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2006 Chevrolet Impala First Drive

The 2006 Chevy Impala passes the herd

AS
by Autobytel Staff
August 24, 2005
9 min. Reading Time
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NASHVILLE – More songs have been written about Chevys than any other kind of car, and with more than 1.25 million Impalas sold over the decades, it’s clearly the hero of GM’s “apple pie” brand. With an almost-complete redesign, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala continues to represent the history and romance of the Chevy badge. Originating as the crown jewel of the 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air lineup, the Impala nameplate came into its own as Chevy’s flagship model in 1959, and with the introduction of Super Sport versions in the early 1960s cemented itself as an iconic American automobile. Today, the Impala is the third-best selling car in the U.S., surpassed only by Toyota’s Camry and the Honda Accord, and competing in the most aggressive segment in the industry. In fact, the 2005 Impala scored extremely well in the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS), beating the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Chrysler 300, and Ford Five Hundred to become a “recommended buy.” The 2006 model should fare as well or better, thanks to improvements such as more power and performance, improved comfort, fuel economy, lowered emissions and upgraded safety. On sale now, Chevy expects the new Impala’s target audience to be families, empty nesters and, of course, loyalists. Yes, it remains a front-drive car with a four-speed transmission in a world that has moved to all-wheel or rear-wheel drive propelled by five or six forward gears. Despite that, this big sedan – especially with its big V8 – is a big bargain.

Model Mix

Model Mix Prices range from $21,330 for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala LS to $27,130 for the hot-rod SS, with upgraded LT and leather-lined LTZ models falling in between. 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.

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Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and Bolts Choose between two V6 engines or a V8 that makes more than 300 horsepower. Every 2006 Chevrolet Impala except the base LS model comes with ABS and traction control. Four different engines are available in the 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The LS and LT models come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 211 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque, output ratings that compare favorably to the Toyota Camry SE V6. The standard engine on the Impala LTZ, which is optionally available on the LT, is a 3.9-liter V6 with variable valve timing that is capable of 240 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque. Impala SS models, for the first time in 10 years, get a standard V8 producing 303-horsepower and 323 lb.-ft. of torque. This 5.3-liter motor is equipped with fuel-saving Displacement-On-Demand (DOD) technology. DOD cuts off four of the V8’s eight cylinders under low-load conditions, such as when cruising on the highway, saving fuel by up to 12 percent according to Chevrolet. Impressively, the Impala SS is rated 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway by the EPA, but we all know that EPA numbers are optimistic, and that dipping into the V8’s power will result in substantially less impressive real-world figures. As innovative as DOD might be, Chevy lags noticeably in the transmission department, offering only four forward gears in a traditional automatic transmission. Impala competitors from Chrysler, Ford, and Toyota employ five- or six-speed automatics, and in the case of the Ford Five Hundred, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Chrysler and Ford also offer optional all-wheel-drive, while Chevy does not. Underneath the Impala, either a touring- or sport-tuned suspension is offered as support, depending on the model chosen. Controlling motion for either the 16- or 17-inch wheels on LS, LT, and LTZ models, the touring setup is optimized to provide comfort and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Behind the 18-inch wheels and tires of the SS model, however, a sport suspension with a hollow 34-mm front stabilizer bar and solid 18-mm rear stabilizer bar interact with firmer struts to provide a stiffer foundation tuned to manage the mass of the heavy V8 engine while providing a stiffer ride and more responsive handling. Other notable Impala features include power rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel-disc brakes with available ABS and all-speed traction control.

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Design

Design With tighter panel gaps and a simpler, but more upscale, design, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala is a good looking sedan. The interior is a huge improvement over the old model. Chevy is likely to hear some criticism of the 2006 Chevrolet Impala’s exterior styling, which has been described by some as bland and conventional. GM’s designers say the goal was to create a more upscale look with this new model, and to our eyes, Chevrolet has succeeded. Thanks to improved quality in its gaps and finishes, and the restrained use of bright work in its trim pieces, the new Impala looks more appealing than before. Particularly attractive is the rear cut line that flows through to the rocker panel, and the design and proportions of the rear bumper and trunk lid. However, when compared with the sculpted and conspicuous Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger, the Impala dissolves into the network of other traffic like it’s invisible.

Inside, up-level materials bolster a conventional layout that is nicely matched to the exterior styling. The cockpit is clean, roomy and airy, with good light from narrow A-pillars and large side glass. Particularly attractive is the sculptured line of the cowling and the business-class look to the seats. The rear seats fold flat for cargo carrying needs, and also flip up to reveal underseat storage.

Interior space compares favorably against the Chrysler 300 and Ford Five Hundred, besting the Chrysler when it comes to headroom front and rear, but lagging behind both the 300 and Five Hundred in rear seat legroom. Drivers with long legs will appreciate the Impala’s front legroom, which is better than both Chrysler and Ford. In terms of passenger accommodations, the Impala most closely mirrors a Toyota Camry with negligible differences in head and leg space, front and rear. Ergonomic complaints with the 2006 Impala include the driver set-up, with a large new steering wheel that is height-adjustable but is not telescopic. Since the Impala goes without adjustable pedals, short drivers are placed too close to the airbag. We would also like to see a better-defined dead pedal, and relocate the emergency brake pedal because it’s in close proximity of the driver’s left foot while underway. Finally, though the standard front bench seat technically makes the Impala a six-seater, it is more comfortably a five-passenger player.

