Originally Posted by chungkopi

well it's a improvement

Originally Posted by Beltfed

This is the formula that makes the Impala a good selling car.

Its nice looking, not very exciting.......but has good lines, interior is a huge improvement, and you have a good range of engines.

Very nice to see the SS get a V8, but wish it was RWD.

A loaded SS comes in at $31k.

Not a bad deal at all, even better if you can get some sort of discount.

Should be a very nice highway car.

Originally Posted by GreenMonster

I like the looks... It's something that doesn't look like the average chevy. Almost has an import look to it.

It would have been a real winner if it were rwd.

Originally Posted by GreenMonster

I like the looks... It's something that doesn't look like the average chevy. Almost has an import look to it.

It would have been a real winner if it were rwd.

Originally Posted by M TYPE X

2006 Impala looks like a big Malibu to me. It's about as trend-setting as an Avalon.

Originally Posted by gavriil

Originally Posted by Beltfed

Chevrolet wasn't out to reinvent the wheel.......

Trend setting doesn't always sell cars.

Originally Posted by Minch00

Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, 211 hp/214 lb-ft


Are you serious? That's a horrible amount of power to get out of such a large engine. GM should just liscense VQs and be done with it............

Originally Posted by slyraskal

exterior

interior :typicalchevycrap:

Originally Posted by cusdaddy

Sorry, but the interior is a HUGE improvement over the more recent GM interiors.

Originally Posted by cusdaddy

Is it as nice as a Honda or Toyota, most likely no, but they are making progress.

Sit in a 3 year old Impala and then a new one back to back and see the difference.

Originally Posted by slyraskal

exterior

interior :typicalchevycrap:

Originally Posted by gavriil

I think between this and the Malibu, the Camry/Accord/Altima gang will lose sales to GM. And it's only going to get harder for them in the future. GM has fixed a lot of the fundamentals with the Chevy brand, now it's all about icing on the cake going forward, which many times makes the difference in the buying decision.

Originally Posted by heyitsme

I dunno, I could see if these companies started letting their cars sit, but Toyota has the new avalon and a new Camry right around the corner, Nissan will most likely have a maxima refresh coming and possibly a whole nother full size car as well as a new 06 altima, and honda has the refreshed accord out in the fall.

This impala looks like the quality/style they should have had out 4 years ago which would have been a head to head battle, but it looks like it should now be up for a refresh with even more features and style like nav, 5 or 6speed auto, etc.

Originally Posted by DownUnder

Those rear headrests look weird as hell.

Originally Posted by LB-TSX

The interior is crap. I don't know what it is about american cars, but they all pretty much have extremely crappy interiors and bland styling.

Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6

The new Impala will be a rental darling just like the old one. Hondas of mid-90s had better interiors.

I know people say the 3.5L V6 is the base engine and makes a "ton more power" than Honda's base 2.4L I4... but I'm willing to bet an Accord EX with that "base" 160hp i-VTEC four-cylinder and Honda's slick-shifting 5-spd manual will not only be priced almost the same as the V6 Impala, but will embarrass it in fit and finish, interior materials and design, handle better and be quicker.

Honda's cars are simply examples of superior engineering.

EDIT: Don't expect the Malibu or Impala to steal Camry or Accord sales. The Camry's ultra-refinement and the Accord's perfect steering and engaging driving experience will continue to prevail over domestic generic sedans. Toyota executives are probably right now at this latest attempt, and will be all the way to the bank - after all, they are the world's most profitable carmaker and on the way to being the world's largest.

Originally Posted by gavriil

"Accord's perfect steering", "Camry's ultra refinement". You make them sound like they are of another segment.

I guess time will tell how much of a ding the new Impala and current and next Malibu can make on the Japanese party.

Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6

Well it is true... the Camry and Accord are so far ahead of their domestic competition it almost seems unfair to compare them.

The Malibu and Impala sales numbers MAY seem impressive due to fleet sales, but it WON'T be because buyers are taken aback by it's beautiful interior, or they're confident in brand name.

Face it - people who set out to buy Accords or Camrys are not easily swayed.

From Edmunds.com:

"Editors found the Chevrolet Malibu's interior design functional, but certainly not upscale like the interiors of the Accord, Camry and Passat or even trendy like the Mazda 6's or Galant's. Instead, there were comments about the Chevrolet's "rental car look and feel.""

-2003-2004 Family Sedan comparison. Malibu finished 7th. Accord finished 1st.

"It's not exactly encouraging when a freshly redesigned car finishes seventh of 10, but the generally capable Chevrolet Malibu is proof that GM is beginning to understand what resolute import buyers want in a family sedan. Until the company gets serious about offering high-quality interiors, though, Honda and Toyota have nothing to fear."

