The 2014 Chevrolet Impala has earned the top spot overall for sedans in Consumer Reports’ ratings, a position that has been held by Japanese and European models for the last 20 years.

The Impala scored an “Excellent” 95 that places it both at the top of its “Large Sedan” category and among the top-rated vehicles tested by Consumer Reports. Only two models scored better – the Tesla Model S liftback (99) and the BMW 135i coupe (97).

So what did the people at Consumer Reports like about the Impala? First of all, the ride was compared to that of a luxury sedan, without sacrificing handling, which was described as agile.

“The Impala corners quite well for a large car, with prompt turn-in response and controlled body lean,” the magazine says in its review of the Impala. “When pushed to its handling limits, the Impala proved secure, responsive, balanced, and easy to control.”.

The interior is seen as setting a new standard for Chevrolet, with generally high-quality materials and trim. Other good marks were given for the roomy and comfortable backseat, huge trunk and intuitive controls. As for the 22 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) overall fuel consumption measured by CR for the 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it is not the best in its class, but it was deemed “competitive”.

Consumer Reports says the Impala is too new for reliability data so it can’t be recommended yet. Overall, the organization found the Impala competitive with cars that cost $20,000 more, including the Audi A6 and Lexus LS460L, as well as the Acura RLX and Jaguar XF.

“It has been transformed from a woefully uncompetitive and outdated model that was to be avoided even as a free upgrade at the rental-car counter into a thoroughly modern and remarkably enjoyable vehicle,” reads the magazine’s report.

You can watch a short Consumer Reports review of the 2014 Impala in the video below.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO