With its experience in producing vehicles for fleets and salesmen, Chevrolet dared to offer a particular version of the Malibu Maxx: the SS.
Chevrolet introduced the sixth generation of the Malibu in 2003 on the same platform as the European Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, but with a longer wheelbase. It was more of a stretched version for it. After two years on the market, GM decided to give a stronger engine and place the SS badge for the Malibu Maxx.

The design department installed a new front fascia for the SS version. The headlights were similar to those from the regular model, but the black mesh-grille featured a chromed surrounding and the bow-tie gold badge in the middle. On the lower side of the apron, the carmaker installed a broad grille and two side scoops for the fog lights. At the back, the raked-forward D-pillars sported an angular look. A roof spoiler adorned the top of the tailgate, while in the sporty-looking bumper, the carmaker installed two chromed exhausts.

Inside, everything was black. Its sport bucket seats with high bolstering gave a clue about the car’s performance, and the three-spoke steering wheel just confirmed it. Like the rest of the range, the Maxx SS offered plenty of room for the rear seats, which reclined in three fixed positions and slid back and forth to increase the luggage compartment. With the rear split-folding bench collapsed, the carmaker increased the trunk space from 23 to 41 cubic feet (from 651 to 1160 liters).

Under the hood, GM installed a choice of two engines with either a 3.5-liter or a 3.9-liter displacement, which produced 203 hp or 243 hp, respectively.

Chevrolet introduced the sixth generation Malibu model in 2002, based on the new Epsilon platform (Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3 or Cadillac BLS).
The Malibu Maxx represented the hatchback version of the new Malibu and featured a redesigned fascia as compared to the previous generation model (meaning a wider grille). However, the car underwent some slight exterior changes for the 2006 year model that meant bringing the front grille to the same configuration as the 5th generation Malibu. The model was discontinued in 2008, with the last units being referred to as Malibu Classic by the General Motors.