and competitive dimensions that appealed to drivers needing practicality combined with midsize comfort.

The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx was unique for its time due to its hatchback design in a segment dominated by sedans. It combined the driving dynamics and comfort of a midsize car with the added practicality of a spacious cargo area accessible via a rear hatch. Features like fold-flat rear seats enhanced its cargo flexibility. It appealed to consumers looking for more utility without stepping into larger SUVs. Additionally, its moderate ground clearance and midsize dimensions made it suitable for daily commuting as well as road trips.

Absolutely. The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx was designed with versatile cargo capacity in mind, offering 646 liters (22.8 cubic feet) of luggage space behind the rear seats and expanding to 1161 liters (40.9 cubic feet) when folded down. This makes it a very family-friendly vehicle for transporting groceries, sports equipment, strollers, or luggage for trips. Its hatchback layout combined with comfortable passenger space offers a practical solution for both small families and individuals who need a balance of passenger comfort and ample cargo room.