2006 Chevy Impala v. 2005 Ford Five Hundred

[gmwsag]

When you begin to consider that the American sedan offerings are improving heavily, you understand that the Japanese are re-thinking their sedans. The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are reinventing the market...why do you have to have a bland design and meager performance from a large American sedan for a hefty price? Why can't you have more for less? Well, mainstream automakers Ford and Chevrolet aren't throwing away their invitation into the party. For 2005, Ford has introduced the brand new Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, along with the wagon Ford Freestyle. These three models try to bring back value into the Ford lineup. The new Ford Five Hundred begins at almost $23,000. It has the space of a Crown Victoria with the style and precision of a classy luxury vehicle. It has lots of space. It has the versatility of a crossover. And, it has an Audi-like interior. The Five Hundred is a clear representation of a comeback from Americans. And sales already show that this model is destined to be very successful.

As automakers like Nissan, Toyota, Chrysler, and Ford begin to rethink their mistakes with this lineup, Chevrolet thought of the different options they had with the brand new Impala. The new model had to have lots of class, lots of style, and a lot of bang for the buck. Indeed, Chevrolet made it that way. The 2006 Impala represents a new era of quality and style, along with a name that has gone through decades without lengthy discontinuations. America's most popular sedan (sales figures show) is getting a nice redesign. Even in its outdated years, the new model is quickly outselling the Taurus. But, Chevrolet isn't noticing that. Sales figures on a year-to-date basis are down. So, Chevy has some work to do. They went back to the drawing board and created their new car: the 2006 Impala. When the day ends, this is their most important car. They cannot fail at it...or at least we hope. The new model is equipped with a luxurious interior with some great features, and three powerful engine choices under the hood. It seems like another glorious day for Chevrolet. But, can it overcome the established Five Hundred?



Ford Five Hundred

The 2005 Ford Five Hundred only offers one engine under the hood, and for all models. The standard 203 horsepower V-6 will seem to you on paper as a big mistake. It is on the road, as well. The underpowered engine gives us a frown. But, the Five Hundred offers features that other models in its class can't offer. That includes a very interesting All Wheel Drive system. The only other vehicle that offers this for a great price (in my opinion) is the Subaru lineup. This was a great idea, and it really pays off on the roads. Especially when it comes to handling.The All Wheel Drive system is a big plus. The Five Hundred is also one of the only vehicles in its class to offer a 6-speed automatic transmission. My only complaints with the engine is its lack of horsepower. Also, it doesn't use VVT, which is a big disadvantage.



I'd say the best feature of the Ford Five Hundred is its upscale interior look. The interior looks very Audi-like. My only complaints about the interior is the wood trim, which really looks fake. Otherwise, it is the simple features that make this vehicle look excellent. For example, the steering wheel looks very nice. The biggest impressions is the price, and what you get for it. The Five Hundred offers a 6-disc CD Changer with MP3 capability standard on SEL models. The only problems with the features is it doesn't allow for much upgrading. Some features are only offered on the SEL or the Limited model, though. Overall, the Five Hundred offers good features for the money.

Pros:
-All Wheel Drive
-6 Speed Transmission
-Good Features for the Money
-Audi-Like Interior
-Style On the Outside

Cons:
-Underpowered Engine
-Options and Packages are Extremely Limited
-A Sporty Package isn't in the Works



2006 Chevrolet Impala

The 2006 Chevrolet Impala is a great improvement over the previous model. For starters, it offers only V-6 powertrains and more style and performance than previous models. It also has a great price for what you're getting. The Impala comes in four choices: the LS, LT, LTZ, and SS. Three powertrain offerings are available: the standard 211 horsepower V-6, the optional 240 horsepower V-6, and the SS model exclusive 303 horsepower DOD V-8. Unlike the Ford Five Hundred, it doesn't offer AWD as an option. It is simply still a Front Wheel Drive model at this point in time. Chevrolet does not plan to switch the Impala over to RWD until near the end of the decade. Also, Chevrolet's only transmission offering is a 4-speed automatic, even on the SS model. As much as the powertrain offerings seem great, these two features are missing.



