Engine: 3.5-liter ohv 12-valve V6 with continuously variable cam phasing

Engine Options: 211-hp 3.5-liter ohv 12-valve V6 with variable valve timing; 303-hp 5.3-liter ohv 16-valve V8 with Displacement on Demand

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage frontal airbags, front seat belt pretensioners, LATCH child-seat anchors in all rear-seat positions

Optional Safety Equipment: ABS, EBD, traction control, tire-pressure monitor, seat-mounted side-impact airbags

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Model Tested: Chevrolet Monte Carlo LT ($22,625)

Standard Equipment: power steering, power brakes, cruise control; dual-zone automatic climate control; power windows, mirrors, and door locks; six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/RDS stereo with speed-sensing volume and an auxiliary digital media jack; front bucket seats and floor console; six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjustment; split-folding rear seat; leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls; metallic interior trim; automatic headlamps; 7.0 Generation OnStar with a one-year subscription; Passlock security system; carpeted floor mats; ABS with traction control and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); tire-pressure monitor; 225/55R17 touring tires on 17-inch machined aluminum wheels

Options as Tested: leather upholstery ($795); XM Satellite Radio ($199) with a three-month trial subscription; Universal remote ($100)

Destination Charge: 685

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 211 @ 5900

Torque: 214 @ 4800

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 21/31

Wheelbase: 110.5 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 196.7/72.9/55.8 inches

Track Front/Rear: 62.4/61.5 inches

Turning Cycle: 40.0 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 38.1/55.2/42.4 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 36.5/55.5/35.8 inches

Trunk Volume: 15.8 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, gas-charged shock absorbers, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: inches

Curb Weight: 3354 pounds

Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds

Tires: P225/55R17

Brakes: vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD

Fuel Capacity: 17.5 Gallons