The Impala arrived as the top model in the all-new 1958 Chevrolet line and soon became the most popular model from Chevy, which built America's perennial best-selling family car for decades.
Chevrolet became such a giant General Motors division by 1967 that it grabbed fully 30 percent of the total U.S. car market that year. In sharp contrast, the total combined car-truck market share of the entire GM vehicle operation was just 23.4 percent in August.
The Impala was so hot that it was nicknamed "America's Sweetheart'' in the 1960s, and no wonder: Impala sales, alone, were a whopping 889,600 units in 1964 and still hit nearly 800,000 units in 1969.
The front-drive, mid-size Impala is Chevrolet's largest family car, but it's a far different auto world now with heavy foreign competition that once simply didn't exist. Impala sales thus totaled only 160,579 units through August, although that was partly because many knew a revamped 2006 model was coming.
The Impala has become increasingly popular in recent years. For instance, its 2004 sales total of 290,259 units topped 2003 sales of 267,882 cars.
The Impala competes in the giant mid-size car market mainly with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, but Impala marketing manager Mark Clawson said surveys show that the Impala has favorably compared with those two Japanese models for five years in a row in quality, reliability, durability, safety and roominess.
The last-generation Impala had bland, rather disjointed styling. But it was affordable, roomy and had a good chassis and surprisingly agile handling. You could even get a supercharged 240-horsepower V-6 in the high-performance SS (Super Sport) model.
It looks as if the revamped 2006 Impala should sell approximately 300,000 units because it has much better styling, improved construction and an array of impressive, economical engines. In fact, the new Chevy is the first Impala to get a V-8 since 1996. The 303-horsepower V-8 replaces the supercharged V-6 in the SS, which also was the designation for the iconic fast 1960s Impala V-8.
The classy round taillights of the 1958 and 1960s Impalas -- also used on the last generation Impala as a retro touch -- are gone.
"We didn't do a retro Impala design because you then back yourself in a corner, and where do you go from there?'' said Impala marketing manager Mark Clawson. "We're appealing to younger buyers with the new Impala, targeting the 35-54-year-old crowd. Many previous buyers were in their early 50s.''
It's easy to quickly get comfortable with the new Impala, although only four tall occupants fit comfortably even with the front split bench seat because the center area of the front and back seats are too hard for comfort. The nicely designed interior is quiet except for some wind noise at highway speeds and has supportive front seats, easily read gauges and mostly large controls.
Steering is precise, and there's sharp handling and a smooth ride, with an easily modulated brake pedal for smooth stops. This is a better car than the 2005 version, with such features as a reworked suspension with a wider track and more powerful V-6 engines, besides the new V-8.
Other improvements: Standard side curtain air bags, enhanced anti-lock brake system, new family of audio systems with standard auxiliary input jack for iPod/MP3 to be played through the audio system, remote vehicle starter standard on all models except entry LS and flip-and-fold flat rear seats standard for most models that enlarge the trunk's big cargo area.
Options include a $900 power sunroof and $600 anti-lock brakes with traction control for the LS and LT 3.5 models.
Trim levels have been increased to provide an Impala for just about every mid-size sedan buyer. Chevy also has lowered Impala prices from 2005. There are the base $21,330 LS, the $21,860 LT 3.5, $24,760 LT 3.9, $26,870 LTZ and $27,130 SS.
Even the LS is fairly well equipped, with such items as air conditioning, OnStar assistance, tilt wheel, cruise control, front split bench seat if you want to squeeze in six occupants, power driver seat, AM/FM/CD player and power doors, windows and locks with remote keyless entry.
It's the old story with the other models -- the higher you go, the more equipment you get. For instance, the LT 3.5 adds dual-zone manual climate control and remote engine starting. The LT 3.9 adds the 3.9-liter V-6 with a floor shifter, anti-lock-disc brakes with traction control and front bucket seats. Added to the LTZ are leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, Bose sound system and satellite radio.
The SS is the top dog, with the new V-8, performance suspension and wider tires on 18-inch wheels. (Other Impalas get 16- or 17-inch wheels.)
Chevy expects that about 55 percent of Impala buyers will opt for the LS and LT 3.5, with 25 percent getting the LT 3.9 and a relatively high 20 percent buying the SS. Engines are a new 3.5-liter V-6 with 210 horsepower, up 30 from the 2005 base V-6, a 3.9-liter, 240-horsepower V-6 and the 5.3-liter, 303-horsepower V-8.
All engines have the traditional, reliable, U.S. engine pushrod design, with no modern overhead camshaft or multivalve cylinder designs. However, these are the first American pushrod V-6 engines with variable valve timing for faster throttle response. And the V-8 seamlessly deactivates four cylinders under light throttle conditions to save gasoline.
The Impala weighs from 3,553 to 3,712 pounds, but even the standard 3.5-liter V-6, also found in the entry LS model, provides fairly strong acceleration (0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds).
Clawson said the V-8 in the SS makes it the fastest SS in Chevy history. That's saying a lot because a 1960s SS could be had with a bigger V-8 rated at 425 horsepower. However, horsepower ratings were optimistic then and tires and suspensions couldn't efficiently deliver lots of power to the road. (The new SS V-8's horsepower is understated in accordance with new rating procedures.)
All 2006 Impala models have a four-speed automatic transmission. While responsive, it's not a more modern five-speed unit, which would provide slightly faster acceleration, better fuel economy and less engine strain when cruising.
Estimated fuel economy still is good with all engines. The 3.5 does the best, delivering 21 mpg in the city and 31 on highways. Figures with the 3.9 are 19 city and 27 highway and the 5.3 provide 18 and 28.
The Impala has large outside mirrors, but it's impossible to see exactly where the back or front of the fairly big car ends.
In all, though, the new Impala shows that Chevrolet hasn't forgotten how to make a top-notch family sedan.
2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
PRICES
$21,330-$27,130
LIKES
Roomy. First V-8 since 1996. Agile. Improved styling. Good fuel economy.
DISLIKES
Only a four-speed automatic transmission. Highway wind noise. |