- 2010
2009 Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Impala - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Chevrolet Impala offers seating for up to six and a historic namplate. However, its poor performance and boring styling inside and out give the automotive press a fairly low opinion of the car.
The Chevy Impala is an American icon that, according to many reviewers, has strayed too far from its roots. Always a large car, the Impala has undergone many revisions since it was a flashy status-symbol in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Somehow, that beloved car has evolved into the bland subpar performer seen on Chevy lots today.
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 is relatively fuel efficient and roomy. But negative qualities like its uninspired handling dynamics, a power-sapping four-speed transmission, a plain exterior design, and poor cabin finish are turnoffs. "Chevrolet's top-selling car is affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. But this sedan still feels dated compared with class leaders," reports Consumer Guide.
Some of those class leaders can be purchased for about the same investment as the Impala. The Mercury Sable achieves higher safety scores, boasts a more upscale feel, and won't cost buyers much more than the Impala. And while the Toyota Avalon is a more significant up-front investment, it won our Best Large Car for the Money Award because of its low long-term cost.
The 2009 Chevy Impala is available in five trims: LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and SS. Because of slow sales, it has been available at signifcant discounts much of this year. See our best Chevrolet deals page for details.
- "With powerful and efficient V6 engines, a comfortable cabin and a smooth ride, the 2009 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 2009 Impala impresses test drivers with its powerful engine options, and flex-fuel capability that is attractive in some parts of the country. But reviewers say its subpar handling detracts from its overall appeal. "SS models have sportiest moves, but no Impala feels agile," writes Consumer Guide. Read More
Impala Exterior - 7.4 (Good)
Critics are neither impressed nor disgusted by the '09 Impala's boring design. "Hot or not: Not particularly, but well groomed," comments U.S. News. Read More
Impala Interior - 7.2 (Good)
Reviewers like that the Impala can seat six passengers with its optional front bench seat, but find its interior fit and finish severely lacking. "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 - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Impala performs well in crash tests conducted by the federal government and insurance industry. What's more, it features a wide array of standard safety equipment - including Electronic Traction Control. Read More
Impala Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 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. Read More
