2006-2008 Chevrolet Impala: Road Test

All Impalas are peppy from a stop. Chevrolet's V6 engines are comparable in around-town driving, but the 3.9 has better midrange passing response in the 35-55 mph range. The V8 furnishes ample power at any speed. Ethanol-blended E85 fuel can be used in the 3.5-liter V6, and it shows no difference in acceleration compared to all-gasoline. A test Impala SS averaged 20.3 mpg in mostly highway driving, but a 3.5-liter V6 managed 24.2 mpg. Using E85 fuel, an Impala with the 3.5-liter V6 averaged 16.9 mpg overall and 22.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. E85 provides lower mileage figures than gasoline. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade gasoline for V6s, but premium for V8s. Expect a soft ride, but some float and wallow with 16-inch tires. Available 17-inch tires temper much of the unwanted motion. Little comfort penalty is evident with the SS, despite its sport suspension and 18-inch wheels. Stable handling is the rule, with well-balanced steering. The SS sedan has the sportiest moves, but no Impala feels agile. Stopping power is good, but Chevrolet should have made ABS standard on all Impalas. Wind rush and tire roar both intrude slightly. In rapid acceleration, V6 engines emit a prominent growl. The V8s are subdued at cruise, but deliver a "muscle car" rumble under throttle. Assorted squeaks were noted in one test Impala. Gauges are clearly marked and easy to read. Large radio/climate controls have easy-grip rubberized surfaces, and operate smoothly. Cabin materials are serviceable, but hard plastic dominates. Impala trails most like-priced imports for quality look and feel. Comfortable front seats produce adequate head and leg room. With standard six-passenger seating, the bench-seat bottom is too short for long-distance comfort. Entry/exit is easy, but the narrow cabin limits three-abreast seating to short trips and smaller passengers. Decent visibility is compromised slightly by thick rear pillars, sharply angled back window, and smallish outside rearview mirrors. Rear leg room is adequate, but head room tight for taller adults. Narrow door bottoms slightly impede rear entry/exit. Usefully roomy, the trunk has a flat floor. The trunklid uses non-intrusive strut-type hinges, but odd-shaped opening hampers loading bulky objects. Rear-seat cushions flip forward to reveal handy storage wells and grocery-bag hooks. Cabin storage is adequate.

Value for the Money
Chevrolet's top-selling sedan is affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. It gained curtain side airbags and improved powertrains for 2006, but continues to trail top import rivals in overall refinement. Impalas still feel dated compared to midsize pacesetters like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.