Chevrolet Impala 50th Anniversary Edition

It's still in the line-up?

Rental car.

A really sad pathetic DISGRACE to the renowned iconic Chevrolet Impala of 1958. Chevy should not have even done this car. America is truly ashamed of this car being called an Impala.

Agreed. GM has also disgraced other classic names from their lineup, but the Impala is probably the worst example.

Similar to Ford destroying the Mustang name over the years.

You guys obviously have never driven this car. It's nothing extraordinary, but it's not the disgrace that you are describing.

I travel fairly often (every other week) and I've rented at least 8 different Impalas this year (it is the full-size car, i will not drive anything smaller.)

Looks are obviously objective, but the Impala isn't offensive in any way. It has a nice, simple look to it though. The interior is really roomy, comfortable. The car rides extremely smoothly - you don't feel many bumps and you feel no out of place bouncing or vibration. The steering and suspension are especially surprising considering what i've experience in most GM products.

Most times, they will even have an Impala SS model on the lot, which is actually pretty nice. You get leather seats and moonroof (rare for a non-luxur class rental) and of course the V8 engine - which is a real treat. The thing is incredibly fast and powerful, with a manly exhaust rumble and downright explosive acceleration that makes the poor fuel economy worthwile. Also the engine is surprisingly smooth and it doesn't torque steer at all - rare in a powerful front-driver.

My only complaint about this car would be the quality of the plastic used on the dash and doors. It's obviously cheap - hard with a bumply surfacing. It actually appears to be the exact same stuff that they use to make coolers with. It's something you notice, but given the car's relatively inexpensive price it can be forgiven.

Now, i'm not saying this to convice anyone to buy an Impala. There are obviously better cars on the market. My point in this post is that the Impala - along with some other American models - is much better than you think it is. Your perceptions are innaccurate and outdated.

Most of you people pretend to be automotive experts, but you really have no idea what the hell you're talking about. Your opinions and statements are mostly unfounded and cobbled together from antiquated experiences and stupid things you've heard from other people.

Go out and drive some cars. You'll be better qualified to make judgements.

I never said it was a bad car. You just cant compare it to the one from the 50's which at the time was one of the best cars in the world doing what it was supposed to do while being a great looking car that was also affordable. This "50th anniversary" just doesnt live up to the image of the car it makes homage to.

And I might add that I was at a car show here where I live (a major US city)and sat inside and experienced cars close up from every marque side by side. The Malibu is a better car than the Impala and a step in the right direction. The Impala still suffers from cheap materials and bland styling, a recipe for slow sales.

Good point. The Malibu is all-new, so of course it's a better car. But I personally would choose the Impala over the Malibu, cheaper materials and all. I'm 6'7" so interior space is a big deal for me. The Impala is still larger than the Malibu. Also I really like the SS model. It's a sleeper with some real power. The Malibu doesn't offer a V8.

P.S. When i said 'Looks are obviously objective' - I meant to say that 'Looks are obviously subjective' - obviously.

"Also I really like the SS model. It's a sleeper with some real power."

I agree but 303+ hp to the front sounds a bit absurd to me and it also has a slushbox. of course the G8 will change that but, the real impala of the old days turns me on much more than the current one. im with w209 on this. if anything, it should be called something else other than impala.

Dude, it's a front wheel drive rental car...everyone has driven it. It's boring, trust me. But hey, most people choose cars that suits their personality.