The Impala nameplate dates back to 1958, when it
was the top-end member of Chevrolet's full-size car lineup. It got a total
redesign in 2005 and has had minor revisions since then. The 2007
Chevrolet Impala spans a broad model range that includes the base LS, the
mid-range LT, the loaded LTZ, and the high-performance SS. Engines include
a 211-horsepower V-6, a larger 233-hp V-6 and a 303-hp V-8. For 2007, Impalas
with the smaller V-6 can be ordered with ethanol-based E85 compatibility, and
those with the larger V-6 gain a cylinder deactivation system for improved fuel
economy.
Other major changes for 2007 include an enhanced OnStar system with
optional turn-by-turn navigation. The Impala's cabin is extremely
versatile. The innovative flip-and-fold rear seat cushions reveal a covered storage
area and include grocery bag hooks. The rear seatback folds down to create a
pass-thru into the trunk. Impalas compete against the Ford Five Hundred,
Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon.
Trim Levels 2007
Impala LS comes with a 211-hp 3.5-liter V6, a
four-speed automatic transmission, cloth upholstery, a split bench seat with
six-way power for the driver, air conditioning, power windows and locks,
AM/FM/CD, OnStar, cruise control with buttons on the steering wheel, and 16-inch
steel wheels. A flex-fuel version of the V6 can burn E85 ethanol. It is standard
in some states and optional in others.
LT upgrades to dual-zone air conditioning, bucket
seats with six-way power for the driver, ABS, traction control, dual exhaust,
fog lights, 16-inch aluminum wheels, remote starter, and interior power outlets.
LTZ comes standard with the 3.9-liter V6 and adds
leather upholstery, heated seats with eight-way power, upgraded audio with MP3
capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls,
17-inch aluminum wheels, and a new-tire-pressure monitor.
The SS offers a 303-hp all-aluminum 5.3-liter V8,
designed specifically for front-wheel-drive applications. It also features
Active Fuel Management and drives through a heavy-duty four-speed automatic. The
SS comes with 18-inch wheels and tires, a performance suspension, and
leather-appointed seats.
Driving the '07 Impala
All Impalas come with a MacPherson-strut,
coil-over-spring independent front suspension, with gas-charged struts and a
stabilizer bar. The rear suspension uses a trailing tri-link setup with
gas-charged struts and coil springs. A rear stabilizer bar is standard on all
models. Suspension tuning is matched to each engine. The Impala's four-wheel
disc brake system represents an improvement over previous generations.
Comprising new front brakes, improved rear brakes, and a new brake booster, the
system is designed for quieter operation, longer pad life, and more resistance
to brake pulsation. The new ABS includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution.
Chevy Impala Powertrain
The Impala's 3.5-liter V-6 produces 211 hp and 214
pounds-feet of torque. Uplevel Impalas get a 3.9-liter V-6, rated at 233 hp and
240 pounds-feet of torque. New for 2007 is Active Fuel Management and electronic
software that shuts off three cylinders when full power is not needed. Chevrolet
says Active Fuel Management improves fuel economy by up to 8 percent in certain
driving situations. The four-speed automatic transmission is responsive and
suitable for the Impala. The V8 that comes on the SS delivers 303
horsepower and 323 pound-feet. But the chassis is not proper for an engine of
this size besides wheelspin, there's a lot of torque steer. The V8 also
features Active Fuel Management.
Inside the Impala
The 2007 Chevy Impala holds either five or six
occupants, depending on the seat choice. Standard seats have firmer
cushions and increased lumbar support. Optional
leather-covered seating has a new style of seams around the perimeter and French
seams on the center sections. The back seat is roomy and comfortable for
two adults or three kids. The forward-flipping rear seat cushions reveal a
storage tub underneath that allow more cargo space. An all-new for 2007
instrument panel wraps into the door panels. All Impalas, except the SS,
offer a choice of trim: either a wood-trimmed look or a sportier brushed
sterling appearance. The Impala SS has a patterned trim panel. The
dual-zone climate control system that comes on all but the base LS model offers easy to
use, large, round control knobs and good markings. The optional remote
engine start system comes with a 200-foot operating range and automatic climate
pre-conditioning to warm or cool the interior. The driver information center
offers more than 50 different alerts, depending on the vehicle's equipment.
General Motors' OnStar communication system is standard. Cruise control
buttons are mounted on the steering wheel, and auxiliary radio controls are
optional, as are heated seats, leather upholstery and power front seats. Impalas
can be equipped with one of three audio systems. A standard six-speaker CD
stereo includes an auxiliary jack for iPods or other MP3 players. A midlevel
system can play MP3-formatted CDs, while a top-end Bose system includes eight
speakers and a six-CD changer. The trunk is larger than that of most
mid-size cars at 18.6 cubic feet. The huge trunk opening makes loading
easier.
2007 Impala Design
The base Impala rides on 16-inch wheels. Midlevel
Impalas receive 17-inch wheels, while the Impala SS gets a sportier suspension
with 18-inch wheels. Built on a 110.5-inch wheelbase, the Impala is 200.4 inches
long overall and 72.9 inches wide. On the exterior, large headlights
contain three independent lighting units, and Impalas have grab-style door
handles. A rear spoiler is standard on the LTZ and SS and optional on the LT.
The LS, LT and LTZ are distinguished by exterior trim but share one front end
design, while the SS sports a completely different design that includes a
dual-split grille with SS-signature black-diamond crosshatch pattern. The Impala
SS also features Corvette-inspired bright exhaust tips. A rear spoiler is
standard on LTZ and SS models, and is available on LT. SS sedans exhibit a
distinct front-end look, led by a dual-split grille that contains a
black-diamond crosshatch pattern.
Safety
The 2007 Chevy Impala comes standard with dual
front smart air bags and side-curtain roof-mounted air bags for front- and
rear-seat passengers, side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners for the
front seats. All-disc antilock brakes are standard on the LT, LTZ and SS.
Traction control is available, but an electronic stability system is not. LATCH
child-safety seat attachments go on all second-row seating positions. A tire
pressure monitoring system is also standard on all models.
The 2007 Chevrolet Impala is a comfortable and
convenient car; it is practical, yet enjoyable to drive. Its recent redesign has
improved its styling and upgrades and refinements for 2007 make it an even better
car. Fuel economy has been improved with GM's Active Fuel Management system; a
tire-pressure monitor comes standard and improves safety, as does OnStar, which
became standard. The Impala is a big sedan, although it is generally classified as
a mid-size sedan. It has interior versatility and a large trunk. For
its low price alone, the Impala is a value as it can suit the needs of many
families. The Chevrolet Impala LT and LTZ models are pleasing to drive, while
the SS has more power than it knows what to do with. The 2007 Impala gets
an estimated 31 mpg Hwy, and 21 mpg City.