Quickest Car in Canada?

Depending on when you grew up, the type of car you learned to drive in will vary. Some reading might have started way back in a Model T Ford, while others perfected their driving skills behind the wheel of a Willys Jeep during the Second World War. Still more might have found themselves starting out in a circa 1950s Chevy Bel Air or even an early 60s Impala. Wouldnt you like to have that classic now?

While the 1976 Malibu coupe, that I incidentally first failed and then some time later passed my drivers license road test in, isnt as collectible as the cars previously mentioned, it feels a lot like Chevys new Impala, which

The 2003 Chevy Impala feels suprisingly similar to the classic domestic cars of the past. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Of course, after 27 years the 2003 Impala is measurably better than the old steed that I punished so regularly in my youthful abandon. Its seats are more comfortable, features more plentiful, steering more direct and grip much more adhesive. Even the engine, while missing

While bringing back memories of traditional American cars, the Impala handles and performs like the modern car it is. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

The new Impala is actually fun to drive. I was testing an LS with the optional Sport Appearance Package that adds a stainless steel exhaust tip, embossed front license plate frame, front lower fascia extension, heated front

The rear decklid spoiler gives a sporty look to the Impala LS with the optional Sport Appearance Package while the Corvette-like rear plastic facade masks the ultra-large taillight bar. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

The plastic façade does a good job masking an otherwise ungainly taillight bar, probably the largest of its kind on the planet, while the rear decklid spoiler gives it a sporty look. The current Impala grille has never done much for me from a styling perspective, or possibly

The base 180-hp 3.4-L V6 engine rates better than the Honda Accord when it comes to highway fuel efficiency. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

The flip side of that coin made the Impala perfect for intimidating dawdling left lane hogs into moving over. I think people who buy these cars must get some sort of twisted high out of scaring other motorists on a regular basis. Driving the Impala gave me a new appreciation of how well behaved surrounding drivers must look from a policemans view of the road. As soon as they saw the car everyone snapped to attention and

The large leather seats can be slippery around corners if youre small in stature. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

And that was easy with my test cars 200-hp 3.8-L V6 raring to go. Its overhead valve architecture is not particularly sophisticated but 225 lb-ft of tire screeching torque is the result, and an impressive 23 mpg in the city and stellar 38 mpg on the highway. The base 180-hp 3.4-L V6 gets even better fuel economy, at 26 mpg in the city and an amazingly frugal 42 mpg on the highway - the latter rating is better than the Honda Accord!

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