History repeats itself: Chevy Impala is more refined, efficient

If you're old enough to remember the original 1958 Chevy Impala, you also remember the hysteria of the '70s, when fuel prices doubled while we waited in line for the privilege of purchasing overpriced lead-laced go-juice.

Now we have a new Impala, and once again, outrageous fuel prices. This Impala is the most refined ever, and can go more than twice as far on a gallon of gas as the original one. Ed Cole, Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 1950s, defined the Impala as the "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen." Introduced as an "up-level" sporty trim package within the Bell Air line, the Impala featured a unique six-taillight styling cue that became its trademark.

The Impala became a separate model in 1959, offered in both two and four-door versions and became the best selling car in the Chevrolet lineup. In 1960, it was the best-selling automobile in the U.S. and held that position for the next decade. From 1958 until 1996, Impala had sales in excess of 13 million units, more than any other full-size car in the history of the automobile. In 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units, which has never been bettered. The Impala is often credited with starting the muscle car era.

The 2006 Chevrolet Impala boasts new sheetmetal, an all-new, more versatile interior and a host of engine choices. For this review I tested an LT sedan with a surprisingly friendly MSRP window sticker price of $22,745. The asking price reflects GM's new policy of bottom-line pricing. As good as the price looks, it gets even better -- Chevy is offering $1,000 cash back on the Impala, and dealers are also cutting even better deals.

My vehicle had a 3.5-litter, 211 horsepower, sequential fuel injected V6 under the hood, featuring variable valve timing and a four-speed automatic transmission. This is a front-wheel drive vehicle, with Chevy's four-wheel independent touring suspension. The car has a stainless steel exhaust, an engine oil life monitoring system, and one year of On-Star service. Power four-wheel disc brakes and front and head curtain airbags enhance safety, while automatic headlamps and programmable auto door locks add convenience.

The model features standard cruise control, 8-way power driver's seat, power windows and locks, remote start, power trunk release, dual zone air conditioning, and a trip computer with temperature and compass. The only optional equipment was a $225 flip up and fold-flat 60/40 rear seat that opens into the trunk. The car was rated for 21/mpg city and 31/mpg highway -- remarkable for a car this large.

And large it is! Compared with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Impala is bigger. Compared with the Ford Five Hundred and Chrysler 300, the Impala is less expensive. What a great combination! But you can't snare today's customers with "big and cheap." Just how good is the new Impala?

In two words: very good. It has a completely renovated interior that is tasteful and thoughtfully engineered. It has attractive styling, but without the "hey look at me" flamboyant look of the current Chryslers. It has a much-improved ride, better handling and more standard power than before, and its new pricing makes it a better buy than ever. In addition to a more refined new look inside and out, the 2006 Chevy Impala gets three more-powerful engines, including its first V8 in a decade, which should bring Chevy performance fans into the showrooms.

I'll have to wait to sample the V8 powerplant (an SS Impala will be available soon) and the optional 3.9-liter V6 was not available at press time. But the base 3.5-liter V6 in my test car felt smooth and adequate. Although I felt guilty burning nearly $3-a-gallon fuel, I tried out the remote starting feature while I was inside a restaurant paying my bill. When I arrived at the Impala sitting on the broiling black asphalt, the interior was already cool and comfortable.

Out on the highway the ride was smooth and stable, with none of the pitching and rolling typical of older big American sedans. The touring suspension provided a compliant ride -- I recommend it. Seats front and rear are what you would expect at this price point -- good, but not exceptional. But leg and shoulder room is great -- and so is the trunk space. I don't think anyone will be complaining about luggage space, especially when the rear seat is folded flat providing more than six feet of load space.

Engine and road noise have been minimized considerably, and wind noise in my vehicle was not objectionable. The car was enjoyable to drive, made even more so by Chevy's decision to place the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel instead of that goofy stalk sprouting from the left side of the steering wheel. Thank you, Chevy, for giving us a thoroughly modern, nice looking car that competes with the imports.

Steve Robertson of Robertson's Creative Photography is a car enthusiast and former staff writer/photographer for the Southeast Missourian. Contact him at sjr1@robertsonsphotography.com.