2006 Chevrolet Impala Review Summary & Specs
LS Sedan
New structure, new styling, new interior.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The new Chevrolet Impala represents an improvement over previous models. The 3.5 and 3.9 V6 LT and LTZ versions are pleasing to drive overall. While the SS cuts a conservative but dashing figure with its quiet badging and giant five-spoke, 18-inch wheels, it's got more power than it knows what to do with, though we enjoy its loud, authoritative exhaust rumble. Overall, the new Impalas are much better than last year's models, but the Impala has a ways to go in sophistication.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw is based in Dearborn, Michigan.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Midsize Cars |
| Editor |
Jim McCraw |
| Model Lineup |
Chevrolet Impala LS ($21,330); LT ($21,860); LT 3.9 ($24,760); LTZ ($26,870); SS ($27,130) |
| Engines (standard) |
5.3-liter ohv 16-valve V8 with DOD |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) |
211-hp 3.5-liter V6; 242-hp 3.9-liter V6; 303-hp 5.3-liter V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
4-speed automatic overdrive |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, front curtain airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
ABS, EBD; traction control |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Manufacturer Phone |
800-462-8782 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.chevrolet.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$21,330 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Chevrolet Impala SS ($27,130) |
| Standard Equipment |
air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, power locks, console, cruise control, message center, trip computer, floor shift and console, fog lamps, rear spoiler |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
leather-trimmed heated power front seats ($1,125); Bose premium sound system ($495); XM Satellite Radio ($325); 18-inch polished aluminum wheels ($295) |
| Destination Charge |
660 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested |
$30,030 |
| Horse Power |
303 @ 5600 |
| Torque |
323 @ 4400 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/28 |
| Wheelbase |
110.5 |
| Length/Width/Height |
200.4/72.9/58.7 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
40.0 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.4/56.4/42.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
37.8/57.2/37.6 |
| Trunk Volume |
18.6 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
1000 |
| Front Suspension |
independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
independent, tri-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance |
6.7 |
| Curb Weight |
3712 |
| Stock Tires |
P235/50R18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
ventilated disc/disc with ABS, EBD |
| Fuel Capacity |
17.5 |