GM offers a wide range of 2006 Chevrolet Impala models, from the base LS up to the hot SS, a performance designation used since 1961. In between are the volume models, the LT and LTZ, which should prove popular with consumers cross-shopping the Honda Accord LX-V6 or Toyota Camry LE V6.

Prices start at $21,330 for the Impala LS and rise to $21,860 for the LT version. These entry-level Impalas employ a 3.5-liter V6 engine backed by a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Standard equipment on the Impala LS includes side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, a 40/20/40 split front bench seat with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, cruise control, manual air conditioning, woodgrain interior accents, a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, power windows, power door locks, and folding side-view mirrors with power adjustment. For the extra $530 that the LT commands, Chevy adds a remote ignition system, a cargo net, a compass, an outside temperature gauge, dual-zone automatic climate controls, and floor mats.

Upgrade from LT to LTZ trim, and get a substantial jump in standard features. At $26,870, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala LTZ drops the 3.5-liter engine in favor of a more powerful 3.9-liter V6. The four-speed automatic transmission remains, but the entire drivetrain is now supplemented by standard all-speed traction control and ABS. On the LTZ, Chevy also replaces the front bench seat with heated, leather front buckets, and the front passenger’s seat features six-way power adjustment. In the rear, the leather-finished bench splits and folds in a 60/40 ratio. Other extras include steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a tire pressure monitor, a universal garage door opener, an electrochromic rearview mirror, front fog lights, an eight-speaker audio system with MP3 capability, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 225/55 tires, and a body-color rear decklid spoiler.

Driving enthusiasts should strongly consider the Impala SS model, which drops some of the LTZ’s luxury features in favor of more athletic components. The heart of the $27,130 Impala SS is a 5.3-liter V8 engine that features fuel-saving Displacement-On-Demand technology. The touring suspension found beneath other Impalas is replaced by sport-tuned hardware, and 18-inch alloys shod with 235/50 tires anchor the Impala SS to the tarmac. The front bucket seats from the LTZ models are used in the SS, but in this higher-priced model they are upholstered in cloth, are not heated, and do not feature power front passenger adjustment. SS models also drop the LTZ’s garage door opener, eight-speaker audio system, and electrochromic rearview mirror. So you’d better really want that V8 engine and sport suspension, Bubba.