The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu line-up had one of the oddest if coolest cars, the Malibu Maxx, a quasi-wagon different from the other 4-door counterparts of the time with small but significant differences.
We know what the old one looked like but here’s graphic designer Jim’s take on a modern avatar of the Chevy Malibu Maxx, from his Instagram page jlord8, the house of his imagination land.
A Modern-Day Chevy Malibu Maxx Sounds Sick
Says Jim, “saw a Malibu Maxx today and thought: “Hmm. Wonder what a modern-day Maxx would look like?” Here’s my answer…”
Have to admit, it does look pretty snazzy, but then again, the Malibu Maxx was always an attention seeker. Chevy added the Malibu Maxx in 2004 and it lasted for just four model years. This is the time when GM was shooting ideas in the dark, with more misses than hits. You do remember the Pontiac Aztek whose launch almost required smelling salts?
The Malibu Maxx was something rather different but in a more delightful than shocking way. While it rode on a 6-inch longer wheelbase than the sedans, strangely enough, its overall length was half-an-inch shorter. The rear seat had a ton of luxury, with a reclining back and an entertainment screen that mushroomed from the back of the center console.
The cargo area was simply immense and was almost five times roomier than the Malibu at 68 cubic feet. There was a glass roof panel on the roof over the back seat, which you could swap for a glass sunroof, for more money, of course.
Fans Want Jim To Take Their Money
Clearly, Jim knows what to do with wagon renders, as obvious from his Chevy Camaro ZL1 Sportback, which he described as, “I resisted the urge to mash a ZL1 and an Audi Wagon (my go-to for wagon conversions).”
Fans are more than ready to pay for the Malibu Maxx with comments like:
“If Chevy built this I'd buy one.”
“We got the TourX (which was still sweet in its own way) but not this. Can’t help but wonder how much better a Chevrolet badge would have done.”
“How bout lettin me take her for a spin?”
“I don't think it would look this good. People would actually want to buy it.”
It seems there is a market for the renaissance of a Chevy Malibu Maxx, as long as Jim designs it, and Chevrolet simply lets him do what he wants.
Source: Instagram Page jlord8