Faults:
As of 20K I have only the groaning power steering unit - which is being replaced - and lumpy idle.
Worries about the exhaust system life in the North East.
Arm rests on the doors do not have enough padding.
Black interior attracts lots of dust.
General Comments:
I purchased this car to transport my family in comfort and restore the family car vacations.
Not a single passenger has had anything but positive comments to say about the tasteful/comfortable interior, perfect road-trip ride, great stereo and huge trunk. Power is impressive and the engine is joy to listen to (has no problem chasing down import sport coupes, IS 250's and G35's seem to be the most aggressive and learn quickly Impala's are no slouch), braking is a little less than I hoped for, but I am only referring to the "at the limit" levels. Suspension floats, but when dialed in a corner, this big car sticks. Quick transitions are much less graceful. Gauges and controls are all excellent and with the Bose/XM radio, rolling down the windows on a summer day is a lot of fun.
A fully loaded LTZ makes me wish I had gone for the SS, but when I can "Hyper-Mile" a 34mpg local road commute AND still blast to 60 in less than just over 7sec I really can't complain.
24th Dec 2008, 20:18
I found a TSB (technical service bulletin) on the 2006 Impala. It seems a production of the chrome belt line weather strip (the outside horizontal piece at the bottom of the window opening) can scratch the outside of the window. My dealer offered to replace mine outside of my 36k warranty.