First, the standard disclaimer:

"This is based on speculation, not fact. No one at GM is passing me classified info. If I happen to be right, it's just a guess."

(trying not to get my pee-pee slapped, and to keep the black Suburbans away )

The common opinion here seems to be the current Malibu Maxx is a better looking car than the Malibu. It's also pretty unique in it's usefulness and features (such as reclining rear seats).

If GM planned on doing away with the Maxx in the next incarnation of the Malibu, do you think it's a mistake?

Do you think Chevy should continue the Maxx as it's own model (assuming the next Malibu moves up in size) as a sort of "mini-Magnum"?

 

yes and yes-with a V8 please.

 

Sure. Can't be that much more expensive to make than the regular Malibu and it still looks decent. Great utility as well.
Although, if I were in the market, I think a V6 would be sufficient for a car that size.

 

IMO, they should bulid a new version of it off of the same platform that the F5 will be based on.

 

I think the Maxx is an ugly car, but that GM needs that type of car.

 

And with the name Nomad?

 

Nope, Nomad should be the top trim level of the wagon series on the new rwd Impala.

 

I think the Malibu Maxx is a teriffic vehicle, very practical and useful.
I think it would be a damn shame if it got axed.
An AWD version with a DOD 5.3 option would be a perfect fit in the lineup IMO.

However, if it were to be replaced with a wagon version of the Impala, that would be ok really.
But again... IMO a vehicle like that begs for AWD.

 

How old are you Guy?

 

Old enough to set off "Amber Alerts" dating the wrong girls.

 

Ha ha fair enough

 

I also think the Maxx looks better, way better, than the sedan. The sedan is too squared off in the rear with a long overhang. I think it would be a mistake to axe it, but based on the amount I see on the road, I can see why they would make that decision. I just don't see why people don't like it, I guess it has to do with that wagon look. If they make it look a tad less econo-looking, with more power from a smaller motor, it would be great. And add awd as an option and I'm sold. They should've made the Cross-Country IMO, but I guess if the sales were up there they would.

 

Seems to me from a strategic product standpoint a larger Maxx would be more versatile. I don't know if I was desgning it if I'd keep it's camback/humpback/could-only-stretch-it-this-far rear styling, but a car in the theme of a Magnum or 3/5 series sport wagon could be a winner.

 

I think the currect Maxx is a great idea utility wise, but it looks terrible. But the regular Malibu looks equally as bad. Getting rid of the Maxx is a bad thing. They just need to restyle it, because the utility of it is great and unique.

 

The Maxx is a GREAT idea that just needs some tweaking . They are obviously popular as I see "about" as many of them as the 4 door Mailbu . Even the new SS's Ive seen on the road have all been Maxx's , not the 4 door . GM would be wise to take the idea and expand upon it . Base it of elipson , but make it unique apart from the Malibu . Something proportionate on the inside to current Maxx with all the utility of Vibe , which I think has alot of cool features . Make it sporty and athetic looking and not bread and butter , very contemporary styling . When I said utility of a Vibe , I didnt mean the size though . Styling wise , mimmick more a slightly elongated sport hatch . A bigger Madza3 type hatch comes to mind for what Im trying to visualize . Have a model with a 3.9 , 6 speed and handling attributes of a Cobalt SS/SC and hell , it would tempt me as a daily driver .