When it comes to building popular full-sized sedans, Chevrolet has a long-standing legacy of making roomy four-doors that people want to buy. In the past two decades, however, Chevy misplaced its blue ribbon prize-winning recipe, crafting dud after unimpressive dud to serve as a traditional meat-and-potatoes model. Though retail numbers, buoyed by heavily discounted sales to government and rental fleet agencies, kept last year’s Impala in the best-selling American car slot, the product itself was unworthy of the title. But this redesigned 2006 Chevrolet Impala is another story. The new ’06 Impala is exactly what most people want in a sedan. It is inoffensively handsome, designed to age well rather than “wow” with trendy style. It is roomy and comfortable, and the interior is constructed using quality materials. And it represents good value. With four trim levels, three engines, and prices ranging from $22,000 to $32,000, the 2006 Chevy Impala neatly straddles either side of the average price of a new car sold in America today. Leave the Impala LS to the feds and Avis – it’s got a wheezy 3.5-liter V6 making 211 horsepower under the hood, and there’s no upgrade engine. Standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags, air conditioning, OnStar telematics with one free year of service, cruise and tilt, a power driver’s seat, and a CD player. Of course, power windows, locks, mirrors, and remote keyless entry also come on the LS. Step up to the LT and you’ll get dual-zone climate controls, remote engine starting, floor mats, a compass, and an exterior temperature display. Options for the LT include a bigger 3.9-liter V6 engine generating 242 horsepower, alloy wheels, traction control, ABS, leather upholstery, a power sunroof, and a premium audio system with a CD changer. Luxury is the name of the Impala LTZ’s game, thanks to leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, Bose audio, and a universal garage door opener. The Impala SS is the performance model, equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 engine whipping up 303 horsepower, a performance-tuned suspension, and 18-inch wheels and tires. Driving the 2006 Chevrolet Impala reveals comfortable seating, an excellent interior design and layout, and capable powertrains. In particular, the Impala SS is an enjoyable touring sedan, and despite its V8 engine gets as much as 28 mpg on the highway thanks to GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders for cruising. Attractive, comfortable, and with four models that meet a wide variety of budgets and requirements, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala is our pick for Best New Large Car of 2006. – Christian J. Wardlaw
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