Impala improves with each passing year
2006 Chevrolet Impala LT
Published: Sep 25, 2006
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THE RIDE: Four-door, up to six-passenger 2006 Chevrolet Impala LT midsize sedan.
DOWN THE ROAD: The 2006 Impala, with a revised exterior and interior, is available in five model trims. My test vehicle, an LT, was sprightly on city streets as it dodged peak-hour traffic. The sedan isolated road noise on the interstate while making the drive fun.
TECH & PERFORMANCE: Under the hood sits a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that offers 211 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 214 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, this front-wheel-drive vehicle will surprise you with smooth and swift gearshifts. The Impala is fitted with a four-wheel independent touring suspension made up of gas-charged struts and stabilizer bars, which solidly firm up the ride. The power rack-and-pinion steering enables the Impala to have a turning-circle capability of 38 feet. Thanks to a tuned suspension and 16-inch Goodyear all-season tires, the car maintains equilibrium, even on bumpy roads.
LOOK & FEEL: The Chevy bowtie sits amid a small rectangular grille surrounded by a bold, jewel-like trio of headlights. The handsome stance of the Impala is matched equally inside the cabin with an inspiring and practical instrument panel and dashboard. The climate and audio controls are separated for convenience. The double-hump hood design, one of which holds the instrument panel featuring white-on-black speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauges, is simple but elegant. Space is plentiful for rear passengers, with 37.6-inch legroom and 37.8-inch headroom. The trunk can hold several suitcases for a long trip up north. Chevy needs to be commended for offering a trip computer with temperature and compass, eight-way power driver's seat, power windows and door locks and dual-zone airconditioning and other amenities as standard features.
SAFETY FIRST: Dual front airbags and a side curtain airbag, four-wheel disc brakes, remote engine start and daytime running lights are standard.
OUT THE DOOR: $20,830, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges. The rear flip-and-fold seat option is available for $325. Also worthwhile are $600 four-wheel antilock brakes.
BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, P225/60R16 all-season; wheelbase, 110.5 inches; length, 200.4 inches; weight, 3,553 pounds; fuel capacity, 17.5 gallons; highway, 31 mpg; city, 21 mpg.
WHY DIG IT: With each passing year, the Impala keeps on getting better and better. This 2006 revised sedan now offers even more attractive styling, powerful performance, an airy and clean interior and numerous standard safety features. Best of all, the affordable base price of $20,830 can't be beat.
Nitish S. Rele is an Advertising Staff Writer for The Tampa Tribune.
