2006 Chevrolet Impala Review: Road Test

The 3.5-liter V6 that comes on LT and LS models generates 211 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. The 3.9-liter V6 that comes on LS and LTZ models produces 242 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque. We're expecting both engines to earn fuel economy ratings of about 19/29 mpg city/highway.

With 303 horsepower, the Impala SS has more power and torque than any other entry in the class, but the chassis that comes with the V8 needs taming. The traction control system simply gets behind in its orders whenever you slam the throttle open at a stop in first gear, and lets the left front tire spin wildly for a few seconds until it finally catches up. While we appreciated the extra power and torque available in a kickdown or passing situation, and we loved the brawny, muscular sound of this engine at full throttle, it's a challenge to launch cleanly and quickly at the same time. Besides wheelspin, there's a lot of torque steering. Slam down the throttle and you'll feel a tug on the steering wheel as the powerful 5.3-liter V8 tries to put over 323 pound-feet of torque through the front wheels. The V8 features GM's Displacement on Demand system, which shifts between eight-cylinder and four-cylinder operation, depending on speed and load. This system helps provide up to 8 percent better fuel economy in light-load driving conditions. The V8 is EPA-rated at 18 city and 28 highway with the four-speed automatic.