Used 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS 4dr Sedan (5.3L 8cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
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Sleeper sports car
This is the second front wheel drive car I have owned. Does not take long getting used too. Surprising how much power this vehicle gets. Handles the road good and has a smooth ride. Just took a trip from Houston to Colorado and had no problems and was very comfortable driving. I only got 24mpg on the highway using 87 octane. I get a steady 19mpg with city driving.
Could you ask for more?
I drove other SS Impalas before finding a GM car with 4800 miles on it for thousands less than a new 07. Have owned Corvettes, Mustangs, RX-7's, and several Turbo cars. This car offers all of the above performance, with the ability to go shopping, seat 5 adults, and have a nice road feel. I was waiting for the 09 Camero, but, at 46 opted for the street sleeper.
Leave 'em in the dust
I'll say it once. Whiplash. I had a Dodge Intrepid ES that didn't come close to my Chevy. The interior is simple but accommodating. Easy to see controls. Sunroof is farther back in the roof than other cars, but is a nice option. 0-60 was 6.1 compared to the 6.5 promised. I took it on the track and topped it off at 146 mph. Needless to say the gas mileage is less than appealing. I drive a lot of city miles and it averages 15 mpg. Plenty of room for all and a great sized trunk. Keep battery back up for keyless entry due to the lack of a trunk keyhole. I looked at many cars and trucks and would go back and change it for the world. Looking forward to leaving the others in my dust.
Fun to run, but...
Like most who own this beast, it mostly comes fully loaded and as such is very nice, blah blah blah. But after the initial romance wears off you kind of notice a couple of this and wonder why. First the cheap visors don't go out to the door frame and leave an annoying gap that if you're driving into the sun. No trunk key access, hope to God you never have your remote do dead. The batteries are supposed to be good for 4 years, losing range at 1 year mark. The OEM tires are great and all, but what a sticker shock when the time comes to replace, how about $250+ each! You could get cheaper Goodrich and some others for much less, but if you really like those Goodyears, start saving now.
Very dependable car
Only one small problem in 2 1/2 years of ownership, one tire switch monitor keeps on going out but zero other problems after 41000 miles. As a frequent car changer every year or two but I foresee keeping this car for at least 2-5 more years.
Gas mileage not as advertised
I have enjoyed my new SS since purchasing it in mid November '05. Pretty much as advertised with only one exception. My only issues is the gas mileage. When buying a V8 one should expect that gas mileage will be less than a 6 cyl auto, but when the manufacturer states 18-28 MPG, you would expect to average inside that range. To date I'm averaging about 17.5 per tank in town and 21 or so highway. This represents mileage without A/C or a lead foot at this time. GM would be wise to revise their advertising as I suspect this car will be more in the 16-20 MPG range once I quit babying it.
Test drive and see for yourself
In my opinion, this car is simply awesome. Yes, the exterior can use a little more modification, but it is still a head-turner. Everyone that I've spoke with about it loved it. As far as pure HP, I don't think your gonna beat it with any other sedan on the market. No I haven't purchased a lot of sedan, but this is an animal on the highway. Going 80 mph seems like 50. The ride is smooth. The interior is nice also. Of course, everyone will have something bad to say about everything in life. Great vehicle.
Impala SS: Super Sleeper
I don't think GM has ever offered a car that mixed so much performance and economy in such an attractive package. I was looking for a daily driver with reasonable gas mileage and what I got was a fun to drive sports sleeper-sedan with horsepower to spare. And, the gas mileage is good for 303 HP-- I'm averaging 22 in city. Build quality is much better than even three years ago, it rivals some of the German brands. Very roomy interior with nice surprises. Controls are logically placed, clean looking and easy to use. Great XM Bose stereo. Exterior tolerances are extremely good. Improvements galore over recent US brands, right down to the door hinges. GM is trying hard to earn business.
Love The Ride......Hate the Gas Mileage
Have had the Impala SS since November and love the performance and ride of the vehicle. However, I'm really disappointed in the gas mileage as I'm only averaging 19.2 mpg. Also, the torque steering does take some getting used to. Was also suprised that the owner's manual suggests using premium grade gasoline.
