2006 Chevrolet Impala Preview

Big sedans used to rule the roost on American highways. Chevy Caprices, Ford LTDs, and Plymouth Furys - they were all big cars with big V8 motors. But over the past few decades, cars grew smaller, engine sizes decreased, and the full-size sedan became associated with cabbies and cops rather than consumers. Fast-forward to today; a world where massive so-called utility vehicles populate the highways, and large sedans bask in the glow of renewed popularity. Chrysler, for example, has enjoyed much success with the handsome 300, and Ford has come to market with its first all-new large car in years, the Five Hundred. Now it's Chevy's turn - but rather than answering with an all-new vehicle, the bowtie boys have come to battle with a mildly updated 2006 Chevrolet Impala.

Changes

With a host of new engines, improved interior materials and safety features, as well as fresh styling, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala aims to hold its own against the popular new sedans from Chrysler and Ford. Up front are large new headlight housings, and in back the red, single-panel tail lamp lens has been replaced with two traditional taillights. Inside, higher quality low-gloss plastics decorate the cabin, including a new steering wheel and a completely new dash design, a dramatic improvement over the 2005 model. The seats feature better fabric with improved stitching, and the rear seat now offers flip and fold functionality, providing expanded cargo room and versatility. Best of all, added to that new interior are standard front and rear side-curtain airbags. Also new for 2006 is an optional remote start system, which not only starts the car from 167 feet away but also allows the vehicle to be heated or cooled before being driven. The new base engine is a 210-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 that generates 220 lb.-ft. of torque and features variable valve timing. A 240-horsepower, 3.9-liter V6 with 245 lb.-ft. of torque is available and also includes variable valve timing. And for consumers who have longed for a V8-powered, full-size Chevy sedan, there is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS, complete with a 303-horsepower, 5.3-liter, small block V8 that features Displacement on Demand technology which, GM claims, can help to cut fuel consumption by 12 percent. That V8 has been mounted transversely to accommodate a front-wheel-drive platform carried over from the previous Impala. That's fine for the V6-powered, grocery-getter version of the Impala, but the recipe for a full-size SS sedan calls for eight cylinders rear-wheel drive. Without those two ingredients, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS goes from a Super Sport to a Sorta Sport.

Wrap-Up

With some all-new opponents on the field, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala is going to have a hard go of it, despite an updated design and new engines. The 2006 model may be fresh compared to the 2005 Impala, but it's a little stale when matched up to the competition. The uninspired, vague styling will likely maintain the V6-powered Impala's position as a rental fleet favorite, but the muscular Impala SS might find an audience in those few who dislike the Chrysler 300C and would prefer their V8 to spin the front wheels.

Photos courtesy of General Motors