The 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is available as a conventional four-door sedan, or as the longer-wheelbase Malibu Maxx.

The sedan comes in four trim levels: LS ($17,365), LT ($18,725), LTZ ($24,205) and SS ($23,865). The LS and LT are powered by a 2.2-liter dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The LTZ comes with a 3.5-liter overhead-valve V6, which is optional in the LT ($1,560). The SS comes with a new, 3.9-liter overhead-valve V6. All models come with a four-speed automatic transmission; the SS adds a sport-shift function.

Standard features at all levels include: air conditioning; a power, vertical-height adjuster for the driver's seat; power windows, door locks and outside mirrors; tilt/telescoping steering column; four-speaker stereo with compact disc player; and 205/65R15, all-season tires on hub-capped, steel wheels. An engine block heater is optional across the line ($50).

The Chevy Malibu LT adds cruise control; remote vehicle starter and keyless entry; map lights; map pockets in the backs of the front seats; manual lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat; six-speaker stereo with the Radio Data System (which displays the kind of station you are listening to); 205/60R16 all-season tires on painted silver steel wheels; front and rear carpeted floor mats; and a cargo net. Options include a Front Seating Package with leather-appointed seats, six-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats ($450); a Luxury and Convenience Package with the seating package plus electrochromic rearview mirror, lighted driver and passenger vanity mirrors, rear map lights, fog lamps and 16-inch chrome-trim wheels ($995); power-adjustable pedals ($125); XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription ($325); six-disc in-dash CD changer ($300); and rear spoiler ($175).

Chevrolet Malibu LTZ adds automatic climate control; leather-appointed seats; heated front seats; 6-way power driver's seat; leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; power-adjustable pedals; front and rear map lights; two illuminated vanity mirrors in front; fog lamps; power, heated, manually foldable outside mirrors; body-color rocker moldings; a rear spoiler; P225/50R17 all-season tires on bright chrome aluminum alloy wheels; a Homelink transmitter for opening garages and security gates; one-year, pre-paid OnStar with on-line emergency notification, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling; and electrochromic rearview mirror. XM Satellite Radio and the six-disc, in-dash CD changer are optional. So is a power sunroof ($800).

Malibu SS upgrades with leather-appointed sport seats; six-way power driver's seat; leather-wrapped shift knob; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls; power-adjustable pedals; P225/50R18 all-season tires on machined, ultra-bright, aluminum alloy wheels; and fog lamps. Optional on the SS are XM radio, in-dash CD changer, sunroof. Summer performance tires ($150) and OnStar with a one-year pre-paid subscription ($695) are also optional.

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx is built in three trim levels: LT ($21,025), LTZ ($24,755), and SS ($24,065). The Maxx LT is better equipped than its sedan counterpart, and comes with cruise control; P215/60R16, all-season tires on silver-painted, steel wheels; power hatch release; fore-and-aft adjustable rear seat; and other highline features. Similar options packages are available for the Maxx as for the sedan. Maxx exclusives include a rear-seat audio system with two wireless headphones and auxiliary jacks ($175 on the LT, standard on the LTZ and SS) and a DVD/CD rear-seat entertainment center with wireless headphones, remote control and a monitor that flips up from the front console ($995).

Safety features on all models include dual-stage frontal airbags; three-point seatbelts for all occupants; adjustable head restraints for all outboard seating positions and child safety seat anchors (LATCH). Front seat-mounted, chest-protecting side-impact airbags and front- and rear-seat side air curtains for head protection are standard on LTZ and SS models and optional on the rest ($690). Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with traction control are standard on all V6-powered models, optional on four-cylinder models ($465).