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The Impala was updated
and vastly improved for the 2006 model year. While in previous years it was
nothing more than big and cheap, the seats are now comfortable, the interior
is of good quality, and ride, handling, and acceleration are all improved
without changing the car’s basic success formula. The Impala isn’t as refined
as some competing models, the rear seat isn’t as roomy, and it’s not as agile,
but it is still a very good large family car for a reasonable price.
The Impala has a soft,
comfortable, and absorbent ride, though it is prone to some highway-speed
float. It isn’t nearly as agile as some competitors, but handles well enough.
The steering is more responsive and better-weighted than in last year’s
Impala. The standard 3.5-liter V6 performs better than the base engine it just
replaced, particularly off the line, but there is still no excess passing
power. The car remains quiet except under acceleration, when the engine’s
rough growl becomes somewhat intrusive. Fuel economy is reasonable for a V6
car in this group.
Inside, the Impala’s
standard front bench seat is a bit soft, and too low, but reasonably
comfortable. Don’t expect to fit a passenger in the middle seating position
though. There is plenty of leg and head space. The rear is well-shaped and
comfortable, though the car has surprisingly little head and leg space for
rear-seat occupants considering its exterior size. Interior quality was vastly
improved in the redesign, though this base Impala has a few cheap plastics,
panel fit and overall materials quality are finally competitive. The gauges
are clear, and the instruments are large, well-placed, and easy to use.
Drivers sit low, but comfortably enough, and have good visibility. Entry/exit
is easy to the front, but the shape of the roof and the narrower footwells
complicate rear seat access. The trunk is very large and well-shaped.
The Impala did very well
in NHTSA crash testing. It earned five stars for both the driver and for the
front passenger in the frontal crash test, and five stars for the driver and
four for the rear passenger in the side crash test. The IIHS has not tested
the Impala since its update, and hasn’t subjected any version to their side
crash test.
The Impala reviewed here
came in adequately equipped at $20,262. At that price, it includes the
standard curtain-style head-protecting side airbags, power driver’s seat, and
OnStar accident notification system, as well as the optional antilock brakes
with traction control and a remote starting system. Most other items are
available on higher trims, but stability control and torso-protecting side
airbags are not.
Overall, the Impala is
comfortable, safe, and reasonably priced. It doesn’t really do anything
exceptionally, but does most things well. It is a decent large sedan for a
decent price, the basic combination that has made it GM’s best-selling
passenger car, and is worth a look with its 2006 improvements.
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