Windows Open, Shades on, My Ride: 2015 Chevy Impala
A few years ago the opportunity to drive a new Chevy Impala would have been met with the same emotion one typically feels when getting the keys to an economy sized rental car. Desperation and despair. In 2015 however the newly designed Chevy Impala evokes the same feeling you have when trying a new restaurant in your neighborhood. You go in with managed expectations but hope that in the end your mind will be blown away.
In this case, that new restaurant feeling is exactly what I experienced after driving the Impala for a few days. The interior was clean and stylish and the exterior looked like something you wouldn’t mind being seen in. There were enough special features (air-conditioned seats, great navigation system, Bluetooth technology) packed into the vehicle that there was always something new to play with each time you got behind the wheel. The navigation system is easy to use and works like Google maps so it doesn’t take much to get used to. It did pop out one wrong address putting me on the other side of town, but otherwise it was reliable and accurate. The air-conditioned seats, while not something you’ll use every drive, are a great asset in the warm weather or on long drives.
But looks, features and interior are just to get you in the door, the real question with any car is: What does it drive like? Well…it drove really well! The steering was tight and responsive and the suspension absorbed the winter worn DC streets. The driving assists like back up camera and blind spot monitor are actually helpful and not annoying. They let you drive naturally without feeling like you’re taking a driving test trying to avoid poor marks from the rigid instructor.
The one thing that was a little disappointing, not a deal breaker, was the engine. It was good once you got up to speed but when you’re trying to merge into highway traffic, I would have liked a little more responsiveness under my foot. However, the car is great on gas so this is the trade-off.
The 2015 Impala is a good car. Rising way above its rental car lot status of the early 2000s! For anyone looking in the Camry or Accord families, I’d take a look at this one too. If you get a chance to drive one or ride in one, you should take advantage. You’ll find a car that has a ton of features that you’ll love time and time again.
#Drive
Category: Product Review, Reviews, Style Section
About the Author (Author Profile)
Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.Subscribe
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