2007 Chevrolet Impala

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; innovative flip-and-fold rear seat cushions reveal a covered storage area and include grocery bag hooks, and 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's standard in some states, 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, 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 than previous models. 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 easy to use, with 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, and a 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 it 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.   Read more about the Impala's 'green driving'.  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.