2009 Chevrolet Impala - Quality Review

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Shopping for a 2009 Chevrolet Impala? MSRP: $23,790 - $31,135

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The 2009 Chevrolet Impala seats up to six adults in reasonable comfort, though materials are still not up to the levels seen in a Honda Accord.

Cars.com reports "firmer cushions and increased lumbar support" in the SS. Edmunds feels “occupants will find hip and shoulder room plentiful, but legroom is mediocre for a car of this size.” Car and Driver compares the front seats with their "favorite recliner," but says "the slightest hint of aggression will rock you out of your comfort zone."

ConsumerGuide reports that the 2009 Impala’s "trunk is roomy, with a usefully flat floor," but "an oddly shaped opening hampers loading bulky objects"; in addition, they note, "cabin storage is merely adequate." Cars.com states "trunk space totals 18.6 cubic feet."

Edmunds says "the Impala's interior is a huge improvement over its predecessor and a nice enough place to spend time, but competitors score higher style and quality points." The wide-open spaces inside are styled and finished better than in the previous Impala, but the Chevy sedan still runs behind the class leaders. Car and Driver is not particularly impressed with the interior materials and assembly, especially when it comes to driver controls: "Although the redesign for 2005 greatly improved the interior, the Impala’s cabin materials still pale next to those of the Honda Accord, Toyota Avalon, and Hyundai Azera." ConsumerGuide expresses similar sentiments: "cabin materials are serviceable, but Impala trails most like-priced rivals for quality feel...hard plastic expanses dominate the cabin, giving it a budget look and feel."

ConsumerGuide feels "wind rush and tire roar both intrude slightly... in rapid acceleration, the V6s emit prominent growl," while "the V8 is subdued at cruise but has muscle-car rumble under throttle." In both 2009 Chevrolet Impala V-6 models especially, the interior is quite hushed and well isolated from road noise.

Ride quality is a mixed bag, with reviewers deeming it soft and absorbent, almost to the point of being queasy when the going gets rough. According to Car and Driver, "the Impala soaks up bumps well" when traveling in a straight line, but "once the road starts to wind, the Impala dips, leans, and squats as though the road were one big yoga mat."