"The nation's rich people and Honda Accord drivers share a common trait: they're both in a very good place. My advice: stop complaining and just enjoy the ride."

-2003-2004 Family Sedan Comparison. Accord is best in class.

"Absent is the vault-like conformity that has become a hallmark of the Camry and Accord, a duo that further surpasses this Chevy in steering feel and in their low levels of NVH."

-Car and Driver on the 2005 Malibu.



Essentially, forget about it. The Malibu and Malibu SuperSize (Impala) aren't going to steal any Accord or Camry sales. Not only do the latter possess a refinement and general "feel" unmatched by domestic nameplates collectively, they also have a reputation as two of the best built, safest cars on the road.

What satisfies me the most, however, is knowing that the less time American companies spend refining their cars in all aspects, the more Honda and Toyota owners there will be.

Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6

Well it is true... the Camry and Accord are so far ahead of their domestic competition it almost seems unfair to compare them.

The Malibu and Impala sales numbers MAY seem impressive due to fleet sales, but it WON'T be because buyers are taken aback by it's beautiful interior, or they're confident in brand name.

Face it - people who set out to buy Accords or Camrys are not easily swayed.

From Edmunds.com:

"Editors found the Chevrolet Malibu's interior design functional, but certainly not upscale like the interiors of the Accord, Camry and Passat or even trendy like the Mazda 6's or Galant's. Instead, there were comments about the Chevrolet's "rental car look and feel.""

-2003-2004 Family Sedan comparison. Malibu finished 7th. Accord finished 1st.

"It's not exactly encouraging when a freshly redesigned car finishes seventh of 10, but the generally capable Chevrolet Malibu is proof that GM is beginning to understand what resolute import buyers want in a family sedan. Until the company gets serious about offering high-quality interiors, though, Honda and Toyota have nothing to fear."

"The nation's rich people and Honda Accord drivers share a common trait: they're both in a very good place. My advice: stop complaining and just enjoy the ride."

-2003-2004 Family Sedan Comparison. Accord is best in class.

"Absent is the vault-like conformity that has become a hallmark of the Camry and Accord, a duo that further surpasses this Chevy in steering feel and in their low levels of NVH."

-Car and Driver on the 2005 Malibu.



Essentially, forget about it. The Malibu and Malibu SuperSize (Impala) aren't going to steal any Accord or Camry sales. Not only do the latter possess a refinement and general "feel" unmatched by domestic nameplates collectively, they also have a reputation as two of the best built, safest cars on the road.

What satisfies me the most, however, is knowing that the less time American companies spend refining their cars in all aspects, the more Honda and Toyota owners there will be.

Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6

Not the old Malibu. No word yet on Malibu Supersize (Impala), but the new Malibu still pales in comparison to the Camry and Accord. Take a look around.

Originally Posted by gavriil

Here is a hint for you. Would you believe that the Malibu has a good chance surpassing the Accord in total sales in 2005? And there is no coupe Malibu. Were you aware of that?

Originally Posted by CanadianDriver

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/06impala.htm
September 30, 2005

Test Drive:
2006 Chevrolet Impala LTZ
Review and photos by Greg Wilson

Discuss this story in the forum at CarTalkCanada


Click image to enlarge
In its first major redesign since 2000, the front-wheel drive Chevrolet Impala sedan has been given a major styling make-over, an all-new interior, two new V6 engines and an all-new V8, re-tuned suspension, newly designed flip and fold rear seatbacks, and new standard side curtain airbags.

Since 2000, the Oshawa-built Impala has been known for its roomy but unattractive interior, powerful optional 3.8 litre V6 engine, huge trunk, better-than-average reliability, and good crash test scores. A favourite with taxi firms and police departments, the Impala has proved to be a roomy, durable vehicle that's relatively cheap to fix.


The 2006 Impala addresses some of the previous model's weaknesses, notably its poor fit and finish, uncomfortable rear seat, and road noise. In addition, the new Impala offers two new technologically-sophisticated V6 engines with the first use of variable valve timing in an overhead valve engine; and a new V8 engine equipped with cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy by up to 8% in certain low-load driving conditions.

The 2005 Impala's 180 hp 3.4-litre V6, 200 hp 3.8-litre V6, and 240 hp supercharged 3.8-litre V6 have been replaced by a new 211 hp 3.5-litre V6 on 2006 Impala LS and LT models, a new 240 hp 3.9-litre V6 engine on LTZ trim, and a 303 hp 5.3-litre V8 with Displacement on Demand on the Impala SS.


