The 2013 Chevrolet Impala finds itself locked in a bit of a holding pattern, with the car’s 2014 edition, promising a major makeover, on the horizon. Meanwhile, the 2013 version pretty much limps to the end of this particular era for what has been a reliable family hauler for a half century and even Chevy’s flagship.

Not that the 2013 Impala is completely without its fans, mind you. Many of those arrive in the form of buyers of fleet cars, looking to stock their rental slots or company spaces with vehicles that are comfortable, spacious and a good value, if not overly exciting. When it comes to individual buyers, most reviewers tend to steer folks toward a Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300 or another of the Impala’s rivals in the market of large and affordable cars.

That said, experts seem to think the 2014 Chevy Impala, expected to hit showrooms early in 2013, may well change the game back around and bring the Impala at least into the vicinity of its former lofty status. They’re certainly not predicting it will become the top-selling car in the country as it once was, though. For now, some feel that with many folks looking ahead, good deals should be available to those interested in purchasing a 2013 Impala.

The 2013 Chevrolet Impala benefits from last year’s upgraded powerplant, featuring a 3.6-liter V6 good for 300 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission and coming in front-wheel drive (FWD). EPA estimates peg its fuel mileage at 18 mpg city/30 highway.

Reviewers commend the cabin space in the 2013 Chevy Impala as well as its trunk space. It comes set up as a 5-seater, though things get tight in the back with full-sized adults, but it can carry 6 if a buyer opts for the front bench seat in place of the front bucket seats.

A trip computer, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, satellite radio, steering-wheel controls and keyless entry all help the 2013 Chevy Impala appeal in particular to those who are buying for fleets.

The 2013 Impala again comes in LS, LT and LTZ trims. The LS gets a power-adjustable driver’s seat, power mirrors and windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, remote power door locks, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and a single-CD player. The LT bumps that up with 17-inch alloy wheels, a split-folding rear seatback and an integrated rear spoiler. The LTZ tops things off with 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2013 Chevrolet Impala scores well in insurance industry and government crash tests and comes standard with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control and a full complement of airbags. It has dusk-sensing headlights and daytime running lights along with a post-collision safety system. Reviewers note that limited visibility to the rear can be an issue.

In safety, too, the experts are keeping an eye toward 2014. The redesigned Impala will be packed with technological features including forward collision alert, lane-departure warning and blind-spot alert, as well as a system that applies the brakes if it deems there is about to be a collision, according to reports.