2012 Chevrolet Impala – Value and Fuel Economy In A Large Family Sedan

Good

Efficient and strong powerplant; intuitive controls; large trunk; available six-passenger seating.

Bad

Generally outpaced by competition in most aspects; cheap interior construction and materials; bland styling; lackluster handling.

Introduction

2012 Chevrolet Impala is a convenient, comfortable, practical and enjoyable to drive vehicle, which has clean, neat lines with fresh style that is pleasing to the eye. In spite of comfortable ride and voluptuous interior, it is outdone by most rivals. For 2012, the Impala gains new 3.6 liter V6 engine mated to six-speed automatic transmission with slightly redesigned rear and front styling. All Impala models get leather wrapped steering column and Bluetooth along with fold and flip rear seat, rear spoiler, sunroof and leather wrapped shift knob. For over 50 years, it has delivered proven excellence in sedan millions have come to rely on. It uses aerodynamic styling for more than just good looks and fuel efficiency. Maximizing cabin space, while preserving conventional full size sedan styling cues allows Impala for satisfying admiring bystanders as well as it does drivers. Dual rear exhaust tips add to aggressive rear fascia and underneath flowing backlight, Impala hides full 18.6 cubic feet of trunk space.

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala is a large family sedan close in size to Toyota Avalon with decent fuel economy and performance and competitive pricing. It is designed and engineered to compete with full-size cars, including Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus, and midsize Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord. You will like the substantial grab-style door handles, which won’t pinch your fingers or snap away from your hand on cold morning. Flat blade windshield wipers offer consistent pressure on glass that helps eliminate wind and streaking noise. Build quality is good with tight gaps of 3.5mm or less between body panels.

It’s been six years, the Impala last gained a significant update and even longer, since it was redesigned from ground up. Since then, the class has been flooded with rivals with more sophistication, style and substance as compared to venerable four-door flagship of Chevrolet. The Chevrolet Malibu is also an appealing option. There is some good news for as it receives more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6 liter V6 engine. Teamed up with automatic six-speed transmission, the large family sedan of Chevrolet at last has contemporary engine. Its absence of desirable features, state styling and cheap feeling cabin materials make Impala seem impossibly behind the times. The rivals of Impala include Buick Lacrosse, Volkswagen Passat, Chrysler 300, Hyundai Azera, Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus.

Variants, Body Types and Features

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala is a large four-door sedan, which is available in 3 trim levels: LT, LTZ and LS. It offers comfortable seating capacity for five passengers, but the optional front bench seat available on LT and LS models bumps passenger capacity to six.

Standard features on entry-level LS include automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, air conditioning, full power accessories, tilt only leather wrapped steering wheel, six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth, six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, CD player and auxiliary audio jack and OnStar.

Stepping up to LT adds rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone manual climate control, remote ignition, rear center armrest, folding rear seat, trip computer with compass and outside temperature display and leather wrapped shift knob. The range topping LTZ gets foglamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated mirrors, auto dimming rearview mirror, eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and heated power front seats (six-way passenger and eight-way driver). The sunroof is offered on LTZ and LT.

What’s Beneath the Hood of 2012 Chevrolet Impala?

Powering the front wheel drive 2012 Chevrolet Impala is a direct injected 3.6 liter V6 engine with maximum output of 300 horsepower with 262 pound feet of torque. The engine is teamed up with six-speed automatic transmission and offers the fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 22 mpg in combined driving.

Safety Features

Standard safety features on 2012 Chevrolet Impala include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, OnStar telematics and front side airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave Impala the highest rating of Good for roof strength, side impact and frontal offset crash protection.

Special Features and Cabin Design

With interior space unrivalled by luxury sedans costing twice as much, the 2012 Chevrolet Impala provides value, which is all but vanished from large cars today. Cargo space is no different, with access to 18.6 cubic feet of trunk space through versatile fold and flip flat rearseat. It is flexible and offers number of seating and storage options, enabling you to configure the interior for maximize space and passengers’ comfort. It is one of the few cars with seating options for both six or five passengers and plenty of room in trunk for their luggage. Premium sound elevates its prestigious cabin with eight-speaker surround sound system designed to Impala acoustics.

Enjoy commercial free music channels with compelling news, talk, family programming, comedy and more from coast to coast with standard three month trial. Besides, you can now enjoy GM exclusive upgrade to XM Premier Package via trial with new Impala. The package provides more than 140 channels including all major news channels, music from every genre, The Foxxhole produced by Jamie Foxx, biggest names in entertainment including Oprah Radio, every major sport with MLB, NASCAR, every NFL game and two channels of Howard Stern.

Driving Impressions

We found V6 engines of 2012 Chevrolet Impala to be smooth and quiet if not bristling with power. They come with variable valve timing that changes orientation of camshaft, automatically adjusting timing of exhaust and intake valves for superior economy, emissions and performance. Engineered for delivering fuel economy, which Maxima and Taurus just can’t match, the Impala comes standard with 3.6 liter V6 engine. Up to 30 mpg in highway and effortless, smooth power prove that it can satisfy spirited drivers without causing them to sacrifice at pump. It offers efficiency and power with its advanced engineering. StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control assists driver with directional control of vehicle in difficult driving situations. Overall, the Impala is a pleasing to drive, comfortable and roomy car, that promises good reliability and represents solid value for money.

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