GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE

Chevrolet's Avalanche grafts an enclosed pickup bed to what is essentially the Suburban SUV. It's much more versatile than most short-bed four-door pickup trucks, however, thanks to its innovative Convert-a-Cab System. Here, the rear seat folds flat, the back window and the bed cover stow, and the midgate lowers to create an open-air full-size pickup with a standard eight-foot bed. Power comes from either a 295-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 in the 1500 series, or a 320-horsepower 8.1-liter V-8 that produces 445 lb-ft of torque in the 2500 version. GM's OnStar safety and security system StabiliTrak electronic stability system come standard, with a touch-screen navigation system, back seat DVD entertainment system, and adjustable brake/accelerator pedals offered as optional equipment. Only minor tweaks are in the works for 2006, including new extendable and power-adjustable camper mirrors (available on 2500 models) and revised catalytic converters that help improve emissions performance.

The subcompact Aveo is imported from South Korea, courtesy of General Motors' Daewoo subsidiary. Its clean exterior styling is highlighted by a high roofline, which affords greater headroom, taller seats, and better outward visibility than with many of its competitors. Available in both four-door sedan and hatchback models, the Aveo generates 103 horsepower from its fuel-efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder powerplant. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with an optional four-speed automatic gearbox comes with a gated-shifter, which is a design element that's typically found only in luxury cars. Coming minimally equipped in its base form as a value leader, the top LT variant add amenities like air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, and a CD stereo. Anti-lock brakes, aluminum wheels, a power sunroof, rear spoiler and a premium audio system are optional. For 2006, the Aveo adds dual-stage frontal airbags with a passenger occupant sensor, along with newly standard side-impact airbags.

The Cobalt compact sedan and coupe debuted last year to replace the former Cavalier, offering fresh styling, updated underpinnings, new powertrains, and added overall refinement. The standard engine, included with the base, LS, and LT models, is a 145-horsepower 2.2-liter in-line four that drives the front wheels via either a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic (the latter coming standard on the LT). Meanwhile, the top SS Supercharged coupe ups the ante with its 205-horsepower 2.0-liter supercharged in-line four, which is offered only with the manual gearbox, where it is of the short-throw variety. Added to the line for 2006 is a mid-level SS model that packs a new 2.4-liter engine with variable valve timing and electronic throttle control that generates 171 horses.

The mid-size Colorado pickup continues relatively unchanged for 2006 as a boldly styled alternative to smaller compact models and unwieldy full-size trucks. It shares platforms and components with both the GMC Canyon pickup and the HUMMER H3 SUV. Power comes from either a fairly lackluster standard 175-horsepower 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine or an available 220-horsepower 3.5-liter five-cylinder version. While both include electronic throttle control and coil-on-plug ignition to help maximize fuel economy, the truck offers neither a V-6 nor V-8 powerplant, which tends to limit its utility, especially for serious towing or hauling. The truck is available in either rear- or four-wheel drive, in short-wheelbase regular-cab and long-wheelbase extended- and four-door crew-cab versions. Three different suspension packages are offered, along with a long list of options that allows for maximum customization. An "Xtreme" appearance package, newly added last year, includes unique styling cues, a lowered stance, and exclusive wheels. New for 2006 is a Sun and Sound package, available for LT models, that includes a six-disc in-dash CD stereo and a power sunroof.

Redesigned last year in only its sixth generation over 50 years, "America's sports car" is taken to the next level for 2006 in the form of a new Z06 version. The fastest GM production car ever built, the race-car-derived Z06 relies on its hand-built 505-horsepower 7.0-liter V-8 engine to propel it from 0-to-60 mph in less than four seconds. Available only as a fixed-roof model, other upgrades to the Z06 include a specific aluminum body structure with hydroformed perimeter frame rails and magnesium front cradle carbon-fiber composite front fenders and wheelhouses, a unique front fascia and rear spoiler, wider rear fenders, enhanced suspension, brake and exhaust systems, larger wheels and tires, and engine, transmission, and differential oil coolers with a power-steering cooler. Meanwhile, the base removable-roof coupe and convertible offer a 6.0-liter version of Chevy's small-block V-8 that delivers a fast-enough 400 horsepower. While the Z06 can only be fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, the standard models also offer a four-speed automatic or a newly available electronically controlled six-speed paddle-shift automatic that gives the driver the choice of three transmission modes: Drive, Sport, or Paddle Shift. A long list of standard or available high-tech items includes keyless access with push-button start, a head-up display, voice-operated DVD-navigation system, and XM satellite radio.

