2007 Chevrolet Impala Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The larger of Chevrolet's two midsize sedans gets no major changes of note for 2007. Impala comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and sporty SS trim. LS and LT 3.5 models have a 211-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. A 233-hp 3.9-liter V6 is standard on LT 3.9 and LTZ versions. SS models have a 303-hp V8 and sport suspension. New for 2007 on the 3.9 V6 and carried over for the V8 is GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission. ABS and traction control are optional on LS and LT 3.5, standard otherwise. Curtain side airbags are standard on all. Impalas have front bucket seats. Optional on LS and LT is a front bench seat for six-passenger capacity. OnStar assistance is standard. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is standard on LTZ and SS, optional on LT 3.9.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.

News

Sources say the current Impala will be replaced after model-year '09 by either a clean-sheet front-wheel-drive design or an equally fresh rear-drive model based on GM's new Zeta global platform. Zeta underpins the upcoming 2008 Pontiac G8, which seems to signal a rear-drive Impala with an optional V8. But if a front-driver does get the nod, it would likely use an enlarged version of the Epsilon II midsize-car platform that premieres with the redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 Chevrolet Impala Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel Economy (V8)

Acceleration (V8)	Quietness

Ride

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
5	6	8	5.9

Peppy from a stop, regardless of engine. The 3.5 and 3.9-liter V6s provide similar acceleration in around-town driving, but the 3.9 has better passing response in the 35-55 mph range. V8 furnishes ample power at any speed.

Ethanol-blended fuel, called E85, is available in many states and can be less expensive than regular-grade gasoline. E85 can be used with the 3.5 V6. Test models showed no difference in acceleration using E85.

Fuel Economy

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
5	5	4	5.1

Test LT 3.5 averaged 24.2 mpg. Test SS averaged 20.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. V6 Impalas use regular-grade fuel. Chevy recommends premium for the V8.

Using E85, test LT 3.5 averaged 16.9 mpg overall, 22.9 in mostly highway driving.

Ride Quality

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
7	7	6	6.1

Soft, but some float and wallow with 16-inch tires. Available 17s temper much of the unwanted motion. Little comfort penalty with SS, despite sport suspension with 18-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
5	6	7	6.2

Stable, with well-balanced steering. SS models have sportiest moves, but no Impala feels agile. Stopping control good, but Chevy should make ABS standard on all Imapalas.

Quietness

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

Wind rush and tire roar both intrude slightly. In rapid acceleration, V6s emit prominent growl. V8 subdued at cruise, has muscle car rumble under throttle. Assorted squeaks noted in one test model.

Controls

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

Gaugues clearly marked, easy to read. Large, clearly marked radio/climate controls have easy-grip rubberized surfaces, operate smoothly. Cabin materials serviceable, but Impala trails most like-priced imports for quality feel. Hard plastic expanses dominate cabin, have budget look and feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

Head, leg room adequate. With available front bench, seat bottom too short for long-distance comfort. Narrow cabin limits three-abreast seating to short trips, smaller passengers. Decent visibility compromised slightly by thick rear pillars. Easy entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

Leg room adequate. Head room tight for taller adults. Narrow door bottoms slightly impede entry/exit.

Cargo Room

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	4.8

Impala trunk roomy, has usefully flat floor. Lid uses nonintrusive strut-type hinges, but odd-shaped opening hampers loading bulky objects. Adequate cabin storage.

Value within Class

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Chevrolet's top-selling car is affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. But this sedan still feels dated compared with midsize-car-class pacesetters, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Total Score

LT 3.5	LTZ	SS	Class Average
58	60	61	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/13/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LS 4-door sedan	$21,015	$19,859	$685

LT 3.5 4-door sedan	$21,625	$20,436	$685

LT 3.9 4-door sedan	$24,345	$23,006	$685

LTZ 4-door sedan	$26,435	$24,981	$685

SS 4-door sedan	$28,040	$26,498	$685

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

Powertrain

Flex-fuel 3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console w/shifter, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media connection, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

LT 3.5 adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone manual climate controls, remote engine start, compass, outside-temperature indicator, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

LT 3.9 adds to LT 3.5:

Powertrain

3.9-liter V6 engine w/cylinder deactivation, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear spoiler, 225/55R17 tires.

LTZ adds to LT 3.9:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, Bose sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.

SS adds to LT 3.9:

Powertrain

5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Performance Suspension, 235/50WR18 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
2LT Option Pkg.
LT 3.5	$990	$822
Traction control, antilock brakes, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.

Luxury Edition Pkg.
LT 3.5	$1,675	$1,390
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, folding rear seat, rear spoiler. Requires 2LT Option Pkg.

Convenience Pkg.
SS	$240	$199
Heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Safety
Antilock brakes
LS, LT 3.5	$600	$498
Includes traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
LT 3.5, LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$900	$747
LT, SS require universal garage door opener. NA LS.

Front split bench seat
LS, LT	$150	$122
Includes column shifter.

Folding rear seat
LT 3.5	$275	$228


Cloth upholstery
SS (credit)	$-1,125	$-934
Deletes heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat.

Leather upholstery
LT	$1,125	$934
Includes heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat. LT 3.5 requires 2LT Option Pkg., folding rear seat.

Woodgrain interior trim
SS	$0	$0


AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
LT 3.5	$195	$162


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LT 3.5, LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$295	$245
LT 3.5 requires 2LT Option Pkg. NA LS.

Satellite radio
LT 3.5	$199	$165


Bose sound system
LT 3.5, LT 3.9, SS	$495	$411
LT 3.5 requires AM/FM/CD/MP3 player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Universal garage door opener
LT, SS	$100	$83


Remote engine starting prep
LS	$30	$25


Floormats
LS	$80	$66


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
LS, LT 3.5, LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$50	$42


Rear spoiler
LT 3.5	$275	$225
Requires 2LT Option Pkg.

Rear spoiler delete
LT 3.9, LTZ (credit)	$-175	$-145


Special paint
LT 3.5, LT 3.9, LTZ, SS	$295	$245
NA LS.

Polished alloy wheels
SS	$350	$291

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Impala 4-door sedan	Chevrolet Impala 2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	110.5	110.5

Overall Length, in.	200.4	196.7

Overall Width, in.	72.9	72.9

Overall Height, in.	58.7	55.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3553	--

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	18.6	15.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.5	17.5

Seating Capacity	6	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.4	38.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.8	36.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.6	35.8

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

Engines

	ohv V6	ohv V6	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213	3.9 /231	5.3 /325

Horsepower @ rpm.	211 @ 5800	233 @ 5600	303 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	214 @ 4000	240 @ 4000	323 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	21/31	20/29	18/27

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	Chevrolet Impala 2-door coupe

Front Impact, Driver	5	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	5	NA

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	NA

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	5/100,000	--

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

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/100,000	--

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

< 2007 Chevrolet Impala Photos

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

Also in the 2007 Chevrolet Impala Review:

Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet Impala Road Test

Chevrolet Impala Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Impala Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Impala Photos

Chevrolet Impala Full Review