2006 Chevrolet Impala

Best news for V-8 fans is the delightful new top-of-the-line Impala SS, which returns legendary small-block Chevy power to the once-legendary nameplate for the first time since those huge, blimp-like early 1990s rear-drive Impalas. This all-aluminum 5.3-liter sweetheart V-8 churns out a healthy 303 hp and 323 lb.-ft. of torque, launches the SS to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and, partly thanks to GM's Displacement on Demand (DOD) cylinder deactivation technology, delivers a very decent 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway EPA economy.


"Our goal was to build on the previous car's success and move it up-market a bit," said Impala Lead Exterior Designer Louis "Chip" Thole. Mission accomplished. Perceived quality inside and out, judging by fits, gaps and materials, is much improved and class-competitive. It's no Audi inside, but elegantly simple, attractive and well executed with plastic surfaces hard to the touch but nicely textured. The only real controversy is the so-so faux wood in most models. Brushed metal-look trim is optional, but we like the SS's carbon-fiber-like panels. There's good passenger room front and rear, and segment-exclusive flip-and-fold rear seats provide a choice of cargo bins or a carpeted, flat floor with pass-through to the trunk.

Performance

Impala's fully independent suspension tuning logically elevates with performance. Base V-6 buyers get 16-inch S-rated tires with "smooth ride and in-control handling," Chevy says. The 3.9L V-6 brings FE1 "elegant agility with...more ride character" and more aggressive 17-inch T-rated tires. The SS wears 18-inch W-rated rubber with FE3 chassis rates that appropriately "trade some ride...for handling, without being harsh."


We found all three variations true to these descriptions. Base V-6 models, not overly soft or underpowered, will satisfy their budget-minded buyers. "Up" V-6 cars felt stronger off the line and comfortable in ride, yet surprisingly agile and balanced through the turns. Our overwhelming favorite, naturally, is the highly effective SS. Its lovely small-block V-8 music entertains every time you tickle the go-pedal, its acceleration is exhilarating, and its curvy road character is about as good as it gets with front-drive cars this size despite a touch of torque steer when powering hard out of tight turns.


The electric power rack-and-pinion steering felt under-boosted at parking speeds but nicely weighted with good feel and feedback underway. We didn't get a chance to try repeated aggressive stops, but the 4-wheel power discs with vented front rotors never showed any fade when we used them hard. ABS and traction control are available on LS and LT and standard on other models, and all but the base 16-in. wheels come with tire pressure monitoring.