#7

in Affordable Large Cars

Based on analysis of 48 Impala reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $24,290 - $29,930
Invoice: $23,318 - $28,733
MPG: 18 City / 29 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.3
Performance:6.8
Exterior:7.4
Interior:7.1
Safety:8.8
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Both available V6 engines strike a nice balance between power and fuel economy
  • Capacity of six passengers with available front seat
  • Engine is E85-compatible
  • Four-speed automatic transmission is dated and saps fuel economy
  • Sluggish handling
  • Bland exterior design
  • Some reviews cite poor interior fit and finish

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Chevrolet Impala - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Impala ranks 7 out of 8 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 48 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Impala, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The automotive press sees the 2010 Chevrolet Impala as an underwhelming choice in the large car segment.  With seating for six and respectable fuel economy, it will be the right option for some.  But its sluggish handling and questionable interior quality give the automotive press a fairly low opinion of the car.

The Impala name has been in service for decades - this car was a flashy status symbol in the late 1950s and early 1960s.  But reviewers are unimpressed with the current Impala.  Chevrolet can build a great family sedan -- see the Malibu for proof -- but the automotive press is nearly unanimous in saying this isn't it.

The Impala does have virtues.  It is among the most fuel-efficient large cars, and has a roomy cabin. But its subpar handling dynamics, power-sapping four-speed transmission, boring exterior design, and quality problems within the cabin keep it from being a top choice. 

Other Cars to Consider

Large car shoppers might also want to consider the Toyota Avalon.  While its up-front cost is higher, it won our Best Large Car for the Money Award in 2009 because of its low long-term cost.  The new 2010 Ford Taurus might also be worth a look - it offers similar power and space with more personality.

Chevrolet Impala: The Details

The 2010 Chevy Impala is available in five trims: LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and SS.  For 2010, Chevrolet has added a new Convenience Package with heated mirrors and a universal home remote, and several new color options.  See our Chevrolet deals page for current discounts on the Impala.

  • "With powerful and efficient V6 engines, a comfortable cabin and a smooth ride, the Chevrolet Impala brings a lot to the family sedan table even though its cabin refinement and handling dynamics are a few steps behind the class leaders." -- Edmunds
  • The Impala is "a car that seems to have a split personality. ...  It wants to be a modern family car, but it also seems to reach back to the heyday of models that boasted powerful American steel.  In the end, it parks itself squarely in the middle."  -- Boston Globe
  • "Not much to complain or get excited about. The Impala LS is what it is, good enough to make the Impala easily the best-selling American-branded car." --  Orlando Sentinel
  • "Higher-quality interiors and more involving driving experiences are available from top-line competitors such as the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata."-- Car and Driver
  • "Although the Impala may not have the strong resale figures of its Japanese rivals, it does have a number of redeeming qualities. The Impala features a large back seat and trunk, as well as something no other import in the class offers: An optional V8 engine. Still, it's fair to say the Impala has its work cut out for it." -- Kelley Blue Book

Impala Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Impala is available with either of two V6 engines or a small-block V8.  Reviewers say all three offer plenty of power to move the big car in traffic, and the two V6 options both offer strong fuel economy - not to mention flex-fuel capability.  But reviewers say the Impala's handling trails what most of this class has to offer. "SS models have sportiest moves, but no Impala feels agile," writes Consumer Guide. Read More

Impala Exterior - 7.4 (Good)

The 2010 Chevy Impala looks dated next to most of its competition, but its exterior is not particularly offensive.  Distinctive Impala badges attempt to dress up the look.  Read More

Impala Interior - 7.1 (Good)

The 2010 Chevrolet Impala's passenger cabin is one of the least impressive in the affordable large car class.  Fit and finish are troubling, and reviewers say the materials are below the class standard. "Particularly in the lower trim levels, the various plastic surfaces look and feel cheap," writes Edmunds. "The wood trim is laughably bad, while the standard cloth trim is genuine rental-grade mouse fur." Read More

Impala Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)

The Impala earns strong crash test scores from the federal government.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not tested the 2010 model, but gave the mechanically-similar 2009 model middle-of-the-road scores. Read More

Impala Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Chevrolet Impala reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chevrolet provides a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on the Impala. Read More

Review Last Updated: 7/21/10