What Is It?

2006 Chevrolet Impala

What's Special About It?

Chevy's mainstream family sedan gets a major face-lift for 2006, as well as improved performance and quality. The chunky exterior sheet metal introduced in 1999 has been replaced with softer curves and smoother lines, and the result is pleasing to the eye while unmistakably Chevrolet.

The suspension was left relatively untouched, but three new engines are now offered. Base models receive a 210-horsepower, 3.5 V6; midlevel cars get a 240-horse, 3.9 V6; and the top-tier Super Sport is stuffed with V8 power. Rather than pulling a V8 truck engine off the shelf, Chevrolet engineers developed a scaled-down version of the Corvette's all-aluminum LS2. Displacing 5.3 liters and producing 303 hp, the engine is equipped with Displacement on Demand (DoD) technology that lets it shut down four cylinders when full power isn't required. Chevy claims DoD improves fuel economy up to 12 percent.

A new interior features tighter gaps between panels, new seats with firmer foam and standard dual front and side curtain airbags. A six-speaker CD stereo is standard, while an MP3/CD player with XM capability is optional and a Bose-designed premium system is available on LTZ and SS models.

Other features exclusive to the SS include sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and unique "high-tech" interior trim.

What's Edmunds' Take?

Chevrolet has lost a lot of market share over the past few decades to Honda and Toyota, and for good reason. The Accord and Camry are stellar vehicles that offer high quality and an affordable price tag. It appears the folks from Detroit have finally realized that build quality and sporty driving dynamics make a difference. The new Impala may be the first Chevy in decades that can go head-to-head with the imports. The car's lines are clean and attractive, and the new interior is a vast improvement over previous models. We're not sure if dropping a V8 into a front-wheel-drive platform exactly qualifies a car for the venerable Super Sport nameplate, but it's certainly a big step in the right direction. — Dan Kahn