Since we all know what an Impala is, feel free to scroll to the bottom of this post (or even just skip to the first reply) to see how I really feel about it. For a history lesson and my take on how GM could improve the ultimate fleet vehicle, pour yourself a drink and get comfortable...
http://www.gmfleet.com/chevrolet/imp...rts-sedan.html
Car Description: 14 SIRIMPALA5P3.6N
Class: YF (SPECIAL FULLSIZE)
This Impala Limited was an LTZ trim, the highest of three trim levels. With the options present selected, it had an MSRP of $32,275 :eek: I hope Hertz got a discount! This particular car had 2,388 miles on it and a wonderful new car smell when I picked it up; I returned it a day later after having driven 96 miles. Drzoidberg rented a 2014 Impala Limited LT for some reason :confused: You can check out his review, with lots of photos, here.
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(Sorry for the lack of photos -- I had a whole bunch, but they were lost when my SD card got corrupted :()
Powertrain: The Impala Limited is the final vehicle to utilize the third-generation GM W-body, which will be completely phased out in 2016 when this ninth generation of the Impala is finally retired. It keeps the 3.6L High Feature LFX V6, the third generation of the direct-injection motor developed by Cadillac and Holden in 2004; this iteration generates 300 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission, which was co-developed by GM and Ford in 2006 and is still used by both conglomerates on numerous vehicles, including the current-model year Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, Ford Taurus, and Lincoln MKT, just to name a few.
This is all great, but what does it mean? It means you get one of the best V6 powerplants to ever find itself in a motor vehicle, with excellent power and fuel economy (rated at 18 MPG city and 30 highway; I averaged just over 24), as well as an industry-favorite transmission system that's smooth and functional. The LFX is probably the most innovative naturally-aspirated V6 engine since Ford's Vulcan V6, and before then the Detroit Diesel 6V71 (which was built for nearly 40 years). Although old-school, the W-body's sturdiness and reliability is second to none, rivaling the Ford Panther platform. It is truly the ideal mix of old and new in an American car.
Ride/Handling: As noted, the W-body is an older design which was developed in 1988 and debuted in vehicles by Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile. A 110.5-inch wheelbase was introduced in its second generation, and this length was kept for the third and final version. At over 9 feet long, words like "boat" come to mind, and in some aspects it feels as such. Turning radius is a whopping 38 feet, and it weighs in at 3,649 pounds.
With that said, it drives surprisingly nicely. Suspension is tuned perfectly to minimize body lean while allowing bumps to be absorbed smoothly, to which the 18-inch aluminum wheels also contribute. Braking action is quite firm, although the pedal is awfully stiff. I have no complaints about the steering or gear shifting.
Interior: The Impala's cabin has only been given minor changes since the introduction of the 9th generation in 2006, meaning that most of the technology being presented is nearly a decade old. It might not look so fancy or modern, but it is simple, straightforward, and functional. The radio is an old-school dot-matrix display, but connects to AM, FM, and XM satellite radio (with up to 36 presets), as well as a CD player and auxiliary input. This is paired with an 8-speaker Bose sound system, which sounds better than most similarly-equipped ICARs and FCARs, but doesn't really raise a candle to premium and luxury vehicles (or its SFAR cousin, the Chevy Equinox, which oddly has a fantastic Pioneer system).
Other classic amenities include the manual climate control (which is at least dual-zoned for driver and passenger), three DC power outlets, the gauge cluster-mounted trip computer, a tilting leather-wrapped steering wheel (and a nice, large one at that), and a 3-device universal remote system. Oddly, map lights are found under the auto-dimming and OnStar-equipped rearview mirror and are not very effective. The trunk is probably the largest of any sedan in the Hertz fleet, and space within the cabin is generous as well.
You are treated to very comfortable Ebony leather seats; not only are the front seats heated, but are also power-adjustable (8-way for the driver, and 6-way for the passenger) and have manual lumbar adjustment. You also get Bluetooth phone connectivity, and this particular Impala had a sunroof. Unfortunately, hard plastics and imitation wood are generously used throughout the cabin.
