2004 Chevrolet Impala Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Chevrolet's largest sedan adds a supercharged performance-oriented version for 2004. Impala comes in base, uplevel LS, and new SS models. All have a V6 engine. The base model comes with a 180-hp 3.4 liter. A 200-hp 3.8 is standard on the LS, optional on the base. The SS has a supercharged 240-hp 3.8. All have automatic transmission and 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS, traction control, and a tire-inflation monitor are standard on the LS and SS, optional on the base. Sport suspension tuning is included on Impalas with the 3.8 V6. The SS is available only in black and comes with 17-inch wheels vs. the other models' 16s. A sport appearance package is newly available for the base model. LS, SS accommodate 5 passengers with front bucket seats. Base has a front bench and seats 6 passengers, or optional bucket seats. A side airbag for the driver is optional on all models. A front side passenger airbag is not offered. OnStar assistance and satellite radio are optional. Added midyear for the SS was an Indy Limited Edition package that includes a boost gauge, special trim, and chrome wheels. Impala shares its basic design with the Buick Century and Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Chevy's own Monte Carlo coupe.

News

Earlier reports had Impala getting a 2006 makeover on a so-called "Mid Lux" update of its current W-body GM platform. Pontiac's Grand Prix was transformed this way for '04, and Buick's Regal follows the same formula to become the 2005 LaCrosse. But one source says the Chevy will offer a V8, and V8s generally don't work well with front drive. That's why we think the '06 Impala could well be a clean-sheet redesign on GM's new Zeta global platform, which implies somewhat larger dimensions--and a return to rear-wheel drive. We'll know for sure if Chevy has a rear-drive Impala concept at 2004-05 auto shows.

Meantime, a supercharged Indy SS joined the line last spring to honor Chevy's long relationship with the fabled Indy 500 race. Only 4088 will be built for sale by select dealers. Features include 17-inch "diamond cut" aluminum wheels, Indy emblems, and special trim inside and out.

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

Base, 3.4 V6	LS	SS	Class Average
57	60	59	59.7

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		53
Average Score		59
High Score		67

2004 Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/22/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$21,735	$19,888	$660

LS 4-door sedan	$24,840	$22,729	$660

SS 4-door sedan	$27,595	$25,250	$660

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/manual dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, power remote decklid release, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

LS adds to Base:

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, fog lights, Sport Touring Suspension, 225/60R16 touring tires, alloy wheels.

SS adds to LS:

Powertrain

3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, split folding rear seat, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Performance Suspension, 235/55WR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
1SB Preferred Equipment Group
SS	$700	$623
Cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, steering-wheel radio controls, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo net.

1SC Preferred Equipment Group
SS	$1,425	$1,268
1SB Preferred Equipment Group plus OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Indy Limited Edition
SS	$1,295	$1,153
Unique interior and exterior trim, boost gauge, badging, chrome alloy wheels. Requires a Preferred Equipment Group.

Sport Appearance Pkg. GFO
Base	$750	$668
Rear spoiler, unique taillight treatment.

Sport Appearance Pkg. PDE
Base	$2,455	$2,185
Base w/1SB	$1,860	$1,556
Base w/1SC	$775	$690
Sport Appearance Pkg. GFO plus cruise control, upgraded upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, alloy wheels.

Sport Appearance Pkg. PDE w/bucket seats
Base	$2,505	$2,230
Base w/1SB	$1,910	$1,700
Base w/1SC	$825	$690
Sport Appearance Pkg. PDE plus bucket seats.

Sport Appearance Pkg. WBP
LS	$1,495	$1,331
Leather upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim, floormats, special alloy wheels.

Sport Cloth Trim
Base	$735	$654
Base w/front bucket seats	$785	$699
Base w/1SC	$0	$0
6-way power driver seat, additional cupholders, split folding rear seat, upgraded upholstery.

Leather Seat Trim
Base, LS	$625	$556
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, additional cupholders, split folding rear seat. Base requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SC.

Comfort Seating Pkg.
Base, LS	$445	$396
Heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat. Base, LS require Leather Seat Trim. Base requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group.

Driver Information and Security Group
Base, LS, SS	$295	$263
Trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm. Base requires Preferred Equipment Group, antilock brakes.

Mirror Group
Base, LS, SS	$165	$146
Heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Base requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group.

Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine
Base	$1,095	$975
Includes traction control, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor, Sport Touring Suspension. Requires 1SC Preferred Equipment Group, 225/60R16 touring tires.

Safety
Driver-side front side airbag
Base, LS, SS	$350	$312
Base requires Preferred Equipment Group, Sport Cloth Trim.

Antilock brakes
Base	$600	$534
Includes traction control, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar telematics system
Base, LS, SS	$695	$619
Includes one-year service.

Power sunroof
Base, LS, SS	$900	$801
Includes illuminated visor mirrors. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.

Bucket seats
Base	$50	$45
Includes Sport Cloth Trim. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SC.

6-way power driver seat
Base	$325	$289


AM/FM/CD player
Base, LS, SS	$345	$307
Includes premium speakers.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Base, LS, SS	$445	$396
w/Preferred Equipment Group	$100	$89
Includes premium speakers.

Satellite radio
Base, LS, SS	$325	$289
Requires monthly fee.

Steering-wheel radio controls
Base	$195	$173
LS, SS	$145	$129
Base includes leather-wrapped steering wheel. Base requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group.

Cruise control
Base	$250	$223


Cargo net
Base, LS, SS	$45	$40


Floormats
Base, LS	$80	$71


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Base, LS, SS	$35	$31


Alloy wheels
Base	$350	$312
Requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group.

225/60R16 touring tires
Base	$45	$40
Requires 3.8-liter engine.

2004 Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.5

Overall Length, in.	200.0

Overall Width, in.	73.0

Overall Height, in.	57.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3465

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	18.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.0

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.2

Rear Head Room, in.	36.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6	ohv V6	Supercharged ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.4 /205	3.8 /231	3.8 /231

Horsepower @ rpm.	180 @ 5200	200 @ 5200	240 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	205 @ 4000	225 @ 4000	280 @ 3600

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	21/32	20/30	18/28

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	Aveo only.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2004 Chevrolet Impala Photos

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Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety

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