2006 Chevrolet Impala Road Test (Video Clip)

* Click HERE to see a video on the Chevrolet Impala *


The car for every job

The Impala nameplate means two things generally speaking: for the car lovers, it evokes power, style and stealth and for most everyone else, it stands for taxis and cop cars. What this says about today's Impala is that it is basically what I call a "fleet special". In other words, a car destined to be on rental car lots across North America. General Motors realises that this is the case but they make no real apology about it; how else would they manage to put over 250 000 of them on the road each year.

Following the winning introduction of the Impala in 2000, which replaced the not-so-interesting Lumina, GM now gives us an all-new iteration of Chevrolet's best selling car. The arrival of new engines and the very recent announcement (in the US for the moment) of reduced MSRPs should help to move even more of the highest selling domestic car.

Pricing begins at $24,685 and tops out at around $37,500. I tested an LTZ with a few options and it retails for $30,985.

Styling

The restyled outer shell of the Impala has clearly matured. The previous generation (2000-05) tried a little too hard to stand out in the full-size sedan crowd: for example its odd taillights and headlights amongst other cues. The 2006 design is more understated and subtle. The lines of the body smoothly flow from one end to another but the overall aspect is somewhat short on pizzazz. The LTZ and SS trims are particularly handsome thanks to 17" (LTZ) or 18" (SS) wheels and trunk-lid mounted spoiler.

Exterior panel gaps were nice and even. Overall quality of the fit and finish, both inside and out, is better than acceptable. The selection of plastics and other materials for the cabin is generally good. The dashboard layout is uncomplicated and up to the task. HVAC controls are straightforward.

A clear line has been formed in my mind. It seems as though GM is putting more effort into the build quality of their midsize and larger cars. The Buick Allure was also attractive on the inside however, the Pursuit and HHR are lagging further behind than I would like.

The seats provide ample comfort and the passenger quarters offer generous room for five passengers. The absence of gear shifter positions by the lever give off the impression that there is something oddly missing. The gear selection does appear at the bottom of the speedometer. The trunk is cavernous and will easily swallow a set of golf bags and pull-carts.

This was my first experience with XM Satellite radio; what an ear-opener! In my opinion, the $325 option is well worth it as is the subscription fee. Consider it the equivalent of buying one CD per month.