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2009 Chevrolet Impala Review

February 21, 2009

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

functional and straightforward
Edmunds

a distinct front-end look
Cars.com

overall look is pleasing enough
Car and Driver

a sleeker, more contemporary appearance
Kelley Blue Book

Most reviewers agree that the styling of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala lacks inspiration.

Edmunds says the Impala received a “classy exterior freshening” a few years ago, discarding the “old electric-stove taillamps that looked more GE than GM.” The Impala’s "anonymous styling," as Car and Driver calls it, might have been overlooked in recent years. Today, though, sedans like the Honda Accord, the Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet’s own Malibu have set a new standard for family sedans—one the Impala can’t match. That said, the generous headlights that sweep back along the sides of the hood, along with its unique twin grille openings, lend the Impala a hint of modernity.

For a bit more visual excitement, there’s an SS version; Kelley Blue Book says this model sports a rear spoiler and five-spoke aluminum wheel covers for those who appreciate a racier appearance. Cars.com notes the SS "exhibits a distinct front-end look, led by a dual-split grille that contains a black-diamond crosshatch pattern."

Edmunds describes the interior of the Impala as "functional and straightforward," with "all the visual pizzazz of The Wall Street Journal." Car and Driver says the "overall look is pleasing enough, with a dark gray upper and lighter lower dash separated by faux wood, and the control layout is wonderfully simple and logical," but adds that "the featureless black plastic on the center stack and instrument cluster is almost insulting." Cars.com reports "nuance sandstone leather seating with French seams on the center cushions."

Conclusion

The styling of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala is uninspired in every way.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:functional and straightforwardEdmundsa distinct front-end lookCars.comoverall look is pleasing enoughCar and Drivera sleeker, more contemporary appearanceKelley Blue Book Most reviewers agree that the styling of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala lacks inspiration. Edmunds says the Impala received a “classy exterior freshening” a few years ago, discarding the “old electric-stove taillamps that looked more GE than GM.” The Impala’s "anonymous styling," as Car and Driver calls it, might have been overlooked in recent years. Today, though, sedans like the Honda Accord, the Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet’s own Malibu have set a new standard for family sedans—one the Impala can’t match. That said, the generous headlights that sweep back along the sides of the hood, along with its unique twin grille openings, lend the Impala a hint of modernity. For a bit more visual excitement, there’s an SS version; Kelley Blue Book says this model sports a rear spoiler and five-spoke aluminum wheel covers for those who appreciate a racier appearance. Cars.com notes the SS "exhibits a distinct front-end look, led by a dual-split grille that contains a black-diamond crosshatch pattern." Edmunds describes the interior of the Impala as "functional and straightforward," with "all the visual pizzazz of The Wall Street Journal." Car and Driver says the "overall look is pleasing enough, with a dark gray upper and lighter lower dash separated by faux wood, and the control layout is wonderfully simple and logical," but adds that "the featureless black plastic on the center stack and instrument cluster is almost insulting." Cars.com reports "nuance sandstone leather seating with French seams on the center cushions." ConclusionThe styling of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala is uninspired in every way. 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Edmunds: "functional and straightforward" Cars.com: "a distinct front-end look" Car and Driver: "overall look is pleasing enough" Kelley Blue Book: "a sleeker, more contemporary appearance" Most reviewers agree that the styling of the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Among the competitors to the Chevy Impala, the Dodge Charger is the sportiest and most attention getting, but its backseat is smaller, and with rear-wheel drive, it's arguably not as practical. The Charger R/T has a better-rounded performance-driving experience than the Impala SS, though. The Ford Taurus is the safety champion, with enviable crash-test results and Volvo-engineered platform, but like the V-6 Impala, it's not especially distinctive or fun to drive. Next to the rest of the models, the Impala doesn't particularly stand out for safety. The same goes for the Azera and Amanti, which have a lot of features for the money. The Avalon offers the most features in the class and especially rich, impressive materials inside. Everything considered, the competition to the 2009 Chevrolet Impala follows a wide range of styles, but they're all well-equipped models with spacious interiors.

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See the Chevrolet Impala in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  RichardSS #1, Posted: 2/10/2009

    Chevy Impala

    I bought an 2009 Impala SS last December and I absolutely love it, too bad it not RWD.

  2. By Calabashe #2, Posted: 6/16/2009

    I miss the six tail lights. Its 40 years of tradition tossed out so that there isn't an instantly recognizable Chevy on the road today. (Save for the new Camaro)

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