The Introduction section of the article discusses how General Motors continued to produce the ninth-generation Chevrolet Impala as the Impala Limited even after introducing the tenth-generation Impala in 2014. This decision was made because fleet sales of the previous generation were still strong. The article then moves on to provide more details about the Impala Limited and its features.
Under the H2 header “The Impala Limited: A Familiar Design,” the article highlights the fact that the Impala Limited was built on the W-Body chassis design, which had been in use since 1988. This design choice allowed for easy maintenance by fleet mechanics who were familiar with it. Additionally, there was plenty of production capacity available for this model.
The H2 header “A Powerful Engine and Smooth Transmission” focuses on the performance aspects of the Impala Limited. The car was equipped with a 3.6-liter High Feature DOHC V6 engine, which produced an impressive 302 horsepower. Combined with a curb weight of just over 3,600 pounds, these cars were known for their speed. The only transmission option available was a six-speed automatic.
Moving on to user experiences and preferences, the article introduces the author’s role as Chief Justice of the 24 Hours of Lemons Supreme Court, where they traveled and rented cars extensively. The H2 header “Lemons Staffers’ Favorite Rental Option” explains how the ninth-generation Impala Limited was the preferred rental car among Lemons staffers between 2006 and 2016. Despite being poorly maintained, these cars always performed well and had decent audio systems, making them a popular choice among drivers.
Under the H2 header “Convenience Features Ahead of Their Time,” the article praises the inclusion of an AUX input jack in the Impala Limited’s radio. This feature was considered highly useful during the middle 2010s when it was still relatively difficult to find in rental-spec cars.
The next section of the article, titled “The Tenth-Generation Impala: A Step Up,” dives into the improvements made in the tenth-generation Impala compared to its predecessor. The car was built on the global Epsilon II platform, effectively making it a sibling to the Opel Insignia and Saab 9-5. It offered more space and a quieter ride compared to the Impala Limited.
Finally, a brief mention of the author’s documentation of various generations of Impalas in junkyards is made under the H2 header “Documenting the Evolution.”
In conclusion, the narrative provides a detailed exploration of the Chevrolet Impala Limited and its attributes, highlighting its popularity among rental car users and its powerful engine. It then transitions to discussing the improvements made in the tenth-generation Impala while acknowledging the author’s interest in documenting earlier generations of the vehicle.