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The Impala
was recently given a thorough upgrade that included a new interior, new
engines, a revised suspension, and new seats. Yet despite those upgrades, the
car’s general competence, and its excellent pricing, it does not emerge as
even a terrific value-oriented large sedan. The biggest detractor would be its
rear seat which, while comfortable, is smaller than a number of midsize family
sedans that may not have met the criteria for this group but still offer more
space. But in general, while the Impala may not be a class-stand out, its
general competence and low price certainly merit consideration. And the
V8-powered SS model is thousands less than its competitors from Chrysler and
Dodge, gets better gas mileage, and offers comparable driving enjoyment.
The V6 Impala has a soft,
comfortable, and absorbent ride, though it is prone to some highway-speed
float. The V8 SS model has little comfort penalty, though larger bumps punch
through more sharply, and there is less ride float than on the standard
suspension. Neither version is even as agile as the 300/Charger, and there is
disappointingly little difference between them (the SS only has less body
roll). The V6 model has reasonably quick, well-weighted, accurate, though
uncommunicative steering, and the SS’s only feels heavier. The 3.9-liter V6 is
reasonably quick, though somewhat raucous under hard acceleration. The
5.3-liter V8 offers excellent power, almost at the level of its Chrysler/Dodge
competitors. There is no noticeable torque steer, despite the
front-wheel-drive setup. The V6 and V8 models return near-identical fuel
economy, and the V8’s EPA mileage ratings beat the Hemi Chrysler/Dodge by two
miles per gallon.
Inside, the Impala’s
available 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, and there is insufficient lateral support. The bucket seats with
console shifter offered in all but the base V6 Impala and represent the only
available configuration on the SS are better-shaped, though there could still
be more lateral support. There is an abundance of leg and head space. The rear
is well-shaped and adequately comfortable, though not at all spacious by this
group’s standards.  Interior
quality may have been the 2006 update’s biggest improvement; though the design
and materials are not luxurious like some competitors, the materials are of
solid quality and fit together well. 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 suitably large even by this group’s standards, and quite
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 (the previous version did well in the offset crash
test, poorly in the head restraint evaluations), and hasn’t subjected any
version to their side crash test.
Both Impalas reviewed here
came in at impressively low prices, though they did not have all the features
expected at this price range. The V6-powered 3LT was $24,760, and the V8 SS
was $27,256, identically equipped. The cars lack such safety features as
torso-protecting side airbags and stability control, as well as an automatic
climate control system, but do include the OnStar accident notification system
that is a GM-exclusive feature at this price point.
Overall,
the V6 Impala is a competent but unexceptional vehicle, which is sufficient at
its low price to compete against other well-equipped mainstream family sedans.
It is no luxury car, but it doesn’t cost enough to demand such a requirement.
And while the V8 costs between roughly $5,000 and $8,000 less than its closest
competitors (Hemi-powered Chrysler and Dodge sedans) and gets better gas
mileage, little is sacrificed in terms of driving enjoyment over those
vehicles, as they too are entertaining almost exclusively for their power. If
you’re looking for a capable family car or a sport-oriented V8 large sedan,
the Impala is a solid choice at an excellent price.
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