2005 Chevrolet Impala Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Standard OnStar assistance tops the short list of 2005 additions to Chevrolet's largest sedan. Impala offers base, uplevel LS, and sporty SS models, all with V6 engines. The base uses a 180-hp 3.4-liter, the LS a 200-hp 3.8, the SS a supercharged 240-hp 3.8. All come with automatic transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes, and now OnStar. LS and SS have ABS, traction control, and a tire-inflation monitor; all are optional for the base. The SS also includes 17-inch wheels vs. other models' 16s; it offers chrome-finished 17s as a new option. Also new for SS are minor trim changes outside and different front headrests. SS and LS have front bucket seats and carry five passengers, though LS now offers a front bench seat for 6-passenger capacity. The base has a front bench or optional buckets. A side airbag for the driver is optional, but no front-passenger side airbag is available. Satellite radio is optional across the board. Impala shares its basic underskin design and running gear with Chevy's Monte Carlo coupe.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large, inside and out, they also include the only 6-passenger cars. Large Cars offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego.

News

Impala and coupe sister Monte Carlo get extensive 2006 makeovers marked by fresh styling, new engines and added features. Chevy previewed the new models this past January ahead of a summer 2005 launch. Impala's new look is surprisingly Ford-like from some angles, but most dimensions see little or no change. Three models return. All come with curtain side airbags, previously unavailable, plus suspension tweaks and stronger structures that Chevy says improve ride and handling. The base Impala, now called LS, also gets standard ABS and traction control like the uplevel LT and sporty SS, and all boast new engines. The LS gets a 210-hp 3.5-liter overhead-valve V6, while the LT comes with a 240-hp 3.9-liter version. The SS becomes the first V8 Impala since 1998 by adopting GM's familiar 5.3-liter engine, rated here at 303 hp. Exclusive to the V8 is Displacement on Demand, the GM cylinder-deactivation system designed to save fuel in gentle driving and highway cruising. A 4-speed automatic will again be the only transmission offered. More details, including prices, should surface soon, so keep checking back with us.

Meantime, prospects for a new full-size V8 Chevy sedan have died amid a general GM sales slump that has drastically cut the company's 2005 profit forecast. This was one of several North American cars slated for 2007-08 on the new rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform developed by GM's Australian branch. Another was a revived Chevy Camaro "ponycar" to battle Ford's new smash-hit Mustang. Now, to save money, GM has cancelled all U.S. Zeta models, at least for the forseeable future.

2005 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	LS	SS	Class Average
5	6	7	5.8

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	LS	SS	Class Average
5	5	4	4.6

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	LS	SS	Class Average
6	6	5	6.6

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	LS	SS	Class Average
5	6	7	5.8

Far from sport 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	LS	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

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

Controls

Base	LS	SS	Class Average
5	5	5	6

Not stylish, but convenient. Clear gauges. Simple, easy-to-reach controls. Cabin materials serviceable, but Impala trails most like-priced imports for quality feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	LS	SS	Class Average
7	7	7	7.6

Plenty of head and leg room, though seats too soft for some testers. 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	LS	SS	Class Average
5	5	5	6.5

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	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	LS	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6.6

Impala isn't as refined or spacious as the class-leading Chrysler 300, and it lags most rivals in available safety features and rear-seat comfort. But Chevy's big sedan is affordable, relatively roomy, and competent in most driving conditions.

Total Score

Base	LS	SS	Class Average
56	58	58	61.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		54
Average Score		61
High Score		71

2005 Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 12/10/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$22,350	$20,450	$660

LS 4-door sedan	$25,460	$23,296	$660

SS 4-door sedan	$28,555	$26,128	$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, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, 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, 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, split folding rear seat, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, fog lights, Sport Touring Suspension, alloy wheels.

SS adds to LS:

Powertrain

3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, AM/FM/CD player, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Performance Suspension, 235/55WR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
1SB Preferred Equipment Group
SS	$1,095	$975
Heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, steering-wheel radio controls, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, cargo net.

Sport Appearance Pkg. PCH
Base	$625	$556
Rear spoiler, bodyside moldings, alloy wheels.

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

Comfort Seating Pkg.
LS	$445	$396
Heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat. Requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group, leather upholstery.

Safety
Driver-side front side airbag
Base, LS, SS	$350	$312
Base requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group, sport cloth upholstery or bucket seats.

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

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Base, LS, SS	$900	$801
Base requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group.

Bucket seats
Base	$460	$409
Includes upgraded upholstery, center console, split folding rear seat. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Front split bench seat
LS	$0	$0
Requires leather upholstery.

Sport cloth upholstery
Base	$410	$365
Upgraded upholstery, split folding rear seat. Requires 1SB Preferred Equipment Group

Leather upholstery
LS	$625	$556


6-way power driver seat
Base	$325	$289


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

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Base, LS	$445	$396
Base/LS w/1SB Group, SS	$100	$89
Includes premium speakers.

Satellite radio
Base, LS, SS	$325	$289
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Cruise control
Base	$250	$223


Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls
Base, LS, SS	$250	$223
Base requires Preferred equipment Group.

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.

Chrome alloy wheels
SS	$795	$708

2005 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 /204	3.8 /231	3.8 /231

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

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	200 @ 4000	225 @ 4000	280 @ 3600

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	21/32	20/30	19/28

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 and Cobalt only.

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

Corrosion	6/100,000100,000	--

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

< 2005 Chevrolet Impala Photos

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