If you subscribe to the philosophy that driving should be fun, the Chevy Impala SS and the Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring fill the bill without busting the bank. While taking a different tack, they each deliver nothing short of pure motoring joy. A performance sedan, the Impala SS not only transports you and yours from point A to point B; It can do so with serious punch. A more intimate experience, the MX-5 offers all the best handling characteristics of a high-end, rear-wheel-drive two-seater mixed with the sense of freedom only a convertible can offer.

Chevy Impala SS

Chevrolet has nine SS models for 2006—a designation used sparingly over the last decade or so, but dating back to the 1961 Impala. Historically SS has represented value-priced performance. Chevy would like to return to the business of performance, and 2006 would seem to be the beginning of that comeback. Of course, in the heyday of the SS, it was applied to rear-wheel-drive cars and those are a precious commodity in General Motors today. However, in the Impala SS, Chevy has made the most of its front-wheeldrive architecture.

In the tradition of American performance, the Impala SS’ strength lies in its capacity for forward thrust. An all-new 5.3-liter V8 provides 303 horsepower and a whopping 323 lb.-ft. of torque. Launching the Impala SS from a standing stop is akin to being shot out of a cannon. Once at speed, slowing down for gas stations is minimized thanks to the Active Fuel Management engineered into the 5.3L V8, which deactivates four of the cylinders during low-load situations. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated SS’s highway consumption at 28 mpg.

To help handle the extra stress of the V8, Chevy has beefed up the four-speed automatic transmission and suspension. Still a tad soft, the tightened SS suspension delivers a comfy ride and acceptable handling. The noticeable torque steer is a product of the FWD configuration.

There are SS styling cues inside and out, such as monochromatic paint, a rear spoiler and unique dashboard trim. The dashboard design is tidy with logically placed controls and gauges. A lot of sedan for under $28,000, the Impala SS doesn’t sacrifice value for performance.

Mazda MX-5

Inspiring the current “retro” automotive movement, the original Mazda Miata began life in 1989 as a low-cost, low-maintenance, fun-to-drive roadster. At the time, one journalist described the Miata as the best British sports car the Brits never built. While Mazda would like you to think of it now as the MX-5 rather than the Miata, and today’s version isn’t quite the bargain the original was, it remains true to its core mission.

Although a less expensive “base” version is available, the $25,000 Grand Touring model decks out the MX-5 in its finest duds. Leather seats, a six-speaker Bose audio system, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with redundant audio controls, air conditioning and power windows/door locks highlight the interior amenities.

A six-speed manual transmission directs the 170 horsepower produced by the two-liter four to the rear wheels. At only 2,500 pounds, the MX-5 is quick and nimble. Its low-to-the-deck design and taut suspension give it go-cart-like handling. With a little practice, you can toss it around corners with the confidence and smoothness of an Andretti. The steering is tight and its four-wheel antilock disc brakes could stop a freight train. Is it the perfect sports car? It’s darn close.

Despite its smallish package, the MX-5 has plenty of room for two. Although cozy, the cabin has sufficient room even for taller occupants. The driver will find every control, switch and knob at his finger tips. Rare among convertibles today, the top is manually operated; however, very little effort is required to lower or raise it. Pack light for those weekend trips to the country.

Perhaps not the most practical of cars, what the MX-5 lacks in utility, it easily makes up for in grins.

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