Rental Car Ruckus 2: Electric Boogaloo

[Ryan T]

Not really a rental car, but they finally traded in our busted 2001 Malibu state car for a 2012 silver Impala. 3.6L V6, 300hp, 262lb/ft torque. Power wise I was impressed. Acceleration is strong from any speed. Torque steer likes a king too. I've always been hopeful someone could solve the torque steer problem, but as Rex lovingly pointed out, it's just physics. Transmission takes way too long to downshift, but once you let off at around 3 or 4k rpm it will hold there for about 4 seconds to see if you get back on the gas instead of instantly upshifting. Front seats are roomy, soft and would do well for long periods of driving. As for being supportive in any way during handling, they are not. Stereo and other features are rental car worthy, rear seat leg room seems decent, adequate trunk space. I wouldn't buy one, but it's my top choice of our current selection of state vehicles.