2007 Chevrolet Impala SS Review
Chevy has ruined a lot of names and titles in it’s day, but none so brutally as the ‘SS’ nameplate. Once upon a time, SS meant V8 powered, rear wheel drive, tire melting fun. Nowadays, the 2007 Chevrolet Impala is the closest we get. Chevy did decide to throw a V8 under the hood ( after the embarrassment that was the supercharged V6 Impala SS of recent years ). Unfortunately, Chevy still decides to throw the power at the wrong set of wheels. There is never a time when V8 goes with FWD. Never, ever. V8 = RWD, or V8 = AWD/ 4WD ; there never need to be any exceptions.
As if the whole FWD thing wasn’t bad enough, there’s the fantastically bland styling of the Impala SS. There isn’t really a whole lot to say about the styling, because there just isn’t much going on there. Nothing about the car says Supersport. Nothing at all. I look at it, I want to fall asleep. That’s all I have to say about that. Does the performance make up for the strikes against the 2007 Impala SS? Read on to find out.
2007 Chevrolet Impala SS Specs
- 303 HP 5.3 liter V8
- 323 ft-lbs of tire-melting torque
- 4 speed automatic
- 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- Curb Weight : 3718 lbs
- FWD
2007 Chevrolet Impala SS Reviews
Edmunds reviews the 2007 Chevrolet Impala SS and doesn’t feel it’s worth it - ‘While the SS model may be tempting to power-hungry buyers, be forewarned that dipping into its formidable reserves quickly brings fuel mileage down to around 17 mpg, despite ratings of 18 city and 27 highway. Our recommendation? Stick with the better-balanced LTZ and its plenty powerful 3.9-liter V6.’
Carforums.net reviews the 2007 Chevrolet Impala SS and applauds the power - ‘With the foot to the floor and traction control on, the engine winds up quite quickly and breaks the tires loose, even with a rolling start. It only took a moment for the TC to kick in and stop the fun. With the traction control off, not only did the tires spin, but gave the front end a very loose feeling in which it produced more oversteer than I would have predicted. Keeping it straight would not be a challenge for someone who knows better, but for someone not expecting it, it pulls back and forth and could get away from them.’
The Truth about Cars reviews the 2007 Chevrolet Impala SS and writes - ‘In short, this dog won’t hunt. Someone in GM’s marketing department should have had a word with the company’s engineers. Even a shade tree hot rodder knows an Impala SS requires strong styling, an upscale interior and a world class chassis. Rumor has it the next generation Impala will have a proper rear-wheel drive layout. Let’s hope so. ‘
So far, I’m very happy with it. A performance bargain (0-60 in 5.6 seconds) with or without the generous trade-in, the car is quick, quiet and comfortable. Mileage is 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway. Keep the big picture in mind: I got a nearly-new car for under $23,000 with more performance and features than a Fusion, Taurus, Accord, Camry or Altima.
But I’m not convinced on the deal - perhaps there was some more room to maneuver. But again, if you’re happy, that’s all that really matters.