Editor's Notes
After a complete image makeover in 2006, the 2010 Chevrolet Impala gained a cleaner, more
sophisticated exterior and a significant interior upgrade. The Chevy Impala
has a number of redeeming qualities. The Chevy Impala features a large back
seat and trunk, and a loyal following. If
you're in search of a big, roomy sedan that won't break the bank, the 2010
Chevrolet Impala will thoroughly meet your needs and probably exceed your
expectations. The wide range of available OnStar packages gives the Impala a
leg up over similarly priced competitors.
Changes for 2010 are minimal, held to a few new color choices and the
addition of fog lamps to the 1LT trim.
We sampled both of the 2010 Impala's available engine choices and came away
satisfied by each of them on different levels. The 3.9-liter V6 proved plenty powerful
but most will find the base 3.5-liter V6 is perfectly sufficient. Out on the
highway the Impala's ride is smooth and stable, with none of the pitching and
dipping typical of older big American sedans. The top-level Impala LTZ offers a
more solid feel and better handling, thanks to its FE3 "Luxury
Tuning" suspension and 18-inch wheel and tire package. With supportive
seats front and rear, the Impala remains comfortable after several hours and
hundreds of miles.
The 2010 Chevrolet Impala's passenger cabin features clean lines on the
instrument panel and upholstery that combine with attractive knobs and buttons
to create a pleasingly neutral environment. Clever features, such as the
auxiliary audio input jack, go a long way toward satisfying the kids on long
trips. A check of the available equipment list reveals a choice of bucket seats
or a split-bench arrangement for the front passengers, with the latter
increasing seating capacity to space for six adults. In conjunction with a
massive trunk, the Impala offers a flip-and-fold-flat rear seat that not only
increases cargo capacity but also features a small storage tub beneath.
Two well-defined grille openings flanked by a pair of rearward-swept headlamps
help give the aging Chevrolet Impala a sleek, contemporary appearance. The
trunk lid opens straight up to allow for easy loading and the low lift-over
height aids when loading heavy or large items.
Notable Standard Equipment
A base 2010 Chevrolet Impala LS comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, four-speed
automatic transmission, power windows/locks/mirrors, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD
player with auxiliary input, XM Satellite Radio, remote keyless entry, front
airbags, side curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes
(ABS), traction control speed control, power driver's seat, cloth interior,
tilt steering wheel, remote trunk release, 16-inch covered steel wheels,
tire-pressure monitor and OnStar.
Trim-level, package and stand-alone options include a 3.9-liter V6, leather
seating, power sunroof, dual-zone air conditioning, eight-way heated power
driver's and heated power passenger's seats, flip-and-fold-flat rear seat,
single- or six-disc CD player with MP3 compatibility, Bose premium sound,
rear-seat DVD entertainment system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls,
OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, universal home remote, Bluetooth, auto-dimming
inside and outside rear-view mirrors, heated outside mirrors, metallic-look
trim, remote vehicle start, engine block heater, fog lamps, rear spoiler and
aluminum wheels up to 18 inches in diameter.
Under the Hood
The 2010 Chevrolet Impala's offers a choice between two V6 engines: A 3.5-liter
and 3.9-liter V6. Both engines are capable of running on E85 (a gas/ethanol
mixture) and offer respectable power and fuel economy.
AutoBytel.com,
March 2010, 2010 Kelley Blue Book, Chicago Chevy Dealers