Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 2 of 2.00

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  Outstanding Fullsized Car - 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited
  By Tony - December 22 - 1:53 am

  This is a re-publication of the review I posted on another automotive site, but updated based on six months of ownership. Because my work requires me to fly to locations all around the country, I drive a great many different vehicles as rentals, including Impalas - both the new body style and this older one, now re-branded as the "Impala Limited." Both Impalas have been among the best of the bunch, but if you believe that form should follow function, as I do, then the Limited is the pick between the two. The outward view is much better from the Limited, and the tech content is adequate without resorting to a distracting "Tokyo-by-night" interior. Naturally, when my old personal commuter left me standing by the roadside one last time, the Impala Limited was right at the top of my short list of potential replacements. It wasnt the first vehicle I drove while shopping, but it won my heart all over again as soon as I did. I bought a low-mileage 2016 Limited with the LTZ package from one of the rental car agencies, and I absolutely love it. For a large sedan, this is a great drivers car. Although it isnt a car that begs to be flogged around the road course at the local track, its moves are linear and reassuringly predictable. Linear and predictable are two adjectives that also apply to its brakes. And power delivery from its DOHC V6 mated to the 6-speed GM automatic is both authoritative and smooth. The transmission reliably serves up the right gear for any situation, and the car is very responsive to pedal modulation, thanks to minimal nanny tech intervening between the drivers right foot and the road. The cars relatively low beltline and tall greenhouse make the view from the drivers seat outstanding compared to most other contemporary cars. The dash is well laid out, with controls that are ergonomically arranged, and all buttons and knobs present a quality feel. The cabin is also quiet and well-isolated from road and traffic noise, and my car has no squeaks or rattles, despite already having 22K on its odometer when I bought it and an additional 5K miles since. The suspension of the LTZ is taut and predictable, yet compliant enough to provide a very comfortable ride during my 40-mile round trips to/from the office when Im not traveling. Although I would prefer more aggressive side bolstering on the seats, these prove quite comfy during extended drives. If having the latest in Star Wars automotive tech is a high priority for you, the Limited is not your car. Theres no lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, backup camera, or parking sensor array. This is a car that requires you to actually drive it. If youd rather text, check your email, or engage in some other non-driving-related activity, and youd like to rely on your vehicle to save your bacon when youre not paying attention to the road, then maybe the newer Impala version is more your style. This car is also not for you if youre a big fan of the latest tortured, convoluted sheet metal styling. Its body will not have enough gratuitous creases and folds to suit you. (Its that form-follows-function thing again.) Finally, if all the interior surfaces of your vehicle must be soft and squishy, you will dislike this car. Many of its interior panels are hard thermoplastic (just like an aircraft). While this material is ideal for use in aircraft and automotive cabins, because its quite durable, it will not garner any accolades from the sybarites among us. On the other hand, if your notion of a great car is one that admirably performs its mission in life, and having the latest tech or the latest "styling" isnt high on your list of priorities, then snap up an Impala Limited. Production at the Oshawa assembly plant ceased in May of 2016, so youll be relegated to buying used. Obviously, the up-side to this is you wont be taking that big initial depreciation hit, and a little judicious shopping can put you in a great low-mileage vehicle that will serve you faithfully for many years. Certainly well beyond the point at which the Feds will force us all into robo-cars and completely relieve us of both the responsibilities and joys of actually DRIVING our conveyances." After owning this car for six months, Ive concluded that it is just about the perfect commuter. Its comfortable, powerful, smooth, and predictable, as well as gas-and-go reliable. I even consider its modest lineage and relatively inconspicuous styling to be advantages over more expensive and/or extroverted designs, because it doesnt provoke the resentment of other drivers that those vehicles tend to do. ONE YEAR UPDATE: Ive now owned this car for just over twelve months, and my initial opinion of it remains unchanged. My Impala Limited is an outstanding daily driver and reliable as sunrise. It has required no repairs whatsoever, only routine preventive maintenance, consisting primarily of oil/filter changes and tire rotations. Great car!

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  Great Value-amazing engine. - 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited
  By Tim777 - February 24 - 8:19 am

  I recently purchased a used dark grey 2016 Impala Limited LT 3.6 liter sedan with 35,000.00 miles on it. The car is built on a chassis that Chevrolet has used for quite some time. Its a very solid chassis and police departments in the US have utilized this chassis as a patrol vehicle. The cloth seats are nothing too great but everything else about this car is a steal. You get 305 horsepower with 285 lbs ft torque with the GM 3.6 liter v6 LFX. This is an extremely reliable v6 and it packs alot of available power and torque. The drive is very smooth and you can tell the chassis is rock solid. I will say if you are looking at a no frills driver this is a great car as far as value is concerned. I enjoy driving the car as its fast, smooth and responsive. You get Bluetooth for calls and Aux in for audio purposes. If you can find one with low mileage these are a steal. I am very happy with my purchase thus far.