Back in the day, folks were proud to own a Chevy Impala. Now, folks will more likely rent the 2012 Chevrolet Impala than own one. This family-oriented full-size sedan seats 5, with an optional split-bench front seat for an additional passenger, and offers one of the biggest trunks in the market at 18.6 cubic feet. A new, more potent and more fuel efficient V6 replaces the two underachieving six-bangers that had powered the Impala from its ’06 iteration till the 2011 model year. Additionally, a few barely recognizable tweaks to the front and rear fascias, including a mesh grille and fog-light housings, seem a half-hearted attempt by Chevy to keep this big sedan fresh and appealing until an expected redesign in 2014. Notwithstanding its latest re-working, the Impala remains a favorite of rental fleets and those eligible for corporate perks, though there will doubtless be those families that find its upgraded power, economy and look appealing.
As in 2011, the Impala is available in three trims, the base LS, midlevel LT and top-shelf LTZ. All are front-wheel drive only (FWD) and all now carry the same improved V6 engine. Competition, meanwhile, continues to include GM’s own Buick LaCrosse as well as the popular Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Altima and Hyundai’s surprisingly well-wrought Sonata. According to many in the automotive media, the 2012 Impala runs a distant second to any of these rivals, though the anticipated reworking in a couple of years ought to change that scenario considerably. An MSRP of some $25,650 for the base Impala LS is about average for this market. However, Chevy is, according to many reviewers, ready to play “Lets Make a Deal”, thus this full-size family car can probably be had for way less than sticker price.
As mentioned, the 2012 Impala now carries a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 with Flex Fuel capability, as well as variable valve timing (VVT). When mated with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission, this hearty V6 pounds out 300 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, good enough to haul up to 1,000 pounds of trailer if one is so inclined and mounts the proper equipment. Meantime, Chevy’s quite happy to announce to all and sundry that the new six-banger should get 18 mpg city/30 highway.
Some tweaks to what was already a fairly comprehensive lineup of standard features may go a long way toward mitigating what is otherwise a downright lackluster appearance and cabin in the 2012 Impala. The base LS, for example, gets standard 16-inch alloy wheels to complement cloth upholstery and simulated wood trim on dash, doors and console. A power-adjustable driver’s seat, power mirrors and windows, remote power door locks, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering and air conditioning also come standard, as do front and rear floor mats. Standard OnStar Connections and Directions service allows navigation and communications using Bluetooth technology, while a single-CD player with six speakers, satellite radio and a USB connection should take care of anticipated entertainment needs.
The midlevel 2012 Impala LT, meanwhile, adds standard 17-inch alloy wheels, an integrated rear spoiler, split-folding rear seatback and dual-zone climate control.
Finally, the flagship LTZ tacks on standard 18-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a universal remote garage door opener (optional for the LT) and a leather-trimmed shift knob. Entertainment is enhanced a bit by eight standard Bose speakers.
Options across the lineup include split-bench front seats, giving the 2012 Impala the capability to carry 6 passengers in semi-comfort. Further, the LT and LTZ are each eligible to be delivered with a power sunroof.
Safety-wise, all 2012 Impala trims boast standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) as well as traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and front and rear head airbags. Daytime running lights and dusk-sensing headlights, as well as a post-collision safety system are also standard across the lineup. Finally, all three trims are equipped with OnStar emergency service, including Crisis Assist and Stolen Vehicle Tracking, while the LTZ sports such additional standard safety items as front fog/driving lights and a remote antitheft alarm.
Most owners, as well as a substantial number of renters, of the 2011 Impala cite small rear-view mirrors and poor rearward visibility as problematic. Lazy acceleration and tepid gas mileage, an issue to many owners prior to 2012, should now be much improved, though stated concerns about reliability and resale value will doubtless persist. However, good looks, decent safety scores, lots of dealer incentives, a roomy cabin and the humungous trunk combine to keep owners (and renters) of this once-proud symbol of Detroit supremacy hoping for a return to its former glory.
I had just had a new right back strut replaced, new emergency brake assembly replaced and all four rotors, and brakes replaced at an auto shop for my 2012 Chevy Impala. now my dash keeps flashing "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" and "SERVICE STABILITRAK". Could this be related to the work i had done?
I just bought a 2012 Chevy Impala the other day and I'm starting to notice this little rattling noise when I start my car and also when I'm accelerating. Someone told me it could be the catalytic converter, but I'm not losing any power at all. So, they said it could be the heat shield that goes around the converter. If someone out there has went through this problem or has any advice I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
I have a 2012 impala that blows hot on drivers side and cold on passenger side. We have replace 2 actuators, replaced thermostat, replaced the climate control switch box. I'm running out of ideas
Trying to find out what is the length, width, height and weight of a 2012 Impala ltz engine
When I start my car it revs high and the indicator around the gear on the dash does not show. If you let it run for a minute it sometimes corrects itself. But if it doesn't it won't shift right. Then yesterday it did it when I was driving down the highway. It went into neutral, and when I pulled over and came almost to a complete stop it went back into drive and was fine. I haven't driven it since. How do I fix it
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.44
Engine
Alternator: 125 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.44
Engine
Alternator: 125 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.44
Engine
Alternator: 125 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.44
Engine
Alternator: 170 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Front seat type: 40-20-40 split bench · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.44
Engine
Alternator: 170 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.44
Engine
Alternator: 125 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.9 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.44
Engine
Alternator: 125 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent