Sad but true – a Malibu SS just don't seem to strike the same chord as a Dodge Charger SRT-8. And maybe, on the road, they aren't supposed to – but special performance cars such as these really earn their keep in marketing dollars and the reflected glow of their sex appeal.

However, it seems unlikely that many Malibu shoppers would be inclined to pay extra for more performance. Similarly, shoppers looking for a mainstream performance ride probably won’t be too interested in the 2006 Malibu or Malibu Maxx SS.