Chevrolet's full-size, rear-drive van continues for 2006 as the workhorse of the fleet, able to serve as either a commercial hauler, 15-passenger mini-bus or a powerful tow vehicle. It comes in either short- or long-wheelbase lengths and offers a variety of load capacities and engines. A 200-horsepower 4.3-liter V-6 is standard on the base version, and 285-hp 5.3-liter and 300-hp 6.0-liter V-8s are available, all of which come with four-speed automatic transmissions. A natural-gas conversion of the largest V-8 is also available. The base 1500 model can be equipped with all-wheel-drive for added traction on slick or snowy roads, while the 3500 long-wheelbase version includes StabiliTrak stability control.

New for 2006, the HHR is a tall wagon that comes wrapped in retro-themed exterior styling that's inspired by both the classic 1949 Suburban and the current SSR pickup. Sharing platforms with the Cobalt sedan and coupe, the HHR (it stands for High Heritage Roof) comes powered in its base form by a 143-horsepower 2.2-liter in-line four engine, with a 2.4-liter version available on higher trim levels that nets 172 horses. Both engines drive the front wheels via either a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic; the latter includes a remote-start feature. A sport suspension is included on the top LT model for more responsive handling. A flexible cargo management system includes flat-folding rear and front passenger seatbacks, various storage bins, and a height-adjustable cargo panel.

Redesigned for 2006 along with its two-door counterpart, the Monte Carlo, the front-drive full-size Impala sedan becomes the first Chevy four-door sedan in a decade to offer a V-8 powerplant. Standard on the base LS version is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 211 horsepower, while LT and LTZ trim levels get a 3.9-liter version of the same basic engine that adds a variable-length intake manifold to generate a slightly quicker 242 horses. The top Impala SS model gets the V-8, which is a 5.3-liter small-block that produces a brisk 303 horsepower; it utilizes a "displacement on demand" function that shuts down select cylinders when not needed to save fuel. All engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Revised suspension systems offer greater control and comfort than before, while the SS gets the stiffest suspension array in the line for the sportiest cornering abilities. Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are standard on all versions but the base model, and traction control is also available. The car continues to deliver a large and accommodating passenger cabin, this time with a flip-and-fold rear seat in which the rear seat cushions flip forward to reveal a covered storage area and can also fold flat to maximize cargo volume via a large pass-through opening to the trunk.

The mid-size front-drive Malibu sedan and its longer hatchback counterpart, the Malibu Maxx, are based on General Motors' "Epsilon" global architecture, which also provides the basis for the sportier Saab 9-3 and Pontiac G6. New for 2006 are SS versions fitted with a 240-horsepower 3.9-liter V-6 with variable valve timing, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and adaptive shift control. The SS also comes with 18-inch flangeless wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and specific exterior and interior trim. Meanwhile, the sedan comes powered in its base form by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a just-adequate 145 horsepower. A 3.5-liter V-6 that produces a quicker 200 horses is available on the sedan and comes standard on the hatchback. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are offered as a combined option. Front-side airbags are standard on both the LS and LT versions and are optional on the base model. For 2006, a new dual-port grille identifies standard Malibu models, while a number of interior enhancements are said to add refinement.

Along with the Impala sedan, the front-drive, full-size Monte Carlo coupe is recast for 2006, and offers a V-8 powerplant for the first time since the rear-drive version was discontinued many years ago. Standard on the base version is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 211 horsepower, while uplevel models get a 3.9-liter version of the same basic engine that adds a variable-length intake manifold to generate a slightly quicker 242 horses. The top Monte Carlo SS model gets the V-8, which is a 5.3-liter small-block that produces a brisk 303 horsepower; it utilizes a "displacement on demand" function that shuts down select cylinders when not needed to save fuel. All engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Revised suspension systems offer greater control and comfort than before, while the SS gets the stiffest suspension array in the line for the sportiest cornering abilities. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are standard on all versions but the base model, and traction control is also available in addition to front-side airbags. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard on models equipped with 17- and 18-inch wheels and tires. New, more aggressive-looking exterior design cues reduce the Monte Carlo 's overall length by 1.2 inches compared to the '05 model.

