Description

Changes are few on the 2007 Chevrolet Impala. The 3900 V6 adopts Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology, and a non-E85 version of the 3500 V6 becomes standard for California-level emissions states. Performance and mpg The LS comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 211 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. The standard 3.5 is E85-compatible in all states, except in the five California-standards emissions states, although it is optionally available there as well. Available on the LT and standard on the LTZ is a 3.9-liter V6 (233 hp and 240 lb-ft), which is now fitted with Active Fuel Management technology, which deactivates half the cylinders while cruising to save fuel. The SS has a 5.3-liter V8 making an impressive 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. All models employ a responsive four-speed automatic transmission (heavy-duty on the SS) that sends the power through the front wheels. The V6 engines offer an agreeable blend of power and fuel-efficiency (up to 31 mpg on the freeway with the 3.5 E85), while the V8 offers serious off-the-line thrust. An Impala SS we tested did the 0-60-mph drill in just 6.4 seconds and ran through the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds. Safety Antilock brakes and traction control are standard on the LTZ and SS, and optional on other models. Full-length side curtain airbags, OnStar and a tire-pressure monitor are standard on all Impalas, but stability control is not available. In frontal crash tests conducted by the NHTSA, the 2007 Chevrolet Impala earned five stars (out of five) for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, an Impala equipped with the side airbags scored five stars for front passengers and four stars for those seated in the rear. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing, the Impala scored an Acceptable rating (second highest out of four), while side-impact tests by that agency resulted in a Good rating, the highest possible. Driving Apart from the Impala SS model, handling is not among the Impala's strengths due to its soft suspension, though the car does feel solid and substantial. Plenty of people will appreciate the big sedan's compliant ride quality. Also a composed cruiser, the SS is much more agile thanks to firmer suspension tuning and 18-inch performance tires. Although the fact remains that this is a big, heavy car, dive the SS into a corner and it pulls through with dignity and thrust. While the SS model may be tempting to power-hungry buyers, be forewarned that dipping into its formidable reserves quickly brings fuel mileage down to around 17 mpg, despite ratings of 18 city and 27 highway. Our recommendation? Stick with the better-balanced LTZ and its plenty powerful 3.9-liter V6. Interior As one of the few sedans on the market capable of seating six passengers, the Chevy Impala does have an edge on the competition when it comes to interior space. The SS model has metallic interior trim, while all other models feature wood-grain trim. Fit and finish is vastly improved over previous models, and the Impala offers contemporary features like available dual-zone climate control, a Bose audio system and an input jack for portable music players. Trunk capacity is a generous 18.6 cubic feet.