My SS
The new Impala SS is comfortable, quiet, very powerful, and affordable. Gas mileage as I have tested on strictly highway is right where the window sticker has it at 27mpg. My commuting average with hour long traffic jams and stop and go traffic is 22mpg. I have always believed in supporting the US economy when I spend my hard earned dollars by buying American made products(foreign brands, even ones with US badges assembled here, 50 cents of every dollar goes back to the country of origin) and the Impala SS is 92% US and Canadian parts content with the engine and transmission made in the USA. The SS performance surprises the overweight HEMIs and Mustang GTs.
One fine machine!
The 06 Impala SS is a masterpiece in quality and beauty. It was an intoxicating experience from the moment I turned the ignition on for a test drive. This Chevrolet exhumes 100 percent luxury and unimaginable power.
New Impala is HOT
This 2006 SS Impala is just what I was looking for. It has plenty of power and gets reasonable gas mileage with the DOD system about 18 MPG in city driving. The head room is perfect for the tall person and leg room is great. The trunk is big enough for four sets of golf clubs. If you want power and a full size car this one is mucher hotter then the Cadilac STS for a lot less money.
Great Car
I've had my Laser Blue SS for about a month now, and in my opinion it's a great car. It's very comfortable, quiet, and rattle free. With 93 Octane gas I've been averaging about 19 mpg with mixed driving, and the motor is very strong and smooth. FYI this car will also fit two car seats and a booster seat in the back. So far, the build quality / fit and finish seem great. I haven't noticed any defects, and you don't hear the road or the wind much at all. The car handles great for a large 4-door sedan, it really seems to stick to the road well. Also, the Bose stereo sounds great, and the MP-3 player input is very convienent.
Impala SS
Fun to drive. My wife has driven to Boston a few times and she loves the way it handles and the power. She said she feels very safe an secure in it. Gas mileage is a little questionable.
So long Ford, I have my "Mustang" now!
I ordered a Mustang GT back in Aug. '05, December came and the dealership still could not tell me when it would be built. Wanted a car with "power", drove the SS and that was it! I've never looked back, what Mustang? This car is a beast. I'm 6'5" and have plenty of room (big selling feature). The power is great, this thing is a lead sled but the V8 moves it effortlessly. It's a straight line car, wont't be taking turns at 100 mph. If you want a car that combines power, some sport, good ride, vast amount of room (up front & in the trunk, back seat a tad tight), and luxury car amenities, then this is a car to look at. I just hope it proves to be reliable, no problems so far!
The Perfect Car!
This car is absolutely perfect. I bought it early Janurary as a second car. I thought I would like my Honda Accord better, but this Chevy has proven me wrong. I drive a lot, so I like to own two cars to spread out the mileage. However, I cannot stop driving my Impala. The Honda sits in the driveway, this one is just that much better. The engine is fast, the brakes are unbelievable. My brother has an LS version, that is the one with the V6, and he says it is still a nice engine. I like the SS look of this car, I would recommend it to anyone.
Impala SS
I am very impressed. Have found nothing wrong with the car. I have owned 7 Corvettes. This is my wifes car and it impresses me with the Vette like performance prior to 1997. We bought an Impala LS in 2000, but this one puts it to shame. I look forward to driving it when my wife lets me. Chevrolet has outdone itself and has a winner here. I love the polished aluminum wheels and the exhaust rumble. Fantastic automobile!
Hot SS
The Chevrolet Impala SS is a fun car to drive. My wife and I just love the new V-8 engine. It is very responsive to all drivind needs. Before this SS, I drove an Impala and my wife a Z-28. This car gives us both what we want in a car. I like the size and comfort and my wife likes the power. With the 06 SS we get the best of both worlds. Way to go, GM.
