Chevy Impala 2014 Rated Best in Category by Consumer Reports

The Chevy Impala 2014 was rated best in its category by Consumer Reports.

It's the first time in 20 years that a domestic model has received the honor from Consumer Reports’ auto editors, outscoring more expensive foreign-made luxury sedans, like the Audi A6 and Lexus LS, ABC7Chicago reported.

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Calling it "excellent" and "competitive with cars that cost $20,000 more," the monthly magazine gave the Chevy Impala 2014 a 95 out 100 score, making it one of Consumer Report's the highest-rated vehicles.

"The redesigned 2014 Impala is . . . roomy, comfortable, quiet, refined and is enjoyable to drive,” Consumer Reports wrote in the review.

"[With its] secure and responsive [handling] the car rides like a luxury sedan with a cushy and controlled demeanor," the publication adds. "The cabin is very quiet. The roomy interior has a sumptuous back seat and a huge trunk. [And the] interior ambience and trimmings are largely of high quality."

Last year, the previous Impala model received a 63 out of 100 rating by Consumer Reports.

"The Impala's performance is one more indicator of an emerging domestic renaissance," said Jake Fisher, director of Consumer Reports automotive testing.

In addition to the luxurious features Consumer Reports describes, new amenities in the form of technological advances, such as the car’s MyLink system’s touch screen in the place of the former standard AM radio, also contributed to its high rating, ABC7Chicago noted.

The Chevy Impala 2014 can also go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6.8 seconds with its 3.6 liter V6 engine that boasts 305 horsepower, Chevrolet.com reported.

"We've seen big improvement in American cars recently with a lot of successful redesigns," Tom Mutchler of Consumer Reports' auto team told ABC7Chicago. "The Impala is perhaps the most impressive transformation yet."

The Chevy Impala 2014 is one of more than a dozen new or re-designed models General Motors is releasing into the showroom this year.

Another notable vehicle being introduced this year is the 2014 Corvette C7 Stingray, the latest edition of the iconic 1960s sports car.

With a top speed of around 200 miles per hour and 29 miles per gallon on the highway, Chevrolet hope the new Corvette C7 Stingray will compete with top European sports cars, such as the Porsche or a lower entry-level Ferrari.

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