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Safety and Technology

Safety and Technology Side-curtain airbags are standard on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, but no matter what you’re willing to pay, you can’t get seat-mounted side airbags for the front passengers or a stability control system. GM has moved the needle on safety with the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, starting with the use of thicker gauge high-strength steel and a strengthened safety cage for improved crashworthiness. Standard side-curtain airbags for both rows are a plus – Ford, Chrysler and Toyota offer this important supplemental restraint as optional. Deploying from the roof, the Impala’s side-curtain airbags provide upper body and head protection to outboard passengers during a side-impact or rollover collision. Dual-stage front airbags are also standard, but side-impact airbags that deploy from the front seatbacks are not available. Chevrolet did, however, improve the Impala’s side impact protection by adding new structural dynamic impact tubes under the front seats, and a center tunnel crash box, both of which are designed to absorb and deflect crash energy from the cabin. Notably, antilock brakes are not standard on base LS models, even though the curtain airbags are fitted throughout the lineup, and stability control is not available on any 2006 Chevrolet Impala.

Chevy’s remote start system, standard on all Impalas except the LS, first appeared on the redesigned 2004 Chevy Malibu. Remote ignition is a rare factory-installed feature, and the Impala’s system allows starting from up to 200 feet away so that you can cool the interior of warm days and warm the interior on cool days.

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Driving Impressions

Driving Impressions The 2006 Chevrolet Impala V6 with touring suspension is as buttoned-down as a Toyota Camry, while the 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS gives the Chrysler 300C a run for its money. Driving the redesigned 2006 Chevrolet Impala through the Tennessee backcountry, we found plenty to like about this new full-size American sedan. Putting the Impala SS through its paces revealed fairly tight and responsive steering that allowed for crisp curve carving, and capable brakes that are a step up from the base model’s stoppers, which feature too much squish at the top of the pedal before grabbing. Not surprisingly, the Impala SS’s steering ratio has been quickened, helping it to feel more responsive. Our only complaint about the handling revolves around torque steer when throttling out of turns. That torque steer underlines the biggest difference between the SS and the standard Impala: engine power. Dip into the throttle, and the 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS makes you think it’s been downing Red Bull, thanks to its flat torque curve, aggressive throttle tip-in, cleaner shifting, higher redline, and a honkin’ growl that is guaranteed to make bobble heads of muscle-car fans. According to Chevy, its acceleration time to 60 mph is less than six seconds, and out on the highway the DOD system makes seamless transitions from eight to four cylinders. In fact, those who get their kicks trying to maximize fuel economy will enjoy watching the DOD cycle on and off through a display in the Impala SS’s Driver Information Center. Note that Chevrolet recommends the use of premium fuel to maximize the Impala SS’s performance, but the 5.3-liter V8 will run just fine on regular unleaded.

After getting our kicks in the Impala SS, we also tried each of the two V6 models, finding both adequate for their missions, but preferring the LTZ model’s stronger 3.9-liter V6, which can nail a 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph compared to the 8.4 seconds it takes the smaller 3.5-liter version used in the LS and LT. Both V6 engines have enough torque on tap, and smooth throttle tip-in as well. Notably, the LTZ’s 3.9-liter V6 employs variable valve timing, a feature seldom seen from General Motors. And the 3.5-liter V6’s fuel economy of 21-mpg city and 31-mpg highway is second in its segment only to its GM stablemate, the Malibu Maxx. Throttle and exhaust notes are not unpleasant, but are bland, like class competitor Toyota Camry.

All 2006 Chevrolet Impalas are noticeably quiet for everyday motoring. Newly-styled windshield wipers, engine covers, large volume exhaust systems, and a mesh air deflector for the available sunroof help to keep the cabin silent. Chevy engineers have also added thicker side glass and have stiffened and isolated the engine cradles to further reduce the intrusion of NVH into the cockpit.

Chevy has also improved the suspension over last year’s model, with new jounce bumpers and tie bars, and revised variable rate rear springs. The result is responsive handling, a controlled ride, and a small amount of body roll in turns. The stiffer suspension in the Impala SS provides even more control. Compared to the Chrysler 300, the Impala SS was easier to steer and brake. And the Impala V6 models were better mannered than the Ford Five Hundred and on par with the Toyota Camry.

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FAQs

FAQs A new interior goes a long way in adding a much-needed dose of refinement to the Impala, and the SS model finally gets the V8 engine that makes it a legitimate Super Sport. Chevrolet says that only 15 percent of the old Impala carried over to the new 2006 model, and based on our first driving impressions, the differences between the two cars is significant. The new interior goes a long way in adding a much-needed dose of refinement to the Impala, and the SS model finally gets the V8 engine that makes it a legitimate Super Sport. The last Impala SS with a V8 engine was sold between 1994 and 1996. Prior to that, the Impala had been on hiatus since 1985.

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Specifications

Specifications The 2006 Chevrolet Impala’s competitors include the Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, Mitsubishi Galant, Toyota Camry Test Vehicle: 2006 Chevrolet Impala Base price range: $21,330 (LS) – $27,130 (SS) Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6 (LS, LT); 3.9-liter V6 (LTZ); 5.3-liter V8 (SS) Engine Horsepower: 211 (LS, LT); 240 at 6,000 rpm (LTZ); 303 at 5,600 rpm (SS) Engine Torque: 220 lb.-ft. (LS, LT); 242 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm (LTZ); 323 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm (SS) Transmission: Four-speed automatic (all models) Curb weight, lbs.: 3,550 (LS) – 3,700 (SS) (estimated) EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): TBD (LS, LT); TBD (LTZ); 17/27 mpg (estimated) (SS) Wheelbase: 110.5 inches Length: 200.4 inches Width: 72.9 inches Height: 58.7 inches Head room (front/rear): 39.4/37.8 inches Leg room (front/rear): 42.3/37.6 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Six (LS, LT); Five (LTZ, SS) Cargo volume: 18.6 cubic feet Competitors: Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, Mitsubishi Galant, Toyota Camry

Photos courtesy of General Motors

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