They destroyed it with the 2000+ model year cars because enthusiasts tend to have selective memories. We often ignore the 70's and 80's when cars like this
and this
and this
were sold. Those are the cars that came before the Impala SS. They are generic, mundane family sedans. Even the cars from the 60s don't see
too special. They're nice sure, but the 3rd and 4th generations seem like pretty much any other large sedan from the time. The Impala SS is largely an exception -as SS models ought, to the Impala legacy. GM is building the Impala for the role that it always had: be a large Chevrolet sedan. So what if its FWD? Its not a sports sedan, never has been.