2015 Chevrolet Impala LT2 2.5 from North America
Faults:
Rear parking sensor 2 times, first at 10k, then out of warranty, but GM fixed it anyways no questions asked (I guess it was a known issue).
General Comments:
This has been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. The fuel economy is outstanding! (Usually 50-60$ CDN to fill from empty and I do 900-1100km city highway mix).
Nothing has gone wrong and it is great for long drives. I have a long commute to work and the Impala does a great job. I drove the V6 and the 4 banger; honestly if you're not mostly highway driving (which I am) get the V6. The 2.5 does a great job for what I want it to, but around town it does leave something to be desired. The 2.5 may prove to be more reliable as the 3.6 GM makes seems to have some issues, that may be sorted out now.
I love the combination of options I have (never seen another optioned like mine with the 2.5); the seats are awesome and its large interior is great with kids.
Strongly recommend.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th June, 2020
1st Jul 2020, 21:14
I agree I was recently looking at trading it in, but cant find anything I like more without going over 50k CDN.
I agree with your comment on the transmission, I think it has something to do with it being a "learning transmission" so it tries to learn the best places to shift for your personal driving.
5th Jul 2020, 03:34
Insightful comments.
These cars appear to be a major step forward in both function and reliability.
Modern transmission design is constrained by not only fuel economy, but emissions. Drivability loses out.
Lowering engine speed for a given vehicle speed can reduce the emission of hydrocarbons on a grams per mile basis for EPA tests. Hence, modern engines often lug at RPMs well below that which would provide decent drivability. Any request for additional speed or encountering a increase in grade will result in a downshift or 2 unless you are dealing with a gasoline direct injection turbocharged engine whose torque curve is biased towards low speed torque with a wide torque curve. Conversely, the 3.6 GM V6 likes to rev to provide meaningful thrust.
1st Jul 2020, 15:09
I own a 17 Impala LT with the 3.6L V6 and I love it as well!! It’s been perfect in every sense.
Fuel economy is great, including the power from the V6. Quality is up there compared to most other mainstream mid-size sedans. For its time when this body style first came out back in 2014, the new Impala was considered a hit. It went from being the rental car queen of Enterprise, to a legitimate semi luxury sedan that was a complete departure from previous generations.
Everything seems well put together on this car, better than even Honda, Toyota and other makes. There are some cheap materials on the dash like the plastic chrome trim that seems loosely fitted. But overall this car is well made.
The one major fault and annoyance of the car is the funky shifting transmission. At times it can be OK, but for the most part it tends to be laggy and unpredictable. Slow to respond and not refined. I believe it’s because the trans is designed for fuel economy rather than performance and or responsiveness. It’s like the entire engine and transmission combo likes to be in the lowest RPM’s, therefore you really have to get on the gas for it to accelerate fast. Under light throttle, like say a turbo charged engine, in which is very responsive and fast with the lightest touch, the Impala is the opposite. You need to step on it, then the car comes to life.
This is my only real complaint about it. As far as everything else goes, you can’t beat the value, reliability, power, size and comfort of the Impala. The ride quality leans more on the firm side, but it’s smoother than the majority of other sedans I test drove. Plus it’s very quiet inside and has this solidity and heft that other cars lack.