While improved over the previous Malibu the '04 model's interior fit and finish, or perceived quality, obviously won't be up to Saab's premium levels, which brings us back to the Saab/Chevy irony. The MAXX's 5-door configuration, that hasn't sold well in the luxury market as of late, is much better suited to a less expensive, family oriented machine.

"The Malibu MAXX is a unique package that provides the maximum passenger comfort for everyone, front and back, along with a roomy cargo area that has a great deal of flexibility," stated Brent Dewar, Chevrolet marketing manager.

And where does all this leg and cargo room come from? Chevy has stretched the wheelbase by 152 mm (6 in) over the Malibu sedan, contradicting its 13 mm (0.5 in) shorter overall length.

Ed Schoener, Malibu MAXX marketing director had this to say. "When we considered what car buyers might want in the future and what this car can capture, their choices in airplane travel was one thing we looked at." He continued, "Virtually all midsize car buyers would like to fly first class, but nine out of 10 go coach. So, in designing and equipping the Malibu MAXX, we tried to go beyond what a sedan and wagon can offer."