The interior is a big upgrade from the previous model. The SS model offers a very sporty interior look, while the LTZ model offers a more luxurious look. The LS and LT offerings offer a little bit of both. The interior is a big improvement and the dash looks well-executed. The best part of the Impala is its audio offerings. Chevrolet offers XM Satellite Radio and an 8-speaker premium Bose speaker system. Unfortunately, a 6-Disc In Dash CD Changer is optional on all models, but the price is very low. The benefits of the Impala is its sporty package (the SS) and its amazing remote vehicle starter system. Unlike the Ford Five Hundred, where you have to key in a code to get into the vehicle, Chevrolet offers a key fob to unlock & turn on your vehicle from a distance away. This conveinence expands as Chevrolet offers a special system: when it's hot, the A/C cranks up to the fullest. When it's cold, the heat turns on. This way, it is very easy to access your vehicle without the burden of having to start it on a cold morning and wait for it to heat up. You can start it from inside your house (as long as it is 200 feet away) 50 minutes before you have to go to work. When you enter your vehicle, it will be warm and you won't have to bother with going outside to start it. Overall, the Impala's benefits is in two places.

Pros:
-Three Powertrain Offerings
-Sport Package (SS) for Very Cheap Price
-Remote Start Vehicle System
-Audio Systems
-Packaging
-Pricing

Cons:
-No 5-Speed or 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
-6-Disc In Dash CD Player Isn't Standard
-Only FWD; RWD and AWD systems aren't offered
---

It would be a tight race here, but I'd say that the Ford Five Hundred wins the comparison. It offers an Audi-like interior and it has the benefits of AWD and a 6-Speed Transmission. Surely, it doesn't have the 240 horsepower V-6 or the SS, but it does offer a 6-Speed Automatic, something the Impala can't offer. Plus, it offers a system other than Front Wheel Drive, which is actually a great thing.

[327]

Im not seeing how the 500 has more style than the impala

a 6 speed tranny doesnt always make it better

the 500
with only 1 engine option
gets 21/29MPG FWD
19/26 AWD

the impala gets
21/31 with the 3.5 VVT v6 With a 4 speed
the 3.9 VVT gets 19/27 with a 4 speed
and the SS v8 DOD gets 18/28, with the POS 4 speed

besides helping to get traction in bad weather, AWD is just extra weight

If you want a 6 disc CD changer, order it with one

The impala has better features for the money and is the better car

[RocketImpala]

Wow...poorly written article. Bad comparison, bad conclusion, bad logic.

For starters, it offers only V-6 powertrains and more style and performance than previous models.

What the heck does this mean?!?

[MN12Fan]

I wonder if Ford will bump the Five Hundred's Duratec 30 to 221HP like the Fusion's going to get. It isn't much but that ought to boost the car's appeal some in the performance department until the Duratec 35 arrives.

[Buick61]

The 6-speed in the Five Hundred has been nearly uniformly panned by those who have driven it. So, I'm not so sure that either transmission in the Five Hundred is a pro.

And in whatever gains the Five Hundred earns for AWD and space utilization, the V8 Impala SS more than compensates. Plus, the fuel efficiency of the 3.5L and the 5.3L shame the 203hp Five Hundred.

[TrooperKal]

Warm up a car for 50 minutes? Who does that? My Impala is warm in 15 even on the coldest zero degree days.

[TaHoE]

Why would you want a 6-Disc CD changer standard? Some of us don't want the 6-Disc Changer (Myself Included). Sorry but that Con is ridiculous.

[SobeSVT]

Originally Posted by Buick61

And in whatever gains the Five Hundred earns for AWD and space utilization, the V8 Impala SS more than compensates. Plus, the fuel efficiency of the 3.5L and the 5.3L shame the 203hp Five Hundred.

How does a V-8 compensates for space utilization?

