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2012 Chevrolet Impala

2012 Chevrolet Impala

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$3,171 — $12,575 USED
7
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Sedan
5-6 Seats
23 MPG
(Combined)
 Key specs of the base trim
 — 
Compare 3 trims

Overview

Is this the car for you?
 (4.5) 114 reviews

The Good

  • Performance potential
  • Interior space
  • Gas mileage

The Bad

  • Noticeable wind noise at highway speeds
  • Large blind spot
  • Steering wheel doesn't telescope
2012 Chevrolet Impala exterior side view

What to Know

about 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

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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

4.5
114 reviews — Read All reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.2)
Performance
(4.6)
Interior Design
(4.2)
Comfort
(4.5)
Reliability
(4.6)
Value For The Money
(4.6)

Read reviews that mention:

(5.0)

One of the best cars I've ever owned.

by Bob Kavun from Los Angeles, CA on January 29, 2020

One of the best cars I've ever owned. I've done many miles on it around America in search of new locations for filming, so I know for sure that it's a reliable, super-comfortable, and the fuel-... Read full review

(4.0)

It's better on Gas then this report says, and Fast

by Mac from King City, Ca. on January 28, 2020

This Car meets all my needs and is exactly what I needed at the time I bought is. It Fast when you need passing power. 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

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 100,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    60 months / 100,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits

  • Maximum Age/Mileage

    5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles

  • 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)

  • Powertrain

    6 years/100,000 miles

  • Dealer Certification Required

    172-point inspection

  • Roadside Assistance

    Yes

  • View All CPO Program Details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See warranty FAQs or visit the manufacturer's website

Latest 2012 Impala Stories

See all 2012 Chevrolet Impala articles

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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

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