There’s lots to love about Chevrolet’s new Malibu Maxx, notwithstanding its catchy moniker that somehow just rolls off the tongue and has a starting price of just under $22,000. The 5-door Maxx is offered in three distinct trim levels: LT, LTZ and SS. Happily, even at the LT trim level the Malibu has lots of content inside and out, so upgrading is not really necessary if you desire a distinctive look.

However, at the LT level you do give up some nice features, namely fog lamps, sporty rear spoiler (optional), plus some additional airbags—all of which are included at the LTZ and SS levels (dual-stage driver and front passenger frontal airbags are standard; driver and front passenger "side-thorax" and first-and second-row outboard head-curtain airbags are optional). So if one is seriously considering the Maxx, then plan on upgrading a bit for safety—it’s worth it.

Our tested LT model had the 3.5-liter V6 engine and four-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with overdrive and "Electronic Range Selector." Our Maxx was surprisingly peppy and nimble with estimated MPG 18 City and 26 Highway.

The Malibu Maxx LT also comes with the remote start feature which is, hands down, one of the best executed new features to come standard on any car we’ve seen in a long, long time. What’s so great about remote start, you say? Well, it’s kind of like TiVo—you have no idea how much you'll love it until you’ve actually tried it.

We drove our Maxx in the height of summer in Phoenix, so the timing to test out the remote start feature could not have been more ideal. Typically, getting in any car that has been parked outside with windows rolled up on a 110+ degree day is not a pleasant experience. Imagine sitting in an oven where every surface is blazing hot to the touch, and waiting until the air conditioner has cooled the interior down to a reasonable level.

Well, with remote start all worries are gone because you can start the car—i.e. the car cooling process—before you get into the vehicle. (Note to self: remember to leave the A/C on full blast when parking the Maxx, or else remote start is useless.) After a hot summer’s day of shopping and running errands, remote start was a lifesaver. Even in cases where there was only a 30-second lag between remote starting the car and getting into the car, the difference in the car’s interior temperature was enormous. All this left me calm, cool and collected with only one thought in my brain—those guys at Chevy are genius!

Even those not residing in the Sunbelt will find the remote start to be a handy feature. We’d imagine it would be every bit as useful in the reverse situation where freezing cold temperatures are a factor. According to Chevrolet’s Web site, Malibu was the first vehicle in its class to offer the factory-installed remote vehicle starter system, which operates from up to 200 feet away. The remote start system also functions as a remote keyless entry and comes standard on Maxx trim lines.

The other great thing about the Maxx is its functionality and roominess. Exclusive to Malibu Maxx models are standard Multi-Flex 60/40 split-folding rear seats that independently slide forward for 41 inches of rear legroom or rearward (about seven inches). These seats also recline and fold down. As a midsize 5-door hatchback, it really presents a nice alternative for those seeking the utility and safety of a minivan without, well, the minivan. Certainly, there’s nothing bad about a minivan, per se, but the Maxx is so much hipper.

Countersteer, by Larry Edsall

I really wanted to like the Malibu Maxx, I really did. And I like the exterior design, the almost-station wagon shape of this unusually shaped sedan, and I like how the rear seat slides fore and aft to create either more legroom for its occupants or more cargo space for, well, cargo. And the powertrain is impressive – maybe too impressive, because the thing that stops me from liking the Maxx is the way its steering can’t keep up with its powertrain.

As Mr. Rogers might have said, can you say “torque steer” boys and girls?

This is my second drive in the Maxx. The first came many months ago when the car was first being introduced to the automotive press. I really wanted to like the Maxx. I had such disdain for the previous generation Malibu, a car that never lived up to its storied name, and since this new Maxx was based on a European platform – note the Saab-style card holder in the driver’s-side A pillar – I had high hopes.

My first big disappointment concerned both the design and especially the materials in the car’s interior. The design looked ancient, and the materials looked like they’d been leftover from the ‘50s or ‘60s, and suddenly been discovered in the corner of a GM warehouse.

But my biggest problem was with the steering, which I thought was, well, dangerous. The powertrain can spin the tires and when it does, the steering just couldn’t keep up. Actually, I got into a huge argument with a woman from GM’s marketing department when she rushed over to ask what I thought of this wonderful car. I told her the truth and she wasn’t happy to hear what I was saying.

I’d been told so many auto writers had complained about the steering that a change was made on the production line. But now I’ve driven the Maxx again and if this is a change, it doesn’t remedy the problem.

Too bad, because I really wanted to like the Malibu Maxx.

Countersteer, by Greg Rubenstein

Were the only benchmark to measure the Maxx against other GM products, it'd stack up fairly well--factoring in heavily the Malibu's reasonable price. Styling? Great. Utility? Terrific. Fit and finish? Acceptable. Ride? Decent. Performance? Okay. Handling? Fair, though as Larry pointed out, the power steering is, um, well, not this car's strongest suit.

And so here this Malibu is, a capable if somewhat clumsy people-hauler that looks good, gets decent fuel economy and has good utility. Problem is, of course, that the Maxx doesn't exist in a vacuum. It competes against a lot of other stylish and very functional sedans, crossovers and SUVs that offer superior performance, or better quality or even better value. Honda Element, Mazda 3 or Scion xB, Hyundai Tucson or Toyota Rav4 and even the Ford Focus or Subaru WRX Wagon are all vehicles I'd choose over putting the Maxx in my garage.

Fortunately (for Chevy), there are a lot of folks who buy cars, and from the millions of potential purchasers there will be a certain percentage that will simply love the Maxx for all that it is. If that's you, hopefully you test drove some of the competition and decided this Malibu filled your bill the best. Maxx power to you!