[saturnsteve]

That article is terrible, but the new Impala is nothing exciting unless you get an SS model.

[giagastormer]

The 500 has an Audi like interior in design, not quality. That needs to be mentioned. After sitting in both cars, their interiors are comparable. Neither one is better than the other in any particular way. With GM's low-tech, cost saving, OHV engines, along with their 4-speed "slush box" trannys, as some like to say, gets better gas mileage than Ford's sophisticated OHC engine paired with a 6-speed transmission! Too funny.

I would choose the Impala. It may look like a '95 Lumina, but atleast Chevrolet didn't copy a design outside of GM.

[FoMoCo Fan]

Originally Posted by gmwsag

My only complaints with the engine is its lack of horsepower. Also, it doesn't use VVT, but only CVT, a system I'm not familiar with.

LOL!!! Note to author - CVT does NOT have anything to do with the engine!

[dav305z]

Well, I'm not quite sure which is more boring to look at, so we'll leave styling aside for now. Given that I have never seen the Impala's interior in person, I would say from the pictures that the Ford gets a slight edge. How the compare in handling depends largely on just how updated this W-Body is. As it stands, the Five Hundred platform certainly has a lot more goodies than what the Impala offers. Obviously in the powertrain department, the Impala rapes the Five Hundred. Even given a choice of transmissions, I would without a doubt take the smooth shifting HT65-E over the much criticized Ford 6-speed. Does anyone really think you'd ever go fast enough in either of these cars to need the extra gears? It certainly doesn't look like the 6-speed helps the Five Hundred take any sort of fuel economy advantage.

Considering the vastly superior engines available on Impala, and honestly, my bias for Chevy's, I would take the Impala.

[gmwsag]

That article is terrible, but the new Impala is nothing exciting unless you get an SS model.

Thanks for the comments, everybody!!! As I said, it was a tight race. If you talk performance and fuel efficiency, I would pick the Impala. But, most people who will buy a car in that price range WILL not be asking for performance. Therefore, the Five Hundred wins because it offers more standard features & AWD.

[doh]

I cannot really say anything bad about either one. I haven't yet seen a new Impala, or drivin one, but I have driven the Five Hundred, both AWD and FWD

The Five Hundred has the same acceleration as the previous Impala with it's 3.8L V6, and NHV is lower in the Five Hundered aswell, except for tire noise. If Chev made improvements there, which i am sure they did, it may swing the other way.

For me, the 2 or 3 times a week I can play boy racer, means little compared to the snow and ice capabilities of AWD, thank a Safari AWD for spoilling me.

Fit and finish of the Five Hundered, and all that I have seen, is above any other domestic I have seen in many many years, again the new Impala I have to see yet.

Interiors, well wood isn't really my favourite but the SE version is actually nice.

So AWD swings me for now, till I can see NHV, fit and finish, and back seat comfort and access of the new Impala ( I remeber the 04 Grand Prix rear seat)

[gmwsag]

Well, I'm not quite sure which is more boring to look at, so we'll leave styling aside for now. Given that I have never seen the Impala's interior in person, I would say from the pictures that the Ford gets a slight edge. How the compare in handling depends largely on just how updated this W-Body is. As it stands, the Five Hundred platform certainly has a lot more goodies than what the Impala offers. Obviously in the powertrain department, the Impala rapes the Five Hundred. Even given a choice of transmissions, I would without a doubt take the smooth shifting HT65-E over the much criticized Ford 6-speed. Does anyone really think you'd ever go fast enough in either of these cars to need the extra gears? It certainly doesn't look like the 6-speed helps the Five Hundred take any sort of fuel economy advantage.

Considering the vastly superior engines available on Impala, and honestly, my bias for Chevy's, I would take the Impala.

Anybody who wants true performance from a car in this class would most likely spend the extra money to buy a 300C. Oh, and I'm not necessarely the best internet writer...if you see any typos please notify me, and I'll see if I can clarify them for you.