Best Sports Sedan Currently Available
The 2006 Chevy Impala SS is simply the best sports sedan currently available on the market. It combines the best features of a sporty ride and a long distance highway cruiser. It has a quiet cabin with extremely little road and essentially no wind noise. The engine power is exhilarating. The throaty exhaust note is just prominent enough to sound good without being overly intrusive. The car handles extremely well and yet is not overly harsh or rough riding. The BOSE audio system and XM radio are awesome. The engine shifts seamlessly, imperceptibly between 4 and 8 cylinders. The 4-speed automatic transmission is extremely smooth with seamless shifts and is a superb match for the motor.
Nice Car
Only had it 3 days, but I really like this car. Had a 2000 LS and put 145,000 mile on it with no significant problems. This car has great performance, acceleration, handling. It is quiet and the radio and sound system is fantastic. Mileage is not as good as I would have hoped, but it is just getting broken in and I haven't taken it on any lengthy drives yet. All in all, I am very pleased
06 Chev. Impala SS
Driven at 60 to 65 mph achieve 26 mpg,around town achieves 18 mpg. Build quality and vehicle acceleration are excellent.
SS review
Love the performance. It will beat just about any car on the road. Extermely nice to get in and out of traffic. I get so many comments about the ride. I am averaging 21 mpg, but I ramp on it a bit too. I'm sure I could sqeeze 23 mpg average if I drive concervative. I love the mufflers, they arnt exactly flowmaster, but aren't the stock Silverodo mufflers where you can't hear anything. It's perfect. The stereo is amazing. The only problem I've had with it is the AC outlets lost power, but other than that it's an amazing car.
Performance of dream.
I am very please with the performance on my Impala SS.The power on take off is so inviting and tempting, (I may say) to break the traffics law giving you that Jekyl and Hyde personality battle. I have to admit it feel so good to turn it loose once in awhile and I am just glad I had not been caught up with yet.It does not end there,at cruising speed the transformation comes back,you could only heplessly wacht once again how you end up giving in to temptation so just go ahead enjoy the rush!
Impala SS
It has all the bells and whistles. A great car to have and drive. Only one in Greensboro NC. But it is a gas guzzler.14 to 15 mpg .
Chevy 06 SS
Great car. Black on Black. I get questions and comments about it all the time. It is fun to drive with excellent acceleration when you want it! I get about 20 MPG.
Don't Drive It Unless You Want To Buy It
This car is pretty much the whole package. It has power, looks, sophistication, and a good list of features. Gas mileage is not exactly close to what the sticker says but I am hoping that buyers would anticipate that since the gas pedal is so enticing. I strongly suggest the SS to anyone who has the need for a large car but still wants to DRIVE! I can pretty much guarantee that the power and the thrill will make up for the lack of options. Some features that aren't mentioned... When you tap the blinker, it lights three times for a lane change and also, the OnStar phone voice recognition is immensely better. Depending on what you are driving now, the seats may seem flat and unsupportive.
Awesome Car for the Price I Paid
All I can say is wow! I only paid $15, 995 for this car with only 30K on the odometer. I had a problem with the tire pressure monitor system at first, but a little hint: don't have your dealer try to fix; do it yourself. I took to dealer 5 times and they reset it each time. It went out again and I decided to fix it myself using the manual, and have had no more problems. Must use an air hose with high air output. This car is such a powerful car. Suggestion, buy used and pay half the price like I did. Also, you can upgrade the headlights to projector lights and make it look even more upscale. I installed them and an HID conversion kit that I got online and all I can say is wow! Buy this car!
310 Horses never felt soooo good
I traded my 2002 LS because it was underpowered and this car's PERFECT. It's just what the boredom doctor ordered. The fun starts when you hit the accelerator. Gas mileage is about 18.2 but who cares. the exhiliration is worth 10mpg. Reminds me a little of my 67' GTO except it was rear wheel drive. Love the leather and XM but most impressive is the diagnostic center. All 4 tire pressures? Can't get much better than that. If you're looking for a sleeper, come drive this car, you won't regret it.
Oil consuption
I was just on the web checking to see if any others had a oil problem. Was surprised to find many of the same problems I've had. The car goes through 1 to 2 quarts of oil between changes. Braking is not as good as it should be. The dealership has replaced the tire monitor for the right front tire, and the entire computer at least 5 times now. That became so frustrating that the first thing I do when I get in now is hit the button to get rid of the message. Other small misc problem too small to list. Really a shame because I love to drive this car
Lots of go for less gas!
