DecodedCars2006 Chevrolet Impala
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt, 4dr Sedan FWD Ltz/SS
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,594–3,713 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2006 large car (17.9 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Chevrolet Impala is a large car offered with 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,594 lb (4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 23% better than the 2006 large car average of 17.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 135 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2006
- Engines added: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl
- Engines dropped: 3.4L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Impala →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Oshawa #1 (Osh), Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2006 Impala configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt | 200.4 in | 72.8 in | 58.7 in | 110.6 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,594 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Ltz/SS | 200.4 in | 72.8 in | 58.7 in | 110.6 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,713 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | +23% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impala | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +12% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Impala | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | +6% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Impala | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +6% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Impala (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chrysler 300 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Nissan Altima | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Taurus | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Avalon | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Nissan Maxima | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jun 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V355000 · 3,141,731 vehicles
- Problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Not every 2006 Chevrolet Impala is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chevrolet Impala buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 38 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 33 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 29 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 128,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Impala years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Impala | 22 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 15 |
| 2019 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2018 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 59 |
| 2017 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 117 |
| 2016 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 111 |
| 2015 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 300 |
| 2014 Impala | 28 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 12 | 570 |
| 2013 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 232 |
| 2012 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 175 |
| 2011 Impala | 23 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 252 |
| 2010 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 242 |
| 2009 Impala | 23 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 432 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →