2004 Chevrolet Impala Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala help you decide if a 2004 Chevrolet Impala is right for you.

2004 Chevrolet Impala Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (SS)	Rear-seat comfort

Passenger and cargo room	Engine noise

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
5	6	7	5.5

Adequate with 3.4 V6. The 3.8 gives usefully stronger takeoffs and, especially in SS form, better passing response. Alert, smooth-shifting transmission aids the cause.

Fuel Economy

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
5	5	4	4.7

Test base Impala averaged 19.8 mpg in a city/highway mix. LS test cars averaged 20.1-22.9 mpg with lots of highway miles. Expect 17-20 with SS. Chevy recommends premium-grade fuel for SS, regular otherwise.

Ride Quality

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
6	6	5	6.7

Soft but somewhat sloppy with base-level suspension. Sport-tuned suspension included with 3.8 V6 tempers much of the base setup's float and wallow. SS gets slightly firmer suspension, but isn't uncomfortably stiff.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
5	6	7	5.4

Far from sports-sedan precise, but base suspension furnishes adequate grip, balance, and steering feel. Sport suspensions enhance control, reduce body lean. Stopping power good with ABS despite slightly mushy pedal feel, but Chevy should make ABS standard on all Impalas.

Quietness

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6.5

Low wind noise, but some tire roar on coarse pavement. Engines sound and feel gruff in rapid acceleration.

Controls

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Not stylish, but convenient. Clear gauges. Simple, easy-to-reach controls. Cabin materials serviceable, but trail most like-priced import rivals for quality feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6.9

Plenty of head and leg room, though soft seats furnish poor thigh support. Outward sightlines good. Some competitors provide curtain side airbags; Chevrolet offers a side torso airbag for driver only, and it's optional.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
5	5	5	5.9

Ample leg and head room for 6-footers, though three riders squeeze shoulder to shoulder. Disappointing toe clearance. Seat uncomfortably soft and short. Entry/exit big-car easy.

Cargo Room

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

Roomy flat-floor trunk. Lid uses nonintrusive strut hinges, but odd-shaped opening hampers loading bulky objects.

Value within Class

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
7	8	7	6.7

Impala isn't as refined as the class-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and it lags most rivals in available safety features and rear-seat comfort. However, its competitive pricing and range of choices--from the comfort-oriented base model to the powerful SS--make it a Recommended midsize choice.

Total Score