2009 Chevrolet Impala: Big and Comfortable

No one can argue the fact that the 2009 Chevy Impala is a very popular car. The reasons why are as simple as road salt. It seats six passengers in goodly comfort. It boasts both respectable fuel economy and horsepower. As for handling, it’s fairly nimble. The good news gets better. New for 2009, all Impalas get anti- lock brakes, traction control, dual zone climate control and thorax side-impact airbags as standard items. Let’s delve into the details.

Four trim levels are offered, the LS, the LT, the LTZ and the fire-breathing SS. Base price Impala LS comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated 211 horsepower. Available on the LT and standard on the LTZ is a slightly more powerful 3.9-liter V-6 with 233 hp. Impala SS, with its 5.3-liter V-8, boasts a tire squealing 303 hp. But what’s most exciting is the simple fact that the 3.9L V-6 and also the 5.3 V-8 have Active Fuel Management technology. Whenever braking and coasting AFM shuts off fuel and ignition spark to half the cylinders, thereby conserving fuel. Mileage improves by as much as eight percent. Both of the V-6 engines are capable of burning E85 ethanol-blended fuel. With the V-6s 87 octane fuel is no problem but the V-8 demands hi octane. All four models flow power through a four-speed automatic transmission.

For testing purposes I was blessed with a Chevy Impala SS from the press fleet. So how fast is fast? Impala SS zooms from 0-60-mph in just 6.4 seconds. Its quarter-mile elapsed time is an eyebrow-raising 14.5 seconds. Obviously a majority of drivers will be more interested in a more frugal balance of horsepower and fuel economy. For this either one of the V-6s are a good choice, especially, the 3.9 liter with AFM.

As for handling manners, Chevy Impala feels solid and substantial. Its ride is complaint. But remember this is a big heavy car. So naturally it follows the big car ride comes with a downside. While handling is very nice, and the car is lots of fun to drive, it’s hardly sports-car-like taut. That is unless you’re behind the wheel of the Impala SS warhorse. Thanks to a sport suspensions and 18-inch performance tires, it is positively agile. But once again, when the price per gallon of gas is an issue, the plenty powerful 3.9 liter V-6 models may be the better choice.

As for creature comforts, Impala is a sizeable car with room enough for up to six people along with all their luggage. Shoulder room is ample. Legroom is good, but not great. Trunk space is generous. The spare tire is a mini. Sound levels were pleasing low, meaning I could hear only a little wind and tire noise. The V-6 speaks up pretty good, so does the V-8 but I forgive it because its voice is the sound of raw hp.

Well equipped base model LS features air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, a power driver seat, a single-CD audio system with an MP3 jack, and keyless entry. LS options include a special package that includes front bucket seats with leather, a flip-and-fold-flat rear seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, OnStar, a rear spoiler and antilock brakes with traction control.

Moving up to an LT adds dual-zone climate control and remote vehicle start. LT has two sub packages (1LT and 2LT) with leather seating, a six-CD changer, satellite radio, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. A sunroof is optional.

Gussied up LTZ boasts big 18-inch alloy wheels, a performance suspension, heated leather bucket seats, a Bose audio system and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Because LTZ is so well-equipped it’s only options are a CD changer and a sunroof

Splashy Impala SS features monochromatic exterior paint, a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. Options include heated seats, a power front-passenger seat, Homelink transmitter and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

In NHTSA crash tests Chevrolet Impala earned five out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact tests Impala scored five stars for the front passengers and four stars for those sitting in the rear. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing Impala scored an Acceptable rating, the second highest out of four, while side-impact tests resulted in a Good rating, the highest possible.

Finally there is the all important warranty. Chevrolet’s powertrain term runs for five years or 100,000 miles, with the bumper to bumper warranty term good for either three years or 36,000 miles. Roadside assistance is offered for five years or 100,000 miles and corrosion perforation is good for six years or 100,000 miles.

Wheelbase - 110.5”
Engine - 3.5L V-6
Horsepower - 211 @ 5800 rpm
Transmission - 4-speed automatic
Mileage - 24/29 mpg
Curb weight - 3555 pounds
Fuel capacity - 17.5 gallons
Base price - $23,045
As tested - $30,000