The high performance V8 Impala SS returns!

A few weeks ago I received a brochure from GM in the mail introducing the new 2006 Impala. On the front of the brochure is silver 2006 Impala SS. Looking at the photo I was not overly impressed. The new design looked stylish but in a generic way. Reading on I saw the SS model was outfitted with a 303 HP V8 engine. Now that certainly grabbed my attention.

My 2001 Impala LS has been very dependable and trouble free however every 4 or 5 years I get the new car itch. I always wanted the performance of a V8 power plant in a car I could afford so the timing was right for me.

Historically the Impala SS according to Chevrolet has always been about offering a prestige performance family car that was within the reach of the average American. I’m an average American and I think the 2006 Impala SS hits the mark. To me the Impala is not an SS unless it’s black and it has a V8 engine. Probably a carryover from the 1994-1996 years when I wanted an Impala SS but just wasn't in the position financially to buy one. I like a powerful cars and I like Chevys so I decided to take a closer look at this new Impala. I searched the Internet and found a Chevy dealer nearby that had a black 2006 Impala SS in stock and away I went to investigate it in person.


Once at the dealer I can say the photos I’ve seen on the Internet of the 2006 Impala do not do this car justice. I think you must see this car in person to appreciate the quality, workmanship, and sleek styling. The 2006 Impala styling is much cleaner than the 2000-05 models. Yes the look is conservative but not in a bad way. I don't think the already proven top selling Impala needs to make a grand statement.

The exterior of the new Impala has familiar yet simple subtle lines. To some people that may be boring however for me it is more elegant compared to the older "I love it", "I hate it", “ it grows on you” style. Look hard and you’ll even see the classic round tail lights integrated under the lens cover (very obvious at night). I found that the Impala’s new sheet metal was precisely fitted together unlike the older model Impalas where there are places that just didn’t seem to fit together correctly. I was very impressed with the quality and I think the new Impala actually stands out because of the clean subtle lines.

The interior of the car was black with leather bucket seats up front. Like the exterior everything inside fits and looks like it belongs together. The new Impala doesn’t seem to have as much of the cheap plastic look like the previous models. The bucket seats are comfortable, easy to adjust, and there’s plenty of leg and body room. I would have liked the seats a little more if they had better lateral support. Initially it took some time to get use to the control layout but after a quick presentation by the salesman I found everything within reach and reasonably easy to use. However I do think the labeling could have been done better. The power side mirrors were easy to adjust but seemed too small for the already limited rear visibility. This car had the AM./FM/XM satellite radio with 6 discs CD changer and 8 speakers Bose system. The systems sound is awesome. My wife also liked the fact she could plug in her Ipod directly in the system. Like the older Impala there’s more than enough trunk space. The new Impala also has a cool lift and fold split rear seat that extends the trunk space to easily carry long items such as lumber from the store for a weekend project or skis for a weekend get away. I really like this function, my old Impala rear seats folded down also but neither as easily nor as flat.

There’s a mistaken belief that foreign vehicles are better quality and more dependable than North American vehicles. Maybe a few years ago this was true but it isn’t true now. After doing some research I found J.D. Power's 2005 IQS ratings have the Impala beating Accord, Altima, Five Hundred and 300, and Camry for the last five year. The Impala is assembled at the Oshawa, Ontario plant which is also a J.D. Power's Quality award winner. I have little doubt this trend will continue.

The test ride convinced me this car was for me. The SS emblems and rumble of the tuned duel exhaust once the engine is turned over is the first hint that this isn’t just any 4 door family sedan. I could feel the power with just a modest depression of the gas petal. The ride is a lot quieter at highway speeds compared to the older model. I found the steering tight and responsive. The handling around corners also felt good. The salesman knew what I wanted and encouraged me to kick in the power. I can tell you the rush of full throttle in this Impala SS is absolutely breath taking. The car has incredible toque but surprisingly without any of the torque steer problems everyone said it would on the many message boards I read. This definitely reminds me of the muscle car power of days gone past even if it is FWD. Chevy says the V8 in the 2006 SS makes it the fastest high-performance Impala SS in Chevy history. At 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds it’s got more than enough power to satisfy me.

Needless to say I bought this Impala and I am very happy with it. I personally like the styling and it is very fun to drive. It would probably be even more fun if it had a 5 speed manual transmission but perhaps another year. The die hard purest won’t like the front wheel drive on the SS but I think it works fine for this car. The 2006 Impala SS has a lot going for it. It is roomy enough to take the whole family on trips, able to carry stuff for a weekend project or trip, and by night a fun stealth warrior that blows away Camry and Accords.