History
It was in 1958 that the Chevrolet Impala was introduced to the world and was predicted to be every American’s ultimate car. And 50 years after, it has withstood the test of time—being one of the most successful nameplates there is. Indeed, it has proved the predictions right. During the 1960s, Chevrolet Impala was a very powerful brand name, its makers surpassing the 1-million mark of cars sold in 1965. And even if those midsize and much more compact cars totally took away quite a portion in the market once dominated by Impala, this had never deterred its sales power as it became the most-sold car in 1973.
It has experienced a significant drop, however, during the early 1980s, since a lot of its buyers were favoring Caprice more than Impala. Yet when the mid-1990sapproached, an Impala SS based on Caprice design was being marketed, which actually delighted many of its enthusiasts. It has an elegant color scheme, which is monochromatic, and runs with a V8 engine.
Since the new millennium, the modern Impala has served as Chevrolet's main full-size sedan, capable of transporting up to six people.
Interior And Exterior Features
There are 4 trim levels for the current Chevrolet Impala model. These are the LTZ, LT, SS, and LS. The LTZ models are characterized with bucket seats made of pure leather, an audio system from Bose, auto dimming rearview mirror, and 17-inch alloys. The Chevrolet Impala LT is equipped with climate control that is basically dual zone, remote vehicle start, and alloy wheels. Monochromatic color scheme, suspension customized for maximum performance, rear spoiler, and 18-inch wheels are major components of the SS. All LS models have air-conditioning, complete with power accessories, power driver seat, bench seat at the front, 16-inch wheels, audio system with a single CD, and keyless entry. Other options available for the Impala LS are the antilock brakes, traction control, and floor mats.
Subvarieties of LT have features like a 6 CD changer, heated front seats, leather-covered seats, and alloy wheels that measure 17 inches. Among all other trim levels, it’s the LTZ that is completely equipped, though it may not have the other option like a CD changer as well as sunroof (which is, by the way, optional to all other trims). The SS, on the other hand, contain power front-passenger seat, auto dimming rearview mirror, transmitter that is Homelink, and heated seats.
Performance
The Chevrolet Impala LS runs with a V6 engine (3.5 liters) and can produce a horsepower of 211 and a torque of 214 pound-feet. Moreover, the 3.9 V6 engine is a standard for the LTZ and also available for LT. It can produce 233 horsepower with around 240 pound-feet torque. They are also made compatible with technology called Active Fuel Management, which allows the deactivation of 50 percent of the car’s cylinders while running in a continuous motion to save some fuel. The V8 engine (5.3 liters) are include in all Chevrolet Impala’s SS model, and is capable of creating an impressive torque (323 pound-feet) and horsepower (303).
It’s the automatic transmission at four speeds that is basically common in all Impala models. This setup transfers the power through the car’s front wheels.
Safety
LTZ and SS models are equipped with the standard traction control and antilock braking system. These are only options for all other models. OnStar, side curtain airbags that are all full length, and a monitor for tire pressure are also conventional features for all Chevrolet Impala models. Stability control is lacking though.
At the recent tests regulated by NHTSA, the recent Chevrolet Impala just received a rating of five stars for its ability to protect the driver and the front passenger from head-on collision. It also garnered a five-star score for side-impact testing in terms of front-passenger protection and four-star rating for rear passengers.
Handling, unfortunately, is Chevrolet’s main strengths because of its soft suspension. Nevertheless, its users can appreciate the substantial and solid feel of the car, as well as its high quality of ride compliancy.
Also as a composed cruiser, the SS is much more agile thanks to firmer suspension tuning and 18-inch performance tires.
Among the trim levels, the Impala SS is the more agile model because of its far firmer tuning of its suspension and performance tires of 18 inches.
