The Chevrolet Impala has been around since the early sixties and did go away for quite a few years, but when the Impala premiered again in 2006 these cars were extremely popular. This vehicle is the longest lasting American sedan on the road today. Just a few years ago, the Chevrolet Impala stopped offering a V-8 engine and started using smaller more efficient V-6 engines instead. The current options are either a 3.5 liter or a 3.9 liter V-6 and the only choice for transmission is a 4 speed automatic. This large front wheel drive sedan has not received any useful updates in a few years time and it is due for some more powerful engine choices and a newer transmission if nothing else.
The Impala does offer a very generous amount of room for passengers in the front and in the back seats of this family car. The Impala is a very solid car, but does not offer any high end features or flair, this is traditional 4 door from Chevy, but you can get a great price on these if you are not looking for a vehicle with more features.
The Range
Bodystyle: Sedan
Engines: 3.5L V-6, 3.9L V-6.
Transmission: 4-speed automatic.
Models: 1LS, 1FL, 1LT, 2FL, 1LTZ.
What's New
The 3.5-liter V-6 is flex-fuel capable. The Luxury Package adds leather heated front six-way power buckets, flip-and-fold-flat rear seat, Bose eight-speaker audio, one year XM subscription, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal home remote and heated power side mirrors. Bluetooth is standard on 1LT, optional on 1LS, 1FL and 2FL. New 1FL and 2FL fleet models are similar to LS and 1LT.
Exterior
The familiar Impala design continues with no major sheetmetal changes for '11.
Body color side moldings are standard on all models, except on police and taxicab packages. The Luxury Package includes a standard rear spoiler.
Interior
Impala LT and LTZ feature dual-zone climate control providing a variance of up to 12 degrees. Single-zone climate control is standard on LS. LTZ comes with leather interior standard, while LS and LT have cloth seats.
Performance & Handling
Ride, handling and performance can best be described as adequate for the Impala's target audience. With its aged chassis and drivetrain, this Chevy is for the buyer who only cares about value and interior comfort. Fuel mileage, however, is impressive. The 3.5-liter engine is rated 211 horsepower and the 3.9-liter is rated 224 horsepower, about equal to today's best four-cylinder turbos.
Safety
Six airbags, including side curtains are standard. It also has StabiliTrak, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, front belt pretensioners, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and tire pressure monitoring.
EPA Fuel Economy
1LS, 1FL, 1LT, 2FL (3.5L): 18 mpg city/29 mpg highway
1LTZ (3.9L): 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Interior space
- Configuration variety
- Fuel economy
- Value
- Renting one
You Won't Like
- Yesteryear's technology
- Unrefined pushrod V-6s
- Early ‘00s design
- Four-speed automatic
- Feeling unfashionable
Sum Up
Your next Ford Crown Victoria
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Taurus
- Dodge Charger
- Toyota Avalon
- The History Channel