The 2012 Chevrolet Impala comes in the LS, LT and LTZ trims powered by a 3.6 liter V6 engine, which combines with a 6-speed transmission for better performance and a luxurious and smooth ride in all conditions.
The engine produces 300 horsepower, which is an improvement from the 2011’s 3.5L V6. This engine also outputs an improved 252 lb-ft of torque, which peaks at 5,300 rpm. Other notable features incorporated in the powertrain include: E85 FlexFuel capability, direct gasoline injection and variable calve timing.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $25,760.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 gallons (64l) | MPG: 18 city / 30 hwy |
| Length: 200.4 in. (509 cm) | Wheel Base: 110.5 in. (280.6 cm) |
| Height: 58.7 in. (149 cm) | Width: 72.9 in. (185.1 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3555 lbs (1612 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 18.6 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: VVT V6 DOHC | Displacement: 3.6 Liter |
| Horsepower: 300 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 5300 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Option:LT | MSRP: $27,285; MPG: 18 city / 30 hwy |
| Option:LTZ | MSRP: $30,300; MPG: 18 city / 30 hwy |
Exterior
The Impala has a stylish look, thanks to its aerodynamics. To start with, the twin back exhaust tips add to the aggressive rear fascia. The headlights sweep back along the sides of the hood, giving the exterior look another key feature.
The fog-light housing and the grille are adorned by a Malibu-like chrome mesh. The LS trim rides on a standard 16 inch alloy wheels, while the LT uses 17 inch alloy wheels. The LTZ trim on the other hand, rides on 18 inches alloy wheels and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Interior
The design of this sedan is unmatched by most luxury sedans that cost twice as much. The room is spacious and comfortable for enjoyable and smooth ride. The Impala is also flexible and offers several storage and seating options, which allows the customer to configure the interior for preferred space and passengers’ comfort.
This car can therefore accommodate 5 or 6 people, and still have enough room in the trunk for their cargo. Other notable interior features include: air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, a satellite radio with a six speaker stereo, an auxiliary input and seat cushions in the rear seat which can be folded to provide an extra space where the customer can keep valuables. The Chevrolet Impala provides 18.6 cubic feet of trunk space.
Safety & Reliability
This sedan’s powertrain is backed by a 5-years or 100,000 miles warranty, which also includes road assistance. In addition to that, there is a warranty of 3-years or 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. There are also several safety features which have been incorporated in this car to guarantee the driver and the passengers a reliable and safe ride.
Among these safety features is the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, which assists the driver with directional control in difficult driving situations. The control has sensors which monitor the path being steered, and the turning direction. In case a difference is detected, the Impala applies brake pressure to the appropriate wheel to help the vehicle get back on track.
Other key safety features include: steel safety cage and six standard airbags. The Impala is fitted with an OnStar technology, which involuntarily connects the car to help though OnStar in the occurrence of a collision.
Pros
- Simple controls
- Large trunk
- Strong and efficient engine
- Decent power and fuel economy
- Available in six passenger seating
Cons
- Poorly made interior material
- Bland styling
- Sloppy handling
With the option of configuring the interior to accommodate six people, the Chevrolet Impala is suitable for medium size families. Its seating capacity therefore beats other large cars. The large trunk can effectively hold luggage for the entire family.
Competition
There are many vehicles that the Impala can be compared to in terms of price, performance, and longevity, they are the Toyota Avalon (MSRP $33,195; 19 city / 28 hwy), the Nissan Maxima (MSRP $32,420; 19 city / 26 hwy), and the old reliable Ford Taurus (MSRP $25,555; 18 city / 28 hwy).
Overall Rating
70 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Chevrolet Impala has a roomy interior, with plenty of space for people and cargo; but shoppers who are comparing the Impala to other rivals should be aware that it’s an older design and hasn’t been kept up-to-date in some respects.”Car Connection
“The 2012 Chevrolet Impala sedan is the last of a dying breed. The nearest thing Chevrolet has to a full-size sedan, the 2012 Impala retains the classic American full-size attributes of a big, roomy cabin, an equally big trunk, and a soft, comfortable ride.”KBB
“Simple controls; available six-passenger seating; large trunk; strong and efficient engine…Cheap interior materials and construction; lackluster handling; bland styling; generally outpaced by the competition in most respects.”Edmunds
