A short life expectancy of only 150,000 miles caused by engine and transmission problems make 2006 a bad year. At $4,629 to $7,338, the Impala isn’t worth the money.
2006 Chevrolet Impala: Quick Overview
- The 2006 Chevy Impala’s reliability is poor with transmission and engine problems. Avoid the 2006-2009 Impalas, since improvements only show up for the 2010 model.
- Three engine choices are available. Two are V6s with decent power for the class, and there’s an SS model with a powerful V8.
- Good fuel economy for a full size car at 22 MPG.
- Safety scores are great, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
- Consumer Reports finds the 2006 Impala to be lagging behind some competitors, with below-average owner satisfaction ratings.
- We don’t recommend the 2006 Impala, which ranks 8th out of 11 full size cars based on owner reviews. Too many mechanical problems and a short lifespan make it a car to avoid.
Expert Ratings
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala Have?
There are more complaints on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala than other full size cars including the Chrysler 300 and Nissan Maxima. The 2006 model year has improvements, with about half as many problems as the 2005 version.
Transmission problems, including slipping out of gear, are common issues around 70,000 miles. In some cases replacing the fluid is enough to solve the problem, but in others a transmission rebuild may be necessary. A rebuild costs about $1,500, and a full replacement is around $3,000.
Engine problems leading to excessive oil consumption are another complaint at 75,000 miles. There are several sources including rings, gaskets, and pistons. The cheapest solution is to check your oil regularly and top it off as needed since some repairs can cost over $1,000.
Defective sun visors are another complaint from owners on cars around 50,000 miles. The visors wind up coming loose and will not stay in place as the car ages. Replacing them is the only solution, costing $350.
With only 3 recalls, the Impala has less than other old full size cars but is still not good. The recalls include passenger seat adjustments, steering knuckles, and the ignition switch. Most serious are the steering knuckles since failures can cause an accident.
How Much is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala Worth?
Blue book values are around $4,629 to $7,338, and higher than competitors including the Crown Victoria, and Lucerne. When new, the price range was $20,990 to $26,990. Depreciation is average for a large sedan, losing about 15% of its current value each year.
What Are the Models & Specs?
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Bench Seating
- Air Conditioning
- Power Windows
- Keyless Entry
LT adds some features including:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Larger V6 Engine
- Remote Start
LTZ offers more luxurious amenities such as:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror
SS is the flagship performance-oriented model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Large V8 Engine
- Performance Suspension
- Rear Spoiler
How Long Will the 2006 Chevrolet Impala Last?
When properly maintained, a 2006 Chevrolet Impala will last about 150,000 miles, which is shorter than the Avalon and Crown Victoria. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than some rivals as well. Repair Pal estimates the costs to be about $390 per year.
As the 2006 Impala ages and reaches over 100,000 miles, there are a few things owners should be prepared to replace. They include battery cables for $250, windshield wiper motors costing $350, and the most expensive item is a head gasket replacement which costs about $1,750.
It has power steering pump trouble and leak at the moment. It also has a small oil leak. Otherwise it's a good car.
This car is definitely reliable. We'r e up to 265,000 miles on it and with keeping up on all the maintenance there are not many issues.
None that are serious.. I do the basic maintenance to it as needed. I had my abs light come on once, I had to replace a sensor which wasn't costly.
It is very reliable. Only thing is there is a recall on the ignition switch I have not have not yet fixed.
I find that it has been very reliable, I have not had any serious problems with it, minor repairs have been done but nothing extremely expensive or time consuming and routine maintenance, I have never been left stranded.
Yes it is extremely reliable. We did have to fix the transmission, but we haven't had any more major issues since then.
I had some power steering problems and brakes yearly but besides that yrs reliable. I will find out more at end of next month.
The only problem I have had is the transmission isn't the best for the car and the motor it is too weak.
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology is very basic in the 2006 Chevrolet Impala compared to other large cars from the same year, and is very outdated by modern standards.
- The base technology includes an AM/FM/CD stereo system with a 3.5mm auxiliary jack and 6 speakers.
- Optional upgrades include a premium Bose stereo system with satellite radio and 8 speakers.
- Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes and airbags. Traction control is found on the LTZ and SS models.
What Engine Options are Available?
Performance in the 2006 Impala is better than many other large sedans including the Maxima and Taurus. The upgraded V8 engine is a great choice, taking the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds.
- The base 3.5L V6 engine has an average amount of power for the year with 211 horsepower.
- An upgrade found in the LT and LTZ models is a 3.9L V6 with a healthy 290 horsepower.
- The most powerful engine is the 5.3L V8 found in the SS model, which has 303 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Impala?
The 2006 Chevy Impala is a large sedan, similar in size to vehicles including the Chrysler 300 and Ford Crown Victoria. A unique feature found on the Impala is a front bench seat, with room for up to 6 people.
Passenger space is good throughout the cabin with plenty of legroom for adults in the back seats. Cargo space is better than many rivals, at 18.6 cubic feet of room fitting up to 5 suitcases.
How Does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala Compare to Other Cars?
Ranking 8th out of 11 full size cars, based on owner reviews, the 2006 Chevy Impala is in the lower half of the class.
The highest-rated full size car of 2006 is the more expensive Toyota Avalon. Where the Avalon stands out is with class-leading reliability, but the Impala has more power with the optional V8. If you’re in the market for a used sedan, the Avalon is a better, longer-lasting choice.
Another close rival is the Chrysler 300, which is also slightly more expensive. The Chrysler has a more luxurious interior. Where the Impala stands out is with a more comfortable ride. The 300 is a better choice, but both cars have long-term reliability issues.
Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala a Good Car?
No, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala is not a good car. We reached our conclusion after considering 326 verified owner reviews giving the car a score of 4.1/5 with mechanical problems.
A shorter than average lifespan also puts most 2006 Impalas at the end of their lives after 16 years. Engine and transmission problems are major downsides. Positives include good comfort features, and a good V8 engine on the SS model.
Overall, the 2006 Impala isn’t a good car. If you want an Impala, the 2010 models have fewer complaints, but still lag behind the competition.
Yes. The car has good power and is sturdy built. It rarely has mechanical trouble but the one thing I'd like is better gas mileage.
Yes, this is definitely a good car. We'r e at 265,000 miles on it and have had minimal issues with it. If you take care of your car, it will last a while!
Yes, it is durable and has plenty of room along with excellent gas mileage. It also has a surprising amount of horsepower.
Yes, it has been very dependable. Never had any major problems. I am considering exchanging for a newer model.
Yes, I have had no major issues with it, minor repairs have been done and routine maintenance, it drives very nice and it handles very well in the snow, by far this has been my favorite vehicle.
Yes the car is extremely reliable and we've barely only had to fix one major thing. It is has 140,000 miles.
Yes it rides nice and seems reliable.I bought it used so it cost me a little to get in order but working fine now. Gets inspected next month again.
Yes it is a very dependable vehicle perfect for small family can fit the whole family and it is a 4 door.