2013 Chevrolet Impala |
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Overview
The Chevrolet Impala ranks highly among similar vehicles, consistently placing second out of eight in several categories. It is recognized as one of the most reliable large cars, indicating its durability and longevity. Additionally, it is considered one of the best large cars for tall people, suggesting ample interior space and comfort for taller individuals. The Impala also scores well in terms of comfort, making it a top choice for those seeking a smooth and enjoyable ride. Overall, the Chevrolet Impala stands out as a strong contender in the large car category, excelling in reliability, comfort, and spaciousness.
Overview
Affordability and big-car roominess have always been the hallmark of the Chevrolet Impala. But its aging and bland design, lack of high-tech safety features found on many competitors' vehicles, so-so interior and relatively uninspired handling are serious detractions. Still, the recently adopted V6 engine is a pleasant surprise, and starting pricing that ranges from $25,860 to $30,400 may be enough to counteract the negatives.
What Experts Think
Among the motoring press, that is, those who get paid to drive and evaluate new vehicles, there are some good characteristics in the 2013 Chevrolet Impala, and, of course, some not-so-favorable traits. In essence, consumers may find a good deal in the current year Impala, but they may be better off waiting for the redesigned 2014 Impala due out soon.
"Despite a spacious cabin and comfortable ride, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala is outdone by most competitors, especially the upcoming all-new 2014 Impala. You can do better." (Edmunds).
"If you are looking for a spacious, simple full-size sedan with a solid track record for reliability, the 2013 Chevy Impala might be the right fit for you. Furthermore, OnStar's suite of concierge and emergency assistance services provides a level of assurance you won't find anywhere else in the segment." (Kelley Blue Book)
"This is Chevrolet's ‘other' midsize sedan. More a commercial and rental-fleet darling than a retail superstar, Impala rides a basic design that has remained largely unchanged since 2006." (Consumer Guide)
"The 2013 model year will be [a] short one for the Impala, as an updated 2014 model will arrive halfway through the year. The current car's aging design and old platform lack the refinement and sophistication of its rivals, but it's big inside, not too expensive, and returns decent fuel economy." Car and Driver
What Owners Say
Having been around in its current iteration for many years, owners are not overly enthused about the 2013 Chevrolet Impala. Still, there are some things about the big sedan that buyers do like.
Among the 600+ reviews by owners posted on Kelley Blue Book (for 2006 through 2013 models), the overall rating comes in at 8.2 out of 10.
Owners comment on the Impala's great price and reliability, seat comfort, ride, space, braking, acceleration and fuel economy.
Negative comments include steering, old design, "huge blind spots," poor handling and no cup holders in the back seat of the LS.
Model/Trim Lineup
The 2013 Chevrolet Impala is available in three models or trim levels: base LS, mid-level LT, and top-of-the line LTZ. This is the Impala's final model year in its current design, as an all-new 2014 Impala is set to debut in calendar 2013.
Standard equipment in the base Impala LS includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power driver's seat, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack, and the OnStar emergency communications system.
Up one trim level to the Impala LT swaps 16-inchers for 17-inch alloy wheels, adds remote ignition, dual-zone manual climate control, a leather-wrapped shift knob, folding rear seat with center armrest, a trip computer, and a rear spoiler.
The top-level trim, the Impala LTZ, adds 18-inch split-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lights, heated power front seats (eight-way driver, six-way passenger), heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, and a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers.
The only option available on the Impala LS is a front bench seat. LT and LTZ options include a sunroof, while a new Luxury Edition package adds many of the features in the top-level LTZ to Impala LT.
There is also the addition of one exterior color to the Impala's palette: Crystal Red.
Performance
In the view of most reviewers, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala can never be mistaken for a performance sedan. Still, the sole powertrain, the 3.6-liter V6 engine does deliver 300 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Kelley Blue Book calls it "velvety-smooth, silent and strong," further noting that all Impala models, regardless of trim, deliver "a soft, comfortable ride ideal for straight, smooth pavement."
Mated to the V6 is a six-speed automatic transmission, known for its smooth shifts, quiet operation and ability to immediately select the proper gear during ascent or descent on steep grades and during aggressive lane changes. Front-wheel drive is standard.
Fuel economy is decent in the 2013 Impala, coming in at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The 18-inch wheel and tire package on the Impala LTZ offers a more solid feel and a bit more aggressive driving.
Interior
While most automotive reviews comment on the unrefined nature of the interior of the 2013 Chevrolet Impala, they also note that this full-size sedan offers an optional front bench seat that provides seating for six. As such, the Impala is the last mass-production car on the market to do so.
The Impala's simple instruments with their large and easy-to-read numbers and letters, large rotary knobs for ventilation and the radio, and numerous cup holders throughout the cabin are other highlights.
Reviewers also hail the voluminous trunk capacity which has more space than most cars in this class at 18.6 cubic feet of cargo room. And the available flip and fold rear seat increases cargo capacity even more. Plus, the rear seat has a hidden storage bin beneath the seat cushion.
Of course, there are some other nits about a car that hasn't been redesigned in many years. Some reviews call out the cheap interior materials and note that the Impala, despite its overall roominess, is not the most comfortable sedan on the road.
Other consumer technology system favorites that are missing in the 2013 Impala include navigation, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.
Safety & Reliability
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2013 Chevrolet Impala a four-star overall safety rating, including four stars each in frontal, side and rollover testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), meanwhile, gave the Impala the top rating of "Good" in frontal offset and side impact testing, but only a second-best rating of "Acceptable" in rear crash protection and roof strength testing.
The list of standard safety features on the 2013 Chevy Impala includes front seat side-impact airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and traction and stability control.
OnStar is also standard on every Impala model. The OnStar system includes automatic crash notification, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance, and on-demand roadside assistance.
As previously mentioned, the 2013 Impala is conspicuous in its absence of available blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems.
As for reliability, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Predicted Reliability rating, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala achieves a three and one-half-circle predicted reliability score. This puts the Impala a little above average in reliability.
2013 Chevrolet Impala Trims
Trim | Engine | Drive Train | MSRP |
---|---|---|---|
LS 4dr Sedan | 6 Cylinder | FWD | 25860 |
LT 4dr Sedan | 6 Cylinder | FWD | 27385 |
LTZ 4dr Sedan | 6 Cylinder | FWD | 30400 |
Police 4dr Sedan w/3FL | 6 Cylinder | FWD | 27205 |
Unmarked Police 4dr Sedan w/3FL | 6 Cylinder | FWD | 27205 |
LS Fleet 4dr Sedan | 6 Cylinder | FWD | 25280 |
LT Fleet 4dr Sedan | 6 Cylinder | FWD | 26430 |
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