Target Audience:
Families, commuters, individuals seeking comfortable and spacious transportation
Key Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger
Cabin Space:
Renowned for its spacious interior and comfortable ride
Styling:
Classic American sedan styling with a focus on comfort and practicality
Value Proposition:
Offers a good balance of features, comfort, and price within its segment
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling, lubrication, fuel system basics, exhaust system basics
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic), traction control, ABS basics
Chassis:
Braking system operation, steering system basics, suspension system overview
Electrical:
Instrument panel, lighting, power outlets, audio system, climate control, basic warning lights
Body Interior:
Seating adjustments, interior controls, door locks, windows, mirrors, trunk/rear liftgate operation
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat LATCH system, child security locks
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving controls, parking, fuel filling, using accessories
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure, bulb replacement basics
Troubleshooting:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic driver-solvable issues (e.g., low washer fluid)
Emergency:
Jumper starting, tire changing, emergency roadside assistance information
Depth:
Owner-level understanding, focusing on safe operation and routine care. Not a repair manual.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard
Stability Control:
Optional (StabiliTrak) on some trims
Airbags:
Dual front, front side-impact, and side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters; 3-point rear seat belts
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Child Locks:
Rear door child security locks
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional MP3 playback, auxiliary input, and premium audio systems (e.g., Bose).
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Onstar:
Optional OnStar® system with safety and communication services.
Oil Change Interval:
7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect fluid life indicator, no scheduled replacement unless fluid is degraded or contaminated. Refer to manual for specific checks.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher)
Coolant:
Dex-Cool® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent Dexron® III/VI ATF for certain pumps)
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron® VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear of engine mounts, especially the front mount, can lead to vibrations.
ABS Sensor:
Potential for ABS wheel speed sensor failures leading to ABS warning lights.
Struts And Mounts:
Front struts and strut mounts can wear over time, causing noise and ride quality issues.
Door Lock Actuators:
Failure of power door lock actuators.
Alternator:
Some reports of premature alternator failure.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history dating back to 1911, known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economical to performance-oriented.
Impala Lineage:
The Impala nameplate has been used by Chevrolet since 1958, evolving through various designs and market segments. The 2009 model represents the ninth generation (2006-2013), which moved the Impala back to a more traditional large sedan role.
Manufacturing Location:
Assy, Michigan, USA