I don't think it would be very difficult to make this car more competitive with current offerings in the market. Simple things like adding a USB port or two, longer windshield wipers for greater coverage, and perhaps even ultrasonic parking sensors -- not very drastic changes, relatively speaking -- would make a world of difference.
Exterior/Design: Compared to newer cars, this certainly does appear as a throwback. Its wide angles and lines were exciting once upon a time, and the spoiler doesn't do much more than act as a handle for opening the trunk. The side-view mirrors are quite small, and as noted above the windshield wipers are not long enough. The Ashen Gray Metallic paint suits it fine, but I've always preferred white, silver, or black on popular fleet vehicles like this -- it's always more fun when others think you might be somebody you aren't :D The 2014 Impala Limited receives a "LIMITED" plaque in place of the traditional FlexFuel badge.
Features: Let's see... you get 18" aluminum wheels, automatic headlamps with fog lamps, a key fob with remote lock/unlock/trunk release and remote start, leather seats, heated 8-way driver and 6-way passenger seat power adjustment with manual lumbar adjustment, dual-zone climate control, three DC power outlets, AM/FM/XM radio with CD/MP3/AUX input, 8-speaker Bose sound system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an OnStar subscription included just for it being an LTZ. This particular Impala Limited LTZ included a Power sunroof ($900) and a Front license plate bracket ($15).
Value: I paid $28 all-in for this Impala on an "Our Choice" (A6/EXAR) reservation. Not very long ago this would have been much closer to $20, but this was a pretty fair deal compared to what I could have paid if I had booked a fullsize car outright.
Summary
PROS:
CONS:
Final Verdict: Everything you need in a rental car, but not much more.
There's really nothing to replace this car yet. The 10th generation Impala is finally entering the fleet, but at a slow rate; most other newer FCARs, like the Fusion and Sonata, are usually only in base trims. The Impala Limited LTZ is like a Boeing 757: it's supremely capable, but it's a dinosaur. And like the Boeing, it's still one of my favorites.
-J.
http://www.gmfleet.com/chevrolet/imp...rts-sedan.html
Car Description: 14 SIRIMPALA5P3.6N
Class: YF (SPECIAL FULLSIZE)
This Impala Limited was an LTZ trim, the highest of three trim levels. With the options present selected, it had an MSRP of $32,275 :eek: I hope Hertz got a discount! This particular car had 2,388 miles on it and a wonderful new car smell when I picked it up; I returned it a day later after having driven 96 miles. Drzoidberg rented a 2014 Impala Limited LT for some reason :confused: You can check out his review, with lots of photos, here.
(Sorry for the lack of photos -- I had a whole bunch, but they were lost when my SD card got corrupted :()
Powertrain: The Impala Limited is the final vehicle to utilize the third-generation GM W-body, which will be completely phased out in 2016 when this ninth generation of the Impala is finally retired. It keeps the 3.6L High Feature LFX V6, the third generation of the direct-injection motor developed by Cadillac and Holden in 2004; this iteration generates 300 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission, which was co-developed by GM and Ford in 2006 and is still used by both conglomerates on numerous vehicles, including the current-model year Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, Ford Taurus, and Lincoln MKT, just to name a few.
This is all great, but what does it mean? It means you get one of the best V6 powerplants to ever find itself in a motor vehicle, with excellent power and fuel economy (rated at 18 MPG city and 30 highway; I averaged just over 24), as well as an industry-favorite transmission system that's smooth and functional. The LFX is probably the most innovative naturally-aspirated V6 engine since Ford's Vulcan V6, and before then the Detroit Diesel 6V71 (which was built for nearly 40 years). Although old-school, the W-body's sturdiness and reliability is second to none, rivaling the Ford Panther platform. It is truly the ideal mix of old and new in an American car.
Ride/Handling: As noted, the W-body is an older design which was developed in 1988 and debuted in vehicles by Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile. A 110.5-inch wheelbase was introduced in its second generation, and this length was kept for the third and final version. At over 9 feet long, words like "boat" come to mind, and in some aspects it feels as such. Turning radius is a whopping 38 feet, and it weighs in at 3,649 pounds.