Click image to enlarge
As a result of "employee pricing discounts" and competitive pricing pressures this year, 2006 MSRPs have been reduced substantially, often by thousands of dollars. Manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the 2006 Impala are as follows: LS $24,685; LT $26,200; LTZ $29,840, and SS $32,855. Our Impala LTZ test car with the standard 3.9 litre V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission, and optional leather upholstery came to $31,730 plus $1,150 for Freight and A/C tax for a total of $32,880.

Styling

Though the new Impala is about the same length and width as the old one, it has a completely different, but more generic appearance - guaranteed not to offend anyone.
Click image to enlarge
Unfortunately, it resembles some other sedans on the market and it's certainly not as distinctive as the previous model, in my opinion. Still, it's a clean, controversy-free styling effort with tighter tolerances between body panels, new grab-style door handles, and new flat-blade wipers for improved wet weather performance.

2006 Impala LS, LT and LTZ models look fairly similar except that the LTZ has 17-inch tires and a trunk spoiler. The Impala SS has 18-inch tires, a distinct front-end that includes a dual-split grille with a black-diamond crosshatch pattern, and at the rear, chrome dual exhaust tips.

Interior impressions

The cabin is a big improvement over the previous Impala. Our Impala LTZ model featured attractive two-tone upper/lower dash plastic, wood and chrome accents, and simple, easy to use controls. The LTZ comes with a leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise and radio controls on the wheel, and floor shifter for the automatic transmission. Note to GM: get rid of the light-coloured floor mats and carpets.













Click image to enlarge

The driver's seat is positioned fairly high for an upright seating position. It features power height, tilt and rake adjustment, and manual lumbar adjustment for comfort, but even in its lowest position, it seems a bit high for tall drivers. The passenger seat also has power adjustability, and both seats offer heaters. The front seats are wide, which is good for larger people, but I found the seatbacks a bit firm. My car had the optional Nuance leather which is smooth rather than textured.

One odd thing about the Impala's interior: the floor shift lever does not have a transmission gear indicator beside it. The driver must look up into the instrument cluster to see what gear has been engaged.

The new three-gauge instrument cluster is attractive and easy to read, and includes a tachometer. A digital display integrated into the speedometer includes the transmission gear indicator, compass, outside temperature display, and odometer.

In the upper centre dash, the radio/CD player features a bright, green-on-black display that's easy to read day or night. It includes a standard auxiliary input jack for external devices, such as iPod or MP3 players, to be played through the vehicle's audio system. But even on the Impala LTZ, a 6-disc CD changer is optional.

The dual temperature automatic climate control in my LTZ has sensible round dials for the fan speed and ventilation choices, but the temperature controls are two vertical wheels that I found awkward to operate.

Below that is a roomy, open storage bin with two 12-volt powerpoints, and behind the shift lever is an open storage area that can be turned into two cupholders by sliding a divider into the middle - very ingenious!

Between the front seats is an armrest with a large bi-level storage bin. However, the upper compartment must be physically removed before the driver can access the lower compartment - which I found awkward. Usually, both upper and lower storage areas can be accessed with two separate releases.

The rear bench seat accommodates three adults and has three fixed head restraints. There is plenty of legroom and headroom for rear passengers.

The new 70/30 split folding seatbacks are unique: the seat cushions flip up and forwards, and only the inner portion of the rear seatbacks folds down flat. But the seatbacks aren't lockable. As well, the rear seat cushions have a covered storage area beneath them when down, and there are grocery bag hooks on the back of the cushions when flipped forward.

The Impala's 527-litre (18.6 cu. ft.) trunk is huge, and fully lined.

Driving impressions

Techno-weenies will appreciate the fact that the new variable valve timing system in the new 3.9-litre OHV 60 degree V6 is capable of changing the angular orientation of the camshaft, thereby adjusting the timing of the exhaust and intake valves to optimize performance and fuel economy, and reduce emissions. This engine has already received Popular Mechanics' "Breakthrough Award" for its "innovative adaptation of variable valve timing."


Click image to enlarge
But for most of us, the main thing is that it has more power and torque than the 3.8-litre V6, better all-around performance, and only marginally worse fuel economy.

The 3.9 litre engine uses both variable valve timing and a variable-length intake manifold to produce 240 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 242 lb-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm. 90 percent of its torque is available from 1800 to 5800 rpm. That compares to the 3.8 litre V6 with 200 hp @ 5200 rpm, and 225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.


Click image to enlarge
Though the 3.9-litre engine has 42 more horsepower and 17 more foot pounds of torque, fuel economy suffers by only about 5%. Official fuel economy numbers for the 3.9 are: City 12.1 L/100 km (23 mpg Imperial) and Hwy: 7.9 L/100 km (36 mpg Imperial). The 3.8 V6 offers City 11.9 (24 mpg Imperial), and Hwy 7.3 (39 mpg Imperial).

