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.