Check Consumer Reports. Impala is not a "recommended" car. Much worse than average depreciation and mediocre fuel mileage among other issues. Scores 64 out of 100 points, while the top rated Avalon scores 89.

If you are looking for an American car in this class better off with the Ford Taurus, (75 points) or the Buick Lucerne, (73 points) and both of them are recommended by CR.

Bottom line, Avalon is by far the best car in that class.

Buick is launching a new LaCrosse as we speak. On paper and in pictures it sounds pretty good. Some people might avoid a brand new model in its first year though.

There are a lot of good reasons that the Avalon has been so popular for so long.

The Ford 2010 Taurus is a complete model restyle from the 2009. Understanding Ford's commitment to quality, I would not hesitate purchasing this new model.

We have a Lexus GS
 

Can't tell a lot of difference between the two. The Avalon is nice!