After four years on the shelf, Chevrolet reintroduced it vaulted Impala name plate in model year 2000, this time as a front-drive, large family sedan.
2009 marks the 4th year of the current iteration of body style as it carries over substantially unchanged from the 2008 model we recently test drove.
There are 4 trim levels of the Impala: the LS, LT and LTZ, as well as the special edition SS model. In addition the LT trim comes as either an LT1 or LT2 which brings to the mix a 3.9 Liter engine, larger wheels, a spoiler and interior upgrades.
All models feature the same composite halogen headlight clusters up front, long hood and rising beltline terminating in a shortened rear truck profile.
Our Impala LT1 came with the base 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 211 horsepower and 214 pound feet of torque. LT2 and LTZ models come with a 233 horsepower 3.9-liter V6, while the SS model's 5.3-liter V8 cranks out 303 horsepower and 323 pound feet of torque. Power is sent through a 4-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels
The LT1 also comes with 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and other braking technologies reserved for upper trim levels.
Fuel economy for the Impala ranges from 16 miles per gallon city, up to 29 miles per gallon highway.
The interior comfortably seats five adults and is trimmed with faux-wood on the doors, dash and center console. The trunk, which can best be described as cavernous, measures 18.6 cubic feet. Our test Impala came with a power adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6-speaker sound system and XM Satellite radio.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Chevrolet Impala is $23,790. A fully loaded SS will cost around $34,000. The Impala is backed by a 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
If you're considering a large sedan to carry your family and lots of cargo in the trunk the 09 Chevrolet Impala may be just what you're looking for.