Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT: the triumph of the quirky posterior

C&D has a favorable review of the Chevy Malibu Maxx LT, which the company likes to refer to as an "extended sedan", because apparently Americans hate the terms "wagon" and "hatchback". This misleading labeling notwithstanding, the Malibu Maxx is quite competent in more than a few areas. It comes well-equipped at $24,725 with a 200-hp V6, leather seats and 16-inch alloy wheels. The review praises the cabin's airiness, the potent engine and the versatile rear seats which both split-fold and shift fore-aft to create extra leg room or cargo space, whichever is more valuable at the time. The main quibbles are with the rather lame styling, the isolated steering feel, and the pricing, which with a few extra options puts you into Accord and Camry territory.