Perhaps almost as important as the engine's performance is its improved quietness and lower vibration levels. A number of improvements were made to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) including a stiffer front body structure and an aluminum engine cradle. Around town and on the highway, the Impala is quieter with less engine and road noise seeping into the cabin. The engine turns over just 1900 at 100 km/h and 2300 at 120 km/h, and the four-speed automatic transmission is very smooth. On the freeway, the cabin is very quiet with just a little bit of wind noise coming from the oddly shaped left mirror.


Click image to enlarge
The driver has good visibility forwards, and to the side - the third side window does help when changing lanes. However, the rear window is quite high because of the high trunklid. It makes it impossible to see the front of the car directly behind you when parallel parking, or backing into a space at the mall. As well, the optional trunk spoiler on my test car didn't help visibility. Curiously, the three rear fixed head restraints didn't impede rear visibility. A concern for city dwellers: the Impala is a fairly long car - over 200 inches long. Parking and manoeuvring in tight spots can be challenging.


Click image to enlarge
While it's a comfortable daily driver with very nice highway manners, the Impala LTZ balks at any kind of aggressive driving manoeuvres. It tends to lean and understeer in tight corners even though it has fairly meaty Goodyear Eagle LS 225/55R-17 inch radials; and the steering is fairly vague on the highway although satisfactory in town. New four-wheel-disc brakes with larger front brakes and standard ABS and electronic brake differential provide quicker stops and have a linear pedal feel - but ABS is optional on LS and LT models. Those drivers seeking a performance-oriented sedan should look at the Impala SS which has a performance-tuned suspension. One more thing: I disliked the sound of the turn signal indicator. It sounds like a metal spoon being banged inside a tin can. Cheap! And doesn't reflect the rest of the car.

Safety features

For 2006, the Impala offers new standard side-curtain air bags, which offer head protection for outboard passengers in a side collision. Mounted in the roof rails, the side curtain air bags deploy down to the lower edge of the windows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

Dual stage front airbags for front passengers are standard, and the airbag sensor for front passenger seat is capable of differentiating between adults, 5th percentile females and larger and small children or child seats, in its deployment speed. This is to avoid injuring smaller passengers.

At the rear, there are LATCH anchors and tethers for up to three child seats, three 3-point seatbelts, and three head restraints. The 2006 Impala features a strengthened "safety cage" passenger compartment for improved energy dissipation in the event of a crash. No crash tests of the 2006 Impala have been performed yet, but the 2005 Impala received a "Good" rating in the 40 mph frontal offset crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; and 5 Stars for the driver and front passenger in 35 mph frontal crash tests, and 4 stars for front and rear passengers in side impact crash tests conducted by the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Competitors

The Impala is bigger than most mid-size sedans and smaller than some large sedans, so it's difficult to say exactly which cars it competes with, but I would include the Buick Allure, Ford Five-Hundred, Chrysler 300, Pontiac Bonneville, and some of the larger imports like the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and the new VW Passat. Reliability

With new powertrains, it's too early to say how reliable the 2006 Impala will be, but Consumer Reports rated the previous Impala's predicted reliability as "better than average". As well, the 2005 Impala was ranked second (to the Buick Century) in the 2005 Initial Quality Survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates

Verdict

An improved interior, quieter ride, more power, improved safety, and a lower price are the highlights of the redesigned 2006 Chevrolet Impala, but the visibility to the rear is hampered by a tall trunk, handling is mediocre, and the new styling lacks individuality.

Technical Data: 2005 Chevrolet Impala LTZ

Base price LTZ $29,840
Options $1,790
Freight $1,150
A/C tax $100
Price as tested $32,880
Type 4-door, 5/6-passenger full size sedan
Layout Front engine/front-wheel-drive
Engine 3.9-litre V6, OHV, 12 valves, VVT
Horsepower 240 @ 6000 rpm
Torque 242 @ 4400 rpm
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Tires P225/55R-17 AL2 Goodyear Eagle touring
Curb weight N/A (app. 1660 kg)
Wheelbase 2807 mm (110.5 in.)
Length 5091 mm (200.4 in.)
Width 1851 mm (72.9 in.)
Height 1487 mm (58.7 in.)
Cargo capacity 527 litres (18.6 cu. ft.)
Fuel consumption City: 12.1 L/100 km (23 mpg Imperial)
Hwy: 7.9 L/100 km (36 mpg Imperial)
Warranty 3 yrs/60,000 km
Powertrain Warranty 3 yrs/60,000 km
Assembly location Oshawa, Ontario




Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver

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