2006 Chevrolet Malibu/Maxx SS

These are the six-cylinder Impala SSs of the day. As modern cars with modern weight and horsepower, they should do well, like the Pontiac G6 GTP with which they share the 240-horsepower, 3.9-liter high-value (i.e., pushrods) engine. Unlike the G6 GTP, there's no manual transmission option, just the four-speed automatic. The interior is designed in ebony, but you get a three-spoke steering wheel, an SS feature--and a choice of all-season or summer 225/50R18 rubber. As for styling, it's a question of taste, of course. Chevy car marketing chief Jim Campbell says he likes the Malibu SS front end.