Can't believe the fuel mileage when this 5.3L small block V8 drops down to the 4 Cyl mode. I made nearly 30MPG on a freeway trip! Average with combined driving has been in the low to mid 20s. When I step on this thing, it goes. I like the exterior. Great stereo. A little too much plastic on the dash, especially in front of the passenger seat. However, plasticy interiors seem to be the norm today. Can't beat the V8 rumble out of the dual exhaust. If you get too deep into the throttle the front tires will break loose and you will experience a little torque steer. All in all, while the car is very new, I have been extremely happy with the purchase.
Best V8 Sedan for the money
Wonderful car. Fast, smooth, quiet. Excellent on long trips. Perfect cruiser. Blends in doesn't stick out. Roomy inside as well as in the trunk.
Best car I have owned
I had a Monte Carlo (2003), and it was great. But the Impala is a far better vehicle for ride, and the supercharged engine has the power to pass when you want to
A Great Car
I traded in a 1997 Camaro Z28, so I'm no stranger to having a lot of ponies under the hood and wasn't expecting to be impressed by the acceleration of this car, but I was pleasantly surprised. It doesn't handle quite as well as the Camaro (as one would expect being a sedan), but it rides great. I think it might would outrun the Camaro in a drag race. Vast quantities of room (including a huge trunk) combined with many great features (including tire pressure monitor) leave you feeling like you're in a vehicle that costed a lot more than this one does. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants the practicality of a sedan with the heart of a sports car.
'06 Impala, the best yet
Purchased this vehicle in September '05. My wife & I may keep this vehicle FOREVER. It's FUN (a little torque steer on hard accel can be forgiven & easy to get used to), Laser Blue is BEAUTIFUL; lots of looks & comments; all good+. It can get good gas mileage but it's hard not to 'jump on it' once in awhile which doesn't help mileage. Engine & exhaust sound fabulous. My brother purchased a new Mustang GT (which is also fun to drive) but he & I both prefere the SS if you are driving any distance. I would rate the Bose sound system at an 8 (very good, not great). More fun to listen to the exhaust sound (especially with the sunroof open but OK without).
Intial Thoughts
Picked up my ordered 2006 on Tuesday the 26th so I am not trying to give a detailed review yet, but some intial thoughts after the first week of owning it. I traded a 2004 SS with 9800 miles because I wanted the all new model. The '04 was a great car (no problems) and I sort of wondered if I would be sorry I did a trade. The new style I find more pleasing to me except I am a bit disappointed with the front end design (looks like a large smiling mouth to me). The rear end looks great, and the interior, although still looking less then impressive, is passable. I do have a slight squeak noise in the right front interior somewhere such as possible plastic trim rubbing together. My '04 had a similar noise.
Love It!
I absolutely love the 2006 Impala SS. It handles like a dream and extremely fun to drive. I am not sure why it is categorized as a sedan because it performs like a sports car. You need to pay attention to your speed becuase you will fly in this vehicle without even realizing it. And when it switches from 8 cyl. to 4 cyl, you don't even know it. And if you're looking for an interior with roomy comfort, this car gives you that and does not look like you are driving grandpa's car. Would highly recommend the SS.
GM's best car - Impala SS
I started buying two Impalas every year since first model came out. I love this car and never had any problems. All the luxury is there without paying a high price. Good gas mileage and nice pickup speed.
Try It! You'll Buy It
I traded in a 99 STS. I'm very happy with my new SS. Power, comfort is all there. I had torque steer B4 you learn to drive with it. Sideview mirrors are much more aero than the ones on the STS.Side curtins great saftey improvment. Engine very smooth and much quicker than the STS. Don't like the trim around the dash and the unfinished door jams,still a nice car.
