2005 Chevrolet Impala: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.