When our twin boys arrived, increasing our family from one to three children under the age of 3, my VW Jetta turbo wagon was traded in on a new Toyota Sienna. Of course my wife was driving the Sienna, and I inherited her Mercury Mountaineer. Very quickly I was totally bored with the Mountaineer, and I started to look for a 4-door sedan that could hold 3 car seats in the back but was also fun to drive.

First and foremost, finding a 4-door sedan that can safely hold 3 car seats is not an easy task, let alone one that’s fun to drive. Very few cars accomplish this task. In fact, the mountaineer barely held the car seats in what seemed to be an unsafe manner. Getting 3 car seats into the back of the Impala however, is not a problem.

In November 2005 I purchased my Laser Blue Impala SS with gray leather interior. My Impala also has the optional sun roof, Bose speakers, polished 18-inch aluminum wheels, and XM satellite radio.

Styling: I actually find it interesting that people spend so much time commenting on the way a car looks. Styling is totally subjective, what one person finds attractive, another person may find boring or even unattractive (read: Subaru B9 Tribeca). Personally, I find the Impala conservative and attractive at the same time. I enjoy the lines and all the body panels on my car fit together perfectly. My only complaints would be the rear spoiler, and the blue paint which looks purple in certain light. If you’re interested in an Impala, don’t rely on what others say or pictures in a magazine, go look at one and judge for yourself. As for the interior, I have no complaints. The front seats, while comfortable, could use more side bolstering. The leather doesn’t quite have the suppleness of a Lexus, but the feel is very good and they’ve held up great so far. The dash is very functional, and all of the controls are well placed and have a nice feel. The radio and HVAC controls are also pleasing, with the dual climate control and heated seats working great. My only nit pick is that the steering wheel obscures the buttons for the trip computer. Bottom line, while not as refined as an Accord, the interior is functional and very pleasant.

Driving Characteristics: I actually read a review of the SS where the author was upset because the car didn’t perform well when he used it for an Autocross event. I’m actually always upset when my Big Mac doesn’t taste like a fillet mignon. The point is when you comment on the handling of any car, you have to consider the context. In terms of handling, the SS isn’t a true sports car, and it isn’t meant to be one either. It’s meant to be a sporty handling sedan, and in this context it performs quite well. It rides very nicely on most road surfaces, at most speeds, and there is very little “floaty” feel while driving. It actually sticks decently when cornering, but the understeer which separates it from a car that you would autocross, shows up a little quicker than I’d like. At highway speeds the car is very stable and it never does anything scary or unexpected. Of all of the many reviews I’ve read, the opinions on torque steer seem to range from “the worst ever” to “non-existent”. Well, from someone who has been driving an SS for 14 months, I can safely say that the torque steer is minimal at worst. While there is some torque steer, when properly launched this car is very quick and stable off the line. Speaking of launching, one of the most endearing characteristics of this car is the engine. There is an abundance of torque right off idle, which grows into a strong mid range surge, and then runs out of steam quickly on top. If driven correctly, you can get the transmission to shift at just the right time, which results in very strong acceleration. With a lazy right foot the transmission is happy to up-shift too quickly, and the acceleration isn’t as strong. Also, I’ve noticed that the transmission is sometimes a little reluctant to down shift quickly, or far enough, for quick bursts while at speed. This however is hit or miss, sometimes the car will down shift from fourth to second very quickly and the acceleration will push you back in your seat. The brakes seem very strong, and I’m always impressed by how rapidly they bring the car down from speed.

Gas Mileage: The window sticker EPA estimates 18 city and 28 highway are not even close. I probably tend to lean toward the heavy footed side, but even when I drive very conservatively the mileage isn’t close to the EPA estimates. I live in Rehoboth Beach Delaware, which is considered a small town for seven or eight months during the year, and around town I average about 14 – 15 mpg. On the highway, typically driving between 60 – 75 mph I typically average about 22 – 24 mpg.

Reliability: During the fourteen months I’ve owned the Impala I haven’t had any issues with the car. It’s been perfect.

Miscellaneous: The Bose stereo is very good, but not quite as good as I thought it would be. The auxiliary MP3 player input works great. The trunk is huge, and back seats are comfortable, at least they were before the three car seats were installed.

Final Thoughts: I really love my car, I bought it because I needed room, but I truly enjoy driving the SS whenever I get the chance. If you’re looking for a car to chase BMW’s around twisty back roads, this isn’t your ride! However, if you’re looking for a fun, different, very practical family four door, then this is definitely a car to consider.