2006 Chevrolet Impala Too good for the fleet

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This is one of the best rental cars I've ever driven. No, Ididn't borrow it from Hertz; I drove the test model GM offered.But when I climbed in and saw that old-fashioned bench seat in thefront, with room for three people pressed shoulder-to-shoulder, andcaressed that unabashedly artificial polyester upholstery, andgripped the stalk-mounted transmission lever, I was transported tothe rental counter at some nondescript airport, late on a rainynight, eager to climb into any old car and close the doorand finally be free of lines and luggage.

Those evocations of mediocrity are a shame, because the Impalais one of the most pleasant surprises from Chevrolet in years (notcounting, of course, the Corvette). The base model, which I drove,starts at about $22,000 and is very complete for an entry-levelsedan. In addition to basics like a CD player, A/C, and powereverything, there are niceties like overhead map and readinglights, vanity mirrors, automatic headlamps, and programmablelighting settings. Interior space is comparable to that in a ToyotaCamry or Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, and trunk space is larger.Another big plus: Side-curtain airbags are standard. The Impala isimpressive not just for all the stuff packed into it, however, butalso for a thorough job of execution that left me feelingsurrounded by competence. The dashboard controls are solid, and thematerials feel pleasant and substantial. The interior is handsomewithout lame attempts at flashiness. There is no superfluous junkto contend with.

The Impala is confident on the road, too. Unlike most other midsize sedans, which start out with a four-cylinder engine, theImpala comes standard with a 211-horsepower V-6 that's strongand quiet--not quite as refined as the best in the class, butenough to get the job done with no complaints. What really got myattention is the Impala's handling. In stark contrast to theloose, boaty feel of some Americans sedans, including modern oneslike the Buick Lucerne, the Impala's steering is taut andresponsive. Without too much exertion, you feel like you'reactually turning the tires, not just pushing an electronic steeringbutton. That provides a road feel that Chevy seems to haveforgotten about for a while and now has gladly rediscovered. On thepavement, and in the cabin, the Impala stacks up pretty squarelyagainst the Camry and Accord and other dominant sedans. Plus thatlovely bench in the front lets it seat six, instead of a measlyfive! Now there's a selling point.

Snapshot

NITS: Antilock brakes are optional. This important,relatively inexpensive safety feature should be standard on anymid-level family car.

G-FORCES: The 211-horsepower V-6 is a great standardengine, with plenty of power for most situations. People who wantmore can upgrade to a 242-horsepower V-6, while muscle-carenthusiasts who buy the SS model will get a 303-horsepower V-8. TheImpala comes with a four-speed automatic transmission that'snot as sophisticated as as the five-speeds on competitors like theAccord and Camry, meaning the engine performance isn't quite assmooth. But it's not noticeably harsh. Cornering is as good ason most other front-drive sedans of this size.

GIZMOLOGY: One characteristic I appreciated: Controlslike the trunk release, the power outlets, and the trip computerbuttons are sensibly laid out, within easy reach-not alwaysthe case. Radio and climate systems are clearly designed and easyto use. One oddity: The front cupholders are concealed beneath thestandard bench seat, and part of the seat needs to be flipped overto get to them.

KID MARKS: Space is good--especially in the trunk--andthe doors are small and manageable. Two drawbacks: There are norear cupholders on lower trim lines, nor does the back seat folddown, helpful for carrying long cargo along with a kid or two.

HOT or NOT: Not particularly, but well groomed.

ENVIROMENT: The EPA ranks the Impala above average forgreenhouse gas emissions but hasn't yet rated it for pollution.Details are at www.fueleconomy.gov.

PAIN AT THE PUMP: The government's mileage ratingsrange from 19 mpg/city to 31/mpg highway, very good for a V-6. Theentry-level Impala LS ranked 203 out of 477 on U.S.News'sexclusive Muscle Per Gallon index. The upgraded Impala LT ranked178.

CRASH COURSE: Earns 10 stars out of 10 on thegovernment's frontal crash test, and 9 out of 10 on theside-impact test. Rollover resistance rating is 4 stars out of 5.Side-curtain airbags are standard; antilock brakes and tractioncontrol are optional. Stability control is not available. Moreinfo: www.nhtsa.gov

PRICE POINTS: Base prices range from $21,990 to $27,790.Price as tested: $21,930. (All prices include delivery fees.)

MORE INFO:www.chevrolet.com