The ride in this flagship is amazing. Of course, comfort has always been an Impala virtue, and it continues with the 2014 model. The suspension is firm enough to feel well controlled and it never got floaty over any but the biggest dips on the highway.
Now handling, on the other hand, has been a problem. Previous Impalas didn’t appreciate when you presented them with things like corners. But the new one doesn’t mind them. Full-size sedans like this aren’t track monsters, and you always expect some compromise in terms of handling. But the Impala can easily keep up with the other big boys, and though you’ll find plenty of body roll around the corners, you’ll always feel in control and the Impala always feels composed.
 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Click image to enlarge |
The new variable-assist electric steering is interesting. Effort is almost negligible at low speeds, so you can crank the steering wheel with no problem while you’re in a parking lot. You do notice the effort increasing as you pick up speed, but I would have preferred even more of it. It is still overboosted at driving speeds, and I found it was floppy on centre.
I actually had one occasion to give the brakes a good test when a gentleman whose phone call was more important than my life cut in front of me. They’re very powerful and offer great control.
Chevrolet really did a good job with the noise levels. Engine noise is especially quiet in the cabin, even under heavy throttle. Wind noise is a non-issue, and I only experienced occasional road noise on certain surfaces, convincing me that it was tire-related.
  2014 Chevrolet Impala. Click image to enlarge |
The visibility out of the Impala is great, except the rear view is a bit short.
Overall, the Impala is a great car to drive, and would make a bang-up road trip vehicle.
So, it turns out that Chevrolet wasn’t fooling around when they set out to rework the Impala. In my opinion, they’ve come up with something that is no longer the champion of the rental and taxi fleets. Instead, I found a desirable car that offered plenty in terms of comfort, luxury, technology and performance. Looks are a personal thing, as always, but I feel that they hit the nail on the head in that department too.
WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) was middling. She did like the exterior and interior styling, saying there was a lot to look at, but she felt the car was a bit too long for her to be comfortable driving. She didn’t like the steering, and had a tough time parking it.
 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Click image to enlarge |
If you’re in the market for a large sedan, you’d do well to check out the new Impala. It doesn’t need to sit on the porch any more – it’s ready to run with the other big dogs. I really appreciated that it doesn’t apologize for being an American car. It’s still big, it’s still soft, it’s audacious but it’s suddenly a good car and it’s not ashamed of being an American automobile. Did I just say good? I’d go so far as saying great. Welcome back, Impala!
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Pricing
2014 Chevrolet Impala LT
Base price (LT trim): $32,945
Options: $100 block heater; $1,305 convenience package; $935 advanced safety package; $945 premium seating package; $1,555 premium audio and sport wheels package; $1,310 navigation package
Freight: $1,550
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $40,745
Competitors:
Chrysler 300
Ford Taurus
Nissan Maxima
Toyota Avalon
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
