I needed a rental car for a couple of days, and the only car available at my local Enterprise store was a red 2008 or 2009 Impala.
The Chevrolet Impala is a perfect example of why GM nearly went under, and how the Chevrolet brand was adrift without a clear identity. It is a mediocre car, with some very annoying details. It doesn't inspire passion, it isn't a car I would choose to buy. It is a rental fleet queen.
Good Points:
- Quiet, smooth, 3.5L V6 with variable valve timing.
- Clean, if boring, styling.
- Flex-Fuel (E85) capable.
- Unoffensive transmission behavior.
- Decent fuel economy for a larger car (I got 25mpg average on gasoline)
- Huge trunk
Bad Points:
- The OHV V6 is modestly powered at 211HP/214Lb-ft. The 3.6 DOHC GM V6 makes 252HP.
- Only 4 speed transmission.
- Prominent tire noise.
- Wind noise from driver's door seal?
- Cheesy fake wood interior trim.
- Odd wedge shaped sideview mirrors offer reduced visibility.
- Hard plastics abound in the interior.
- Bizarre vertical levers for dual zone temperature control, with very little resistance.
- Pedal-type parking brake intrudes on foot room and interferes with dead pedal space.
- No PRNDL markings on floor shifter (PRNDL displayed on IP).
- Soft, squishy ride with lots of body lean.
- Mushy on-center steering feel.
- No hand-hold to open trunk (you can try to grab the trim, or put your fingers under the trunk lid edge).