SS has no rival
My last car was a Ford, & I liked it a lot. I'm not stuck on one brand, rather, I buy what I consider to be the best car for the money. The SS fits that bill more than any car I've ever owned. I love the understated, clean styling. IMHO, simple interiors are best, & the SS is as straightforward as it gets. 18" rims are great, and like the rest of the car, tough looking yet classy at the same time. Love the heated seats, XM radio, & sunroof - options I had never splurged for in the past. Hwy ride is smooth, be careful, though...this car can get away from you! Mileage is function of my driving; can get 28 mpg on hwy if I need to, but fun factor of the V8 has me averaging more like 19 :)
Cool Riding SS
This car still has me amazed with the amount of power that it puts out. I haven't been pinned to the seat of a car in a very long time. However the down side the gas mileage isn't no where near its claims. I've notice that if I breathe on the gas pedal that it has a direct effect to the gas hand on the gas gauge. The temptation of not using all of that power is almost too much!
Sleeper
I have owned it for about a month. Fun car to drive, looks pretty sharp. I had some transmission troubles, dealer/GM took great care of the car. No problems at all.
Girls want to have fun too!
I love this car! My husband suggested I buy the car (I believe he wanted the car :) Now he can't keep me out of the it. I have to behave. I've already received 2 speeding tickets. Overall the car is everything I wanted. The drive is smooth, the look is sporty, the sound system is crystal clear, the power is there when you need it. I would buy another one.
Hang On
Wow is all I can say. When you drop the hammer on this thing it really goes! I love how quiet it is at crusing speed. Yes it's thirsty but my Focus was at best 26 MPG and this car is way up on the fun factor. The hands free phone is an added bonus stereo rocks even though I'm a Sirus subscriber. So far so good! I do think I'll lower it a bit.
Pretty good so far!
The interior is much what I expected. The V8 and associated rumble are great! I'm not impressed with the handling or braking, but I'm kinda chalking that up to its being "just another Impala" - I don't mind terribly. It's fascinating to watch the driver display go from 4cyl to 8cyl. XM Radio is pretty cool, as are the 36! presets. Ditto moonroof, OnStar, steering wheel controls. Can't stand the auto door locks.
Impala SS CD player blues
I love my new Impala. Fun to drive, delivers everything I wanted. Only problem I have had is the CD player. The first time I tried to put one in it would not let me. Had to take it back to the shop for them to verify the failuer and back again to have the whole radio replaced. New unit works great but I think they should add a CD check to their final inspection routine. Otherwise, thanks Chevrolet for a great car.
Good but not the best
Since I own my Impala SS, it rates high on the fun level but med on the design level. The seat risers had to be replaced,along with the steering shaft. I had computer issues the remote start, starting distance was reduced down to about 5 feet from well over a 100 feet when I first bought the car. But outside of the little minor glitches the car is really fun to drive and own. Gas miliage is no where near what it was rated. But I have learned to use cruise control more and less foot. I still love the car.
Transmission Blow out 42,000
Great looking car for the money. However, I have had a many problems. Keyless entry never work correct and tire sensor. Was in shop a couple of time until fix right. Body work poor has as sections came unalined. Note: all items were fixed at dealers cost. However, my transmission went at 42,000 (all highway). Chevy would not stand behind the transmission even with me only be 6k over in miles. I will tell you not to buy without the extend warranty or you will get screwed by Chevy(3800 fix). PS put in a transmission cooler. I would upgrade brakes as stock has had many recalls (Cheap fix for add performance $700)
2006 SS
Great vehicle. Still trying to sort out some bugs with the tire monitoring system with the dealer. Warning light on almost every trip. Had troubles with the block heater system, engine falsely recording overheat condition.
Overall.. fun car to drive
A full sized car that handles like a hot rod, comfortable, good looking car. I am used to driving performance cars in the past. I could not believe the power the ss has to offer along with the handling. I am also pleased with the braking capabilities of the ss. No problems as yet, but still early to tell. I purchased the extended warranty just due to the engine and transmission.
The best, fastest, most fun
I traded a 2000 Impala for the 06 SS and I am pleased. 0-60 is about 4.5 sec and 60 to 80 is like lightning. I have the full package and am very pleased. Fully satisfied so far. It is a thirsty car but hopefully gas will stabilize