Consumer Reports Rates Chevy Impala Best in Class

The redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala has become the first large sedan from an American carmaker in 20 years to earn Consumer Reports' top rating in that segment.

The car, which shares its platform with the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac XTS, earned 95 of a possible 100 points and an "excellent" rating in CR's tests. The previous Impala scored a lackluster 63 points, miring it at the bottom of its category.

The new Chevy's "stellar" score propelled the car to the top of the magazine's large-sedan segment ratings and into the ranks of its highest-rated models of any kind.

The all-new Chevy outscored a wide range of rivals, including the far costlier Audi A6 and Lexus LS460 luxury cars. CR says the Impala rides like a luxury sedan costing $20,000 more with an "almost vaultlike" cabin, vastly improved interior trim and agile acceleration, handling and braking. The magazine deemed all those areas subpar in the "woefully uncompetitive" previous model.

CR's testers also praise the Impala's huge trunk, spacious front and rear seating, easy-to-use controls and user-friendly electronics. The magazine's only complaint: rear visibility is hampered by a high package shelf and narrow rear window.