The first ever U.S. brand Sedan to earn Consumer Reports’ top score is the new 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
It marks a full spin for General Motors, which during the financial crisis filed for bankruptcy and might have closed down without assistance from the government. Though, other U.S. brands are getting top ratings, as well.
“The Impala’s performance is one more indicator of an emerging domestic renaissance. We’ve seen a number of redesigned American models - Ford Escape and Fusion, Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee – deliver world-class performance in our tests,” Jake Fisher, director of Consumer Reports automotive testing, said in a statement.
The nonprofit testing group stated that the redesigned Impala accelerated from a mediocre test score of 63 to an “excellent” 95, topping among large sedans. Just two vehicles - Tesla Model S hatchback and the BMW 135i coupe - got a higher test score in the group’s ratings.
While Impala doesn’t have the reliability ratings because it’s too new, the engineers at CR couldn’t find anything to criticize about it. It’s like a luxury sedan, with easy and controlled performance, while bringing astonishingly supple handling, capable speeding up and superb braking.”
The magazine reported, “The Impala corners quite well for a large car, with prompt turn-in response and controlled body lean. Steering is nicely weighted; it’s light enough for parking maneuvers and provides decent feedback. When pushed to its handling limits, the Impala proved secure, responsive, balanced, and easy to control.”
“The Impala’s spacious cabin sets a new standard for Chevrolet fit and finish, with generally high-quality materials and trim. The backseat is roomy and comfortable, the trunk is huge, and controls are refreshingly intuitive and easy to use.”
Test results for the Impala and five competing sedans can be found in Consumer Reports Online and in the September issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
© 2025 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
