2004 Chevrolet Impala SS Road Test

Article by Andrew McCredie (Auto123.com),

Sunday, January 25, 2004

Page 1 of 3
Previous
1
2
3
Next

Memory-Fueled Muscle Tone

At first blush, the 2004 Chevy Impala SS looks like a Big Three sedan on steroids, which in essence, it is.

Beneath the hood of the 2004 Chevy Impala SS beats the heart of the American muscle car. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

But beneath that monochromatic body beats the heart of the American muscle car and a rightful claim to direct descendancy to the muscle car that started it all more than 40 years ago.

In 1961, the Impala lost its tail fins and gained an SS option. And what an option. Featuring a 409 cubic inch V8 engine, the SS model featured upgraded tires on station wagon wheels, power brakes and steering, springs, shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings.

What was under the hood, however, mattered most, and the '61 SS's 360 horsepower mill not only launched the big machine in short order, but literally launched the muscle car revolution.

The brawny 2004 Impala SS will rekindle muscular memories for those who came of age in the 1960s. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

It was immortalized forever in popular culture (The Beach Boys had a hit called 409, based on the engine block size: "When I take her to the track she really shines (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9); She always turns in the fastest time (Giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9); My four-speed, dual-quad, posi-traction 4-0-9 (4-0-9, 4-0-9)Giddyup, giddyup, giddyup, 4-0-9.").

While it's unlikely the 2004 Impala SS will be immortalized in song, the brawny sedan will rekindle muscular memories for those who came of age in the 1960s.