With that said, it drives surprisingly nicely. Suspension is tuned perfectly to minimize body lean while allowing bumps to be absorbed smoothly, to which the 18-inch aluminum wheels also contribute. Braking action is quite firm, although the pedal is awfully stiff. I have no complaints about the steering or gear shifting.
Interior: The Impala's cabin has only been given minor changes since the introduction of the 9th generation in 2006, meaning that most of the technology being presented is nearly a decade old. It might not look so fancy or modern, but it is simple, straightforward, and functional. The radio is an old-school dot-matrix display, but connects to AM, FM, and XM satellite radio (with up to 36 presets), as well as a CD player and auxiliary input. This is paired with an 8-speaker Bose sound system, which sounds better than most similarly-equipped ICARs and FCARs, but doesn't really raise a candle to premium and luxury vehicles (or its SFAR cousin, the Chevy Equinox, which oddly has a fantastic Pioneer system).
Other classic amenities include the manual climate control (which is at least dual-zoned for driver and passenger), three DC power outlets, the gauge cluster-mounted trip computer, a tilting leather-wrapped steering wheel (and a nice, large one at that), and a 3-device universal remote system. Oddly, map lights are found under the auto-dimming and OnStar-equipped rearview mirror and are not very effective. The trunk is probably the largest of any sedan in the Hertz fleet, and space within the cabin is generous as well.
You are treated to very comfortable Ebony leather seats; not only are the front seats heated, but are also power-adjustable (8-way for the driver, and 6-way for the passenger) and have manual lumbar adjustment. You also get Bluetooth phone connectivity, and this particular Impala had a sunroof. Unfortunately, hard plastics and imitation wood are generously used throughout the cabin.
I don't think it would be very difficult to make this car more competitive with current offerings in the market. Simple things like adding a USB port or two, longer windshield wipers for greater coverage, and perhaps even ultrasonic parking sensors -- not very drastic changes, relatively speaking -- would make a world of difference.
Exterior/Design: Compared to newer cars, this certainly does appear as a throwback. Its wide angles and lines were exciting once upon a time, and the spoiler doesn't do much more than act as a handle for opening the trunk. The side-view mirrors are quite small, and as noted above the windshield wipers are not long enough. The Ashen Gray Metallic paint suits it fine, but I've always preferred white, silver, or black on popular fleet vehicles like this -- it's always more fun when others think you might be somebody you aren't :D The 2014 Impala Limited receives a "LIMITED" plaque in place of the traditional FlexFuel badge.
Features: Let's see... you get 18" aluminum wheels, automatic headlamps with fog lamps, a key fob with remote lock/unlock/trunk release and remote start, leather seats, heated 8-way driver and 6-way passenger seat power adjustment with manual lumbar adjustment, dual-zone climate control, three DC power outlets, AM/FM/XM radio with CD/MP3/AUX input, 8-speaker Bose sound system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an OnStar subscription included just for it being an LTZ. This particular Impala Limited LTZ included a Power sunroof ($900) and a Front license plate bracket ($15).
Value: I paid $28 all-in for this Impala on an "Our Choice" (A6/EXAR) reservation. Not very long ago this would have been much closer to $20, but this was a pretty fair deal compared to what I could have paid if I had booked a fullsize car outright.
Summary
- 3.6L V6 engine (300 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- 6-speed automatic transmission with low-range selector
- 18/30 mpg
- LTZ - highest of 3 trim levels
- Equipped with XM satellite radio
PROS:
- Smooth and powerful engine
- Handles very well
- Lots of space in the cabin and trunk
- Comfortable seats
CONS:
- Lack of USB ports
- Dysfunctional map light placement
- Cheap interior materials
- Old-school styling
Final Verdict: Everything you need in a rental car, but not much more.
There's really nothing to replace this car yet. The 10th generation Impala is finally entering the fleet, but at a slow rate; most other newer FCARs, like the Fusion and Sonata, are usually only in base trims. The Impala Limited LTZ is like a Boeing 757: it's supremely capable, but it's a dinosaur. And like the Boeing, it's still one of my favorites.
-J.