prashok
Sep 9, 05, 11:08 am
Came into DFW earlier this week, and found another Mustang in my stall (the third time in three weeks!). Of course, being the generous person I am, I decided to trade with a co-worker who hadn't yet experienced pony-car power, while I "settled" for her new '06 Impala LT (OK, I admit I was a bit excited to drive GM's latest product refresh :D)...
http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/
From the Chevrolet website, my 3LT trim model is priced at $25,420.
Power: My model was equipped with the GM High Value 3.9L 242 hp V6, which provides effortless power, albeit a bit unrefined compared to Nissan's butter-smooth 3.5L and Toyota's whisper-quiet 3.3L. However, I did find the 3900 to be noticeably smoother than the unremarkable 3500. As expected, GM's four-speed Hydra-Matic is a model example of an automatic tranmission, providing smooth, prompt shifts (though the lack of a fifth or sixth gear may be a negative compared to the competition). Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 19/27 mpg city/highway.
Ride/Handling: For a large sedan, the Impala has generally neutral dynamics. Steering and handling are significantly improved over the pre-refresh Impala, while the ride remains comfortable and smooth without being overly floaty. There is some numbness in the steering rack though, and body roll is a bit more pronounced that I would prefer. Brake feel is moderate, and the standard ABS and traction control systems are fairly unintrusive.
Interior: GM apparently paid major attention to refreshing the interior, and it shows. Design and tactile quality show huge improvements over the last model, and the general result is pleasing, particularly in the charcoal-colored example in my model. Materials quality is also generally good, although some dash panels looked high-quality, but felt cheap. Ergonomics are intuitive, save for a out-of-place stereo tuning knob and a steering wheel with no telescoping adjustments. Interior space is generous, but trunk space seems to be a bit smaller than the competition.
Features: Other than the requisite power accessories, notable features include a remote-start system, tire-pressure monitor, a "fold-flat" rear seat and an MP3-capable stereo system.
Value: My Impala model was classed under YF, which would likely put it under competition with cars such as the Five Hundred, Camry and Bonneville (from my experiences). I would rate the Impala below the Camry, but above the Bonneville and Five Hundred (although my main complaint with the Ford is the lack of power, which the upcoming 3.5L Duratec should remedy).
To sum it up:
The Good
A comfortable cruiser
Well-equipped
The Bad
Some cheap interior bits
Adequate, but uninspiring performance
http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/
From the Chevrolet website, my 3LT trim model is priced at $25,420.
Power: My model was equipped with the GM High Value 3.9L 242 hp V6, which provides effortless power, albeit a bit unrefined compared to Nissan's butter-smooth 3.5L and Toyota's whisper-quiet 3.3L. However, I did find the 3900 to be noticeably smoother than the unremarkable 3500. As expected, GM's four-speed Hydra-Matic is a model example of an automatic tranmission, providing smooth, prompt shifts (though the lack of a fifth or sixth gear may be a negative compared to the competition). Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 19/27 mpg city/highway.
Ride/Handling: For a large sedan, the Impala has generally neutral dynamics. Steering and handling are significantly improved over the pre-refresh Impala, while the ride remains comfortable and smooth without being overly floaty. There is some numbness in the steering rack though, and body roll is a bit more pronounced that I would prefer. Brake feel is moderate, and the standard ABS and traction control systems are fairly unintrusive.
Interior: GM apparently paid major attention to refreshing the interior, and it shows. Design and tactile quality show huge improvements over the last model, and the general result is pleasing, particularly in the charcoal-colored example in my model. Materials quality is also generally good, although some dash panels looked high-quality, but felt cheap. Ergonomics are intuitive, save for a out-of-place stereo tuning knob and a steering wheel with no telescoping adjustments. Interior space is generous, but trunk space seems to be a bit smaller than the competition.
Features: Other than the requisite power accessories, notable features include a remote-start system, tire-pressure monitor, a "fold-flat" rear seat and an MP3-capable stereo system.
Value: My Impala model was classed under YF, which would likely put it under competition with cars such as the Five Hundred, Camry and Bonneville (from my experiences). I would rate the Impala below the Camry, but above the Bonneville and Five Hundred (although my main complaint with the Ford is the lack of power, which the upcoming 3.5L Duratec should remedy).
To sum it up:
The Good
A comfortable cruiser
Well-equipped
The Bad
Some cheap interior bits
Adequate, but uninspiring performance