2003 Chevrolet Impala

Modern muscle with family finesse

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Both models have an electric rear-window defogger, delayed exit/entry lighting, and intermittent variable-speed wipers. The LS adds such extras as a split-folding rear seat, a side-impact airbag on the driver's side, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a trunk cargo net, and passenger assist grips. Antilock brakes, traction control and a tire-pressure monitor also are standard on the LS and optional on base Impalas.

In 35-mph crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an Impala earned five stars (the top rating) for both the driver and front passenger. Side-impact testing also produce five-star scores, for front and rear occupants.

Separate front bucket seats replace the bench in the LS sedan, which also gets a split-folding rear seat, for 5-passenger capacity. With the 3.8-liter engine, in particular, acceleration is strong both from a standstill and when passing at highway speeds. An Impala with the 3.4-liter V-6 might be too tepid for some drivers. Gear changes are barely noticeable in the excellent General Motors automatic transmission, which responds with no awkwardness or uncertainty.

Both engines are surprisingly frugal on the highway, according to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency. The 3.8-liter V-6 gets a rating of 20 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway, versus 22/32 mpg for the smaller engine. Each runs on regular fuel.

Seats are simply lovely, provided you don't demand snug buckets, in an interior that promises spaciousness in the old sense. Not only are head, leg and elbowroom abundant, but the seats provide good support, coupled with pleasant cushioning. Gauges are nicely calibrated and easy to read, and controls are near at hand, which is a notable bonus for the older drivers who are more likely to consider an Impala.