

Sedan
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5-6 Seats
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23 MPG
(Combined)
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Key specs of the base trim
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Compare 3 trims
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Overview
The Good
- Performance potential
- Interior space
- Gas mileage
The Bad
- Noticeable wind noise at highway speeds
- Large blind spot
- Steering wheel doesn't telescope
What to Know
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New standard 300-hp V-6 with flex-fuel capability
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New six-speed automatic transmission
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Seats five or six, depending on configuration
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Standard side curtain and side-impact airbags
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Standard Bluetooth cellphone connectivity
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2012 Chevrolet Impala Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
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 optiona...
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
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
Rust rust rust
This car is a rustbucket runs good but might fall apart before it’s down the road Jump back and watch out if you want to buy one look underneath the car especially the back and the doors Read full review
Feels like new, drives like new . . a great find!
Just exactly what we were looking for! Comfort, reliability and within our budget! Clean as new! Lots of fun features! Heated seats, OnStar, remote start and a Moon roof! Great pre-owned vehicle! Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Recalls
The 2012 Chevrolet Impala currently has 3 recalls
Crash and Rollover Test Ratings
The 2012 Chevrolet Impala has not been tested.Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by Chevrolet
New Car Program Benefits
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Bumper-to-Bumper
36 months / 36,000 miles
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Powertrain
60 months / 100,000 miles
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Roadside Assistance
60 months / 100,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits
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Maximum Age/Mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
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Basic Warranty Terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
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Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
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Dealer Certification Required
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Roadside Assistance
Yes