Chevrolet recently added a hybrid-powered version to its full-size pickup line, though it's only considered to be a "mild" hybrid as it doesn't use an electric motor to actually help power the vehicle. Rather, it employs a flywheel-alternator starter system that's used to shut off its 5.3-liter V-8 engine when the truck is stopped to realize about a ten-percent increase in fuel economy. While this amounts to only around a mile per gallon, the onboard electric motor can also be used as a portable generator on a job site or at the campground. Otherwise, the Silverado (along with its GMC counterpart, the Sierra) offers enough configurations to meet a wide range of buyers' needs. Available powerplants includes the standard 4.3-liter V-6, as well as optional 4.8-liter, 5.3-liter, and 6.0-liter V-8 engines. Heavy-duty models can be fitted with a diesel V-8 or a big-block 8.1-liter gasoline V-8. A new-for-2006 VortecMAX performance package is available for light-duty trucks, and includes a 6.0-liter V-8 and enhanced towing package, with a limited-slip differential that's housed in a new, 9.5-inch rear axle, Also, the available Duramax 6.6-liter diesel V-8 is enhanced for 2006 with features that enable smoother, more refined performance with less smoke. A new Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is available for heavy-duty models equipped with the Vortec 8100 V-8 or Duramax Diesel engines. A sporty SS version comes with the 6.0-liter V-8 and other upgrades; for 2006 it is available in a limited edition "Intimidator" version that honors the late NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. Also for 2006, half-ton extended cab/short box models are added to the line, while a new dual-port grille design and power dome hood (similar to heavy-duty models) is featured on all light-duty models.

While sales of this unique retro-styled hot-roddish pickup have never really taken off, it continues in the line for 2006 with only minor changes. It features a rounded hardtop that retracts at the push of a button to an area just behind the two-seat cabin for open-air enjoyment. It also includes a remote-opening hardtop that encloses its short pickup bed, which essentially makes it a burly-looking two-seat roadster with a large trunk. Its 6.0-liter small-block V-8 engine comes courtesy of the Corvette, and generates a powerful 400 horses. It can be mated to either a four-speed automatic transmission or an optional six-speed manual gearbox. The SSR rides on 19-inch wheels and tires up front and massive 20-inch rims and rubber in the rear. Running boards, a gauge package, and several appearance enhancements are among the vehicle's relatively few options. A number of new two-tone paint schemes are added to the color palette for 2006.

Chevrolet's longest sport-utility vehicle shares platforms and powertrains with the GMC Tahoe XL and Cadillac Escalade and continues with only minor alterations for 2006. It comes amply powered by a 5.3-liter V-8 engine that's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with a tow/haul mode. A 300-hp 6.0-liter V-8 remains optional on 1500 models, while the 2500 can be fitted with an available 340-hp 8.1-liter V-8 that can move mountains of dirt with its 455-lb-ft of torque. Its standard anti-lock brakes include a "Hydroboost" function for improved stopping abilities. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are offered. A full array of features is included, with additional amenities optionally available. A new-for-2006 LTZ model includes the 6.0-liter V-8, all-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, monochromatic exterior styling with a specific grille, and leather upholstery.

The smaller sibling to the Chevy Suburban continues with only relatively minor revisions for 2006. Here, a 275-horsepower 4.8-liter comes standard, while a larger 290-hp 5.3-liter V-8 that provides much-greater low-end torque is optional. The standard four-speed automatic gearbox comes with a tow/haul function. Four-wheel-drive models get GM's Autotrac system that can be permanently left in full-time 4WD mode. StabiliTrak yaw control is included across the line for added stability over a wide range of conditions, and its standard anti-lock brakes include a "Hydroboost" function for improved stopping abilities. A third-row seat is optional, though it's best suited only for youngsters. A new 2007 model has been revealed by GM; it goes on sale early in 2006.

This mid-size sport-utility vehicle shares platforms with the GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7X. New for 2006 is a sporty SS version that's amply powered by a 6.0-liter V-8 engine able to reach 60 mph in less than six seconds. It rides on a performance-oriented suspension with 20-inch wheels and a lowered ride height. A longer EXT version is also available that adds a third-row seat. Meanwhile, the TrailBlazer continues to offer a standard 4.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that, for 2006, is rated at 291 horsepower, which is more than many competitors' V-8s. For 2006, the 5.3-liter V-8 engine that was previous limited to EXT models is now available on standard TrailBlazer models as well. Additional changes for 2006 model year include new front and rear fascias, rocker panels and body side moldings for LT models; an enhanced Quiet Package, including acoustic laminated windshield and additional sound insulation; and a single antenna unit that replaces separate antennas for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.