Chevrolet Impala

Test details:

The Chevrolet Impala was redesigned for the 2006 model year. Beginning with 2009 models, side curtain airbags were made standard for retail and fleet buyers (they had been optional for fleet buyers previously), and side airbags to protect the drivers' and front passengers' torsos also became standard (the side torso airbags were not available before).

Two tests of the Impala were conducted, one by the Institute of a 2006 model equipped with side curtain airbags, and the other by General Motors of a 2009 model with both side curtain airbags and side torso airbags. These vehicles are rated separately, except that the structural ratings for both vehicles are based on both tests, as are rear dummy injury and head protection ratings, because no changes were made to the rear occupant compartment. Driver dummy injury and head protection ratings for the 2009 model are assigned by the Institute as part of side crash test verification.

Injury measures:

Driver — In the test of the 2009 model, measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Rear passenger — Measures from the dummies in the two tests, taken together, indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Head protection:

Driver — In the test of the 2009 model, the dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the seat.

Rear passenger — In tests of both the 2006 and 2009 models, the dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.