2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx SS Road Test

One S Out of Two

Super practical, sure, and definitely sporty, but Super Sport? I don't

Semi Salient on paper and in the metal, the Maxx SS is a bit too mild for its historic badge. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

think so. I think Chevrolet did almost everything right with this car, but then they went and messed it up by trying to claim it was something that it quite simply is not. You don't put a badge on a car and expect people to buy it just because the badge says it's hot. I feel kind of embarrassed for GM, which now has to live with all the comparisons that will embarrass its Malibu SS. I would cite some examples, but I'm not really much for classic muscle cars; although anyone who loves the SS nameplate of olden days won't likely be satisfied with the meager portion of muscle found under the hood of this tepid rod.

Anyhow,

Smooth Sailing is a term that works well for the Maxx SS.  (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

I could go on with that tirade for pages, digging up comments from old Chevelle SS owners, but it just makes me sad that there is a massive disconnect somewhere between Chevy's fans and the brand's current crop of engineers and marketing mavens.

As I started off saying, this Malibu Maxx is a very good car, and it makes me cringe every time I type the SS letters, bringing up ghosts of past glory, when this car should be allowed to make a name for itself and a new name for Chevrolet with good, functional styling, an impeccable equipment list and good interior fitment, surprisingly nimble driving dynamics, a mix of efficient motoring, enthusiastic performance and an inescapable practicality that is only betrayed by a badge it doesn't live up to. Stupid badge. I hereby rename thee Sport. In case you're wondering, I'm not going to let this go and throughout the following review I will periodically remind you how asinine Chevrolet is for naming this vehicle SS.

Moving forward, I think I'm one of the few people that was

Simply Stealthy. I mean, is there anything less assuming than a car that's somewhere between a hatchback and a wagon?  (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

genuinely excited to drive this vehicle. In the first place, the Malibu Maxx does it for me style-wise. Call it geek chic or hubby lubby, call it Phil for all I care, but this quasi-wagon (no relation to Quasimodo) has just enough simplicity and just the right number of sharp edges to be modern. I'm not entirely sure if its good looks are more accident than effort (although I'm sure there is a team of designers back at GM fuming right now for not getting enough credit), but it appears as though they maximized all that practicality, and the shape that remained just suited it well. I can't say the same for the sedan version, but the Maxx and its sloping tailgate and tiny little trunk lip just finish off its boxy nose and greenhouse so well.

Throw on a bit of a lip spoiler, mesh covered grille and lower intake,

Something Stylish: It must be said, the SS skirt and wheel treatment does work well on the Malibu. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

side skirts and twin pipes bringing it right down to the ground, squatting pretty and looking ready to [either] pounce [or take a dump] (although Chevy's press materials describe it as a "confident stance"). I was as shocked as anyone to realize that those rims are smokin'. I mean, who ever thought that GM would be able to figure out how to cut a decent set of rims? Simple thick spokes in a five-star pattern with high polish Ultrabrite aluminum 18-inchers (7 wide). Other shiny bits include chrome trim around the grille cutouts, the jeweled headlamp clusters and chrome-tipped exhaust tips that went nicely with the shiny but counterproductive badges.