2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo: Road Test
2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo ▼
- MSRP: $20,330 - $26,330
- Invoice: $19,212 - $24,882
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Our road test for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo help you decide if a 2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 5.6 |
Peppy from a stop, regardless of engine. The 3.5- and 3.9-liter V6s provide similar acceleration in around-town driving, but 3.9 has better passing response in 35-55-mph range. V8 furnishes ample power at any speed. Ethanol-blended fuel, called E85, is available in most states and is typically less expensive than regular-grade gasoline. E85 can be used in 3.5-liter V6 Impalas and Monte Carlos. Test Impala showed no difference in acceleration using E85.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Test Impala LT 3.5 averaged 24.2 mpg in mixed driving. Test Impala SS averaged 20.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test Monte Carlo SS averaged 17.2 mpg with more city use. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for V6s, premium for V8s. Using E85, test 3.5 Impala averaged 16.9 mpg in mixed driving, 22.9 mpg in mostly highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Soft, but some float and wallow with 16-inch tires. Available 17s temper much of the unwanted motion. Little comfort penalty with SS, despite sport suspension with 18-inch wheels, though larger bumps felt more readily in Monte Carlo than Impala.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Stable, with well-balanced steering. SS models have sportiest moves, but no Impala/Monte Carlo feels agile. Stopping power good, but Chevy should make ABS standard on all Impalas.
QUIETNESS
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Wind rush and tire roar both intrude slightly in Impala, more so in Monte Carlo. In rapid acceleration, V6s emit prominent growl. V8 subdued at cruise, has muscle car rumble under throttle. Assorted squeaks noted in one test Impala.
CONTROLS
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6.8 |
Gauges clearly marked, easy to read. Large, clearly marked radio/climate controls have easy-grip rubberized surfaces, operate smoothly. Monte Carlo climate controls mounted too low for easy use, require protracted look away from road to adjust. Cabin materials serviceable, but Impala trails most like-priced imports for quality feel. Hard plastic expanses dominate Impala cabin, have budget look and feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
Head, leg room adequate in Impala and Monte Carlo. With standard six-passenger seating, Impala bench seat bottom too short for long-distance comfort. Narrow cabin limits three-abreast seating to short trips, smaller passengers. Decent visibility compromised slightly by thick rear pillars in Impala, more so in Monte Carlo. Easy entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
Impala leg room adequate. Head room tight for taller adults. Narrow door bottoms slightly impede entry/exit. Monte Carlo space generous for sporty coupe, though passengers over 5-ft-10 will want more head room. High step over, low seat complicate entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4.5 |
Impala trunk roomy, has usefully flat floor. Lid uses nonintrusive strut-type hinges, but odd-shaped opening hampers loading bulky objects. Monte Carlo trunk generous for coupe, just average for midsize car. Both have adequate cabin storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Impala, Chevrolet's top-selling car, is affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. Powertrains are improved for 2006, and curtain side airbags are available for the first time. But this sedan still feels dated compared to midsize-car-class pacesetters, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. In the same vein, Monte Carlo is a throwback to the era of the midsize domestic coupe, trading passenger space and cargo room for a sporty profile.
Total Score
| Impala LT 3.5 | Impala LTZ | Impala SS | Monte Carlo SS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 60 | 61 | 51 | 58.2 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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