Quick Review: 2012 Chevrolet Impala LT Fleet 2FL

[FenwickHockey65]

A few weeks ago, I was in Tampa for some job-related stuff. Reserved a full size sedan from Enterprise, was hoping for a Charger, but ended up with an Impala instead.

Exterior is really nothing to write home about. Same Impala we've known and loved (kinda...) since 2006, with some minor tweaks (AKA GM found leftover Impala SS bits lying around and tacked them on).

Interior, again, nothing special. Functional, not terribly stylish, and materials were so-so. But seats were surprisingly comfortable and supportive despite the seat material, which I found odd. Also had the flip and fold rear seat, which I didn't need, but was still a nice feature. Plenty of storage in the center console as well.

Performance wise, I was pleasantly surprised. Had the 300 HP LFX V6 under the hood and 6 speed automatic transmission. For a pretty outdated car, the newer powertrain actually made it somewhat fun to drive, especially with Florida's 70 MPH limits (compared to Ohio's stupid 65). I saw an average combined fuel economy around 25-26 MPG, and easily achieved over 30 MPG cruising on the highways.

Some pictures...

In conclusion, it's still a fairly decent car, despite its age. If you're looking for something dependable, roomy, and efficient as a daily driver and don't need or want all the toys and gizmos in newer cars, Impala isn't a bad choice, especially considering how much cash is on the hood of them right now. That being said, the 2014 model can't come soon enough.

Oh, and one more thing: In a test I believe should become a new industry-wide standard, I discovered the Impala jumps curbs very, very well. Just had to throw that in there.

[Overflow]

HA! I'm so glad you put it when you jumped that curb after the auto show. But you failed to mention the constant launching you did.

It was really fun hanging out with you. Let me know when you plan to come down again!

[FenwickHockey65]

You're never going to let me forget that. =P

[Overflow]

I regret every day that I wasn't filming.

[FenwickHockey65]

The next time I'm in Tampa, hopefully I'll get a Charger and we'll have to test its curb hopping abilities as well.

[Overflow]

My car will sit that one out.

[FenwickHockey65]

I don't know if I told you this, but it turns out I accidentally paid for the damage waiver when I picked her up that day, so if my curb hopping test had gone horribly wrong I would have been covered.

[Number 3]

It is/was a cop car, Fen. LOL Curbs are just a little thing that gets in the way of a good chase.

[FenwickHockey65]

I actually plan on buying a used one in a few years for a daily driver. 9C1 wheels and front push bar.

[Stew]

I have always had a love/hate relationship with this gen. i actually like the looks, especially the SS models and LTZs in black. Never drove the Impala SS, but did the Monte SS and the GP GXP and liked them both (hmmmm, wonder what the 6 speed auo would have done for the LS4?). BUT brother had an 09 3.5 and it drove like a 90s Buick and I DESPISED the interior, hopefully they improved it with the 12 models a bit. Solid cars for sure though.

[NASTY99Z28]

When my 99 trans am was stolen I drove a new impala for a shirt time and I like it as did the wife. I was really surprised how it felt faster then the v6 camaro I drove with the same engine and still knocked down over 30 mpg's at 75 on my way to Daytona for the race.

[Dave McFly]

except for the wing and the rims that is identical to my dad's '12 LS Summit White Impala. He loves it, has everything he wants (decent stereo, with XM) creature comforts (blue tooth for his cell phone). and he too was impressed both by the power of that 300hp six and the MPG he got (way better than his previous Chrysler Pacifica FWD with the 3.5 DOHC V6).

[Scrappy Doo]

Grandmothers across the country approve of this review!


j/k, they aren't bad cars. Waiting to see what the new gens will be like though.

[Dave McFly]

I have to say I love my dad's car and I would buy one of my own but I would get the LTZ model with all the amenities but they are way out of my $$$ range :(.