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2014 Chevrolet Impala Wins Cars.com/USA Today/MotorWeek Full Size Sedan Challenge


chevy impala (select to view enlarged photo)

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CHICAGO--Sept. 9, 2013: Cars.com has named the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala the winner of the site's Full Size Sedan Challenge. The challenge put seven sedans against each other in a series of extensive expert and consumer testing to determine which car deserved the title as best overall full size sedan. In addition to the 2014 Chevrolet Impala, other full size sedans tested include the 2013 Chrysler 300, 2013 Dodge Charger, 2014 Ford Taurus, 2013 Hyundai Azera, 2013 Nissan Maxima and 2013 Toyota Avalon.

"Of the seven sedans we tested, three were complete redesigns," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com's Editor-in-Chief. In addition to the fully redesigned and top-placing Chevrolet Impala, the Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Azera were also entrants with substantial makeovers.

"The Impala, which saw the most drastic redesign of them all, blew us all away with its stylish looks and impressive drivability. In all honesty, this redesign brought the Impala from one of the less desirable full size options to the absolute best in the class," said Olsen.

Experts from Cars.com, USA Today, MotorWeek and a consumer who represents the average full size sedan shopper tested the seven sedans for overall features, comfort, driving ability and fuel mileage.

Tests included:

200 miles of driving on varying roads to test each sedan for real-world fuel economy. One day of round-robin driving where each expert tested each sedan on the same route back-to-back to gather impressions. Testing by a car shopper representing the average full size sedan buyer for overall comfort, features, styling and drivability.

"Although full size sedans aren't the biggest sellers, they are still an overall impressive group of cars," said Olsen. "Full size sedan buyers tend to stay loyal to the segment, so automakers continue to innovate and update these sedans to meet the needs of their drivers. This segment's challenge was particularly interesting, because so many redesigned or all-new entrants were tested."