2012 Chevrolet Impala

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(4.5) 92 reviews
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2012 Chevrolet Impala
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. Base trim shown.

  • Body Type:
    Sedan See similar vehicles
  • Combined MPG:
    23 Combined MPG
  • Engine:
    300-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 (flexible; E85)
  • Drivetrain:
    Front-wheel Drive
  • Transmission:
    6-speed automatic w/OD
  • View more specs

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Performance potential
  • Interior space
  • Gas mileage

The Bad

  • Noticeable wind noise at highway speeds
  • Large blind spot
  • Steering wheel doesn't telescope

Notable Features of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala

  • New standard 300-hp V-6 with flex-fuel capability
  • New six-speed automatic transmission
  • Seats five or six, depending on configuration
  • Standard side curtain and side-impact airbags
  • Standard Bluetooth cellphone connectivity

2012 Chevrolet Impala Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview

The Impala is Chevrolet's full-size sedan. Three trim levels are available: LS, LT and LTZ. Impalas compete with the Ford Taurus, Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon.

New for 2012
The biggest change for 2012 is the introduction of a new standard drivetrain that features a 300-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine can run on regular gas or E85 ethanol.

Other changes include subtle exterior enhancements like standard dual exhaust tips, a new grille and an updated rear look that includes a standard spoiler on LT models. Inside, LT and LTZ models add a leather shift knob, and the LT also gets folding rear seats. Carpeted floormats, Bluetooth cellphone connectivity and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls are standard.

Exterior
The Impala has a somewhat rounded shape for a sedan, with large, swept-back headlights as its distinguishing characteristic. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 16-inch wheels; 17- or 18-inch wheels available
  • Available fog lights
  • Available power sunroof

Interior
The available flip-and-fold rear-seat cushions reveal a covered storage area and include grocery bag hooks, and the rear seatback folds down to create an opening to the trunk. GM's OnStar communication system is standard, and the Directions and Connections service that gives audio turn-by-turn directions from an OnStar operator is free for six months. Interior features include:

  • Standard cloth seats; leather optional
  • A...
Vehicle Overview

The Impala is Chevrolet's full-size sedan. Three trim levels are available: LS, LT and LTZ. Impalas compete with the Ford Taurus, Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon.

New for 2012
The biggest change for 2012 is the introduction of a new standard drivetrain that features a 300-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine can run on regular gas or E85 ethanol.

Other changes include subtle exterior enhancements like standard dual exhaust tips, a new grille and an updated rear look that includes a standard spoiler on LT models. Inside, LT and LTZ models add a leather shift knob, and the LT also gets folding rear seats. Carpeted floormats, Bluetooth cellphone connectivity and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls are standard.

Exterior
The Impala has a somewhat rounded shape for a sedan, with large, swept-back headlights as its distinguishing characteristic. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 16-inch wheels; 17- or 18-inch wheels available
  • Available fog lights
  • Available power sunroof

Interior
The available flip-and-fold rear-seat cushions reveal a covered storage area and include grocery bag hooks, and the rear seatback folds down to create an opening to the trunk. GM's OnStar communication system is standard, and the Directions and Connections service that gives audio turn-by-turn directions from an OnStar operator is free for six months. Interior features include:

  • Standard cloth seats; leather optional
  • Available heated front seats
  • Standard CD stereo
  • Available Bose stereo
  • Seating for five or six, depending on choice of front seat
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Available remote start

Under the Hood
The Impala has a standard 300-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine that drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:

  • V-6 features direct injection
  • Four-wheel independent suspension

Safety
Front and rear side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners for the front seats are standard. Latch child-seat anchors are found in all second-row seating positions. OnStar includes GM's Advanced Crash Response System, which makes crash data available to 911 centers. Standard safety features include:

  • Electronic stability system
  • Thorax side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Antilock brakes
  • Traction control

View 7 Photos

Latest 2012 Impala Stories

See all 2012 Chevrolet Impala articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.5
92 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.2)
Performance
(4.6)
Interior Design
(4.2)
Comfort
(4.5)
Reliability
(4.6)
Value For The Money
(4.6)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Love my Impala

by T L w from Rose City MI on July 28, 2018

A very reliable vehicle. It could use more rear seat room. The V6 is a very powerful engine. A very smooth ride, love the X! radio, and disc player. Read full review

(5.0)

First and best car I've purchased

by Michelle Pritchett from Columbus Ohio on July 13, 2018

I truly love this car it's easy going not to big not to small, I love the color of the car the seat are very relaxing and I love the color and how clean it was from the first day of purchase. Very ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala currently has 3 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala has not been tested.

Manufacturer Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 100,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    60 months / 100,000 miles

CPO Program & Warranty

Certified Pre-Owned by Chevrolet

Program Benefits

Two Factory-Backed Warranties, CPO Scheduled Maintenance Program, Vehicle Inspection & Reconditioning, 3-Day/150-Mile Vehicle Exchange Program, 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation, OnStar & SiriusXM Satellite Radio Trial Offers, and a Carfax Vehicle History Report

  • Limited Warranty

    Two Factory-Backed Warranties

    6-Year/100,000-Mile, Powertrain Limited Warranty and a 12- Month/12,000-Miles, Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty, both with $0 deductible

  • Eligibility

    Under 5 years / 75,000 miles

    Vehicles receive a 172-Point Inspection & Reconditioning.

    See inspection details.

Have Questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Impala received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker