Overview & Reviews

When Chevrolet sent the first Impala off the assembly line in 1958, it was meant to be "a prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen." It would seem that the company was successful; six decades on, the Chevrolet Impala has become one of America's most well-known nameplates.

Since the new millennium, the modern Impala has served as Chevrolet's main full-size sedan. While "prestige car" isn't really an apt descriptor anymore, the Impala has offered a roomy interior (with available six-passenger seating) along with strong and increasingly fuel-efficient engines. In our opinion, older, used Impalas from this time period aren't likely going to be the best choice for a large sedan, as they suffer from substandard interior quality and forgettable driving dynamics. But the newest Impala, thanks to its many improvements, is certainly worth considering.

Current Chevrolet Impala
Today's five-passenger Impala starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 195 horsepower 187 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-liter V6 makes 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Also offered is the mild hybrid Eco model with an "eAssist" powertrain that combines a 182-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a small 15-hp electric motor, providing the best fuel economy of the Impala lineup.

The Impala features LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. Standard feature highlights for the LS include a power-adjustable driver seat, full power accessories, Bluetooth, USB/iPod connectivity and a color display. The LT adds alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and the MyLink infotainment interface with an 8-inch touchscreen display. Most LT options are bundled into packages and include such items as a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry and extra safety features. The LTZ gets these items as standard, along with leather upholstery. Other options, depending on trim level, include navigation, premium audio, 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and ventilated front seats.

In reviews and ratings, we've concluded that the latest Chevrolet Impala distinguishes itself from other large sedans with sharp styling and a capacious trunk, though it loses points for some flimsy interior plastics, a fussy MyLink interface and middling fuel economy figures. Overall, though, the current Impala is fully worthy of your consideration if you're shopping for a large sedan.

Used Chevrolet Impala Models
The current Chevrolet Impala represents the nameplate's 10th generation, which was introduced in the 2014 model year. Mechanically, it's related to the latest Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac XTS. Compared to the previous Impala, the latest generation is more stylish, with bigger curves, bolder lines and a bit more length. Inside, there's a modern design, higher-quality materials and up-to-date electronics.

The previous, ninth-generation Chevrolet Impala was produced for the 2006-'13 model years. Improvements on this model compared to the previous-generation Impala included new engines, more composed handling, a higher-quality interior and updated styling. Even so, we generally regarded this Impala as pretty forgettable and outclassed by any of its contemporaries.

Impalas of this generation were offered in three main trim levels: entry-level LS, midgrade LT and range-topping LTZ. From 2006-'09, there was also an Impala SS.

Typical features for the LS models included 16-inch wheels, a front bench seat, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, a power driver seat, a single-CD audio system with an MP3 jack, and keyless entry. Moving up to the LT model added alloy wheels and a few more features, while the LTZ included 17-inch (later 18-inch) alloys, heated leather seats and a Bose audio system. The SS came with monochromatic exterior paint, a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. LS and LT models could be optioned with a front bench seat, which increased passenger capacity to six.

Until 2012, the LS and LT came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 211 hp. Standard on the LTZ of the same period was a 3.9-liter V6 good for 230 hp. All of these Chevy Impalas came with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Chevy Impala SS model of this period had a 303-hp 5.3-liter V8 and the four-speed auto. For 2012 and 2013, all Impalas received a new 300-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine yielded quicker acceleration and better fuel economy to boot.

In reviews at the time, we found that the ninth-generation Impala provided a number of big-sedan perks, including a smooth ride, quiet interior, seating for six, decent crash test ratings and a generously sized trunk. The problem was that the Impala didn't excel in any of these areas and was generally hamstrung by underwhelming performance, bland styling, cheap-looking interior materials and a lack of feature availability. Contemporaries like the Dodge Charger, Hyundai Azera or Toyota Avalon make for better used choices.

The eighth-generation Impala was offered from 2000-'05, marking the resurrection of the Impala as a mainstream offering. There were only minimal changes during its production run. Its basic dimensions are very similar to those of its successor, but it was even less competitive in its class. For this generation, there were two main trim levels -- base and LS. In 2004, Chevy added the SS trim.

The base model was powered by a 3.4-liter V6 engine that produced 180 hp. Stepping up to LS trim got you a 200-hp, 3.8-liter V6. The SS had a supercharged version of the 3.8-liter V6 making 240 hp. Though popular in terms of sales, this Impala did not fare well in reviews conducted by Edmunds.com editors. Noted downsides included bland interior and exterior design, vague steering and a soggy suspension on base and LS models.

Prior to this, there was a short-lived Chevrolet Impala SS. Offered from 1994-'96, it was based on the rear-drive Caprice. The SS featured a 260-hp, 5.7-liter V8 derived from the Corvette, large 17-inch wheels and tires, a sport tuned suspension, a monochromatic exterior (black only in its first year) and many hardware upgrades normally fitted to law enforcement vehicles. Today, the ‘90s Impala SS's have taken on a "collectible" quality.

There are also plenty of Impalas left from earlier decades. Those early Impalas were often America's most popular car, and they still hold significance today. Throughout the 1960s, the Chevy Impala dominated the sales charts, culminating in 1965 when more than 1 million were sold. Though the popularity of smaller, midsize muscle cars slowly ate away at sales of the Impala, it continued to sell in big numbers, registering as the best-selling car in America in 1973. The Impala nameplate languished in the early 1980s, eventually getting dropped in 1986 in favor of the Caprice designation.

User Reviews:

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  Nice Car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Many considered - May 2 - 7:33 pm

  Was looking for a car with decent fuel economy, cost, features, and size. Cross-shopped Camry, Accord, Sonata, and many others initially. Some have criticized OnStar but Im not sure why. Its free for a year and then you dont have to pay a penny if you dont like it. It offers great hands free calling, emergency features, diagnostics, and lock out service. Have used all but emergency many times. The ride is quiet and comfortable and I notice little wind noise. Many features from heated seats to dual-zone cc were standard. For the price I paid, I would have ended up with a 4 cylinder import comparably equipped. Domestic quality is way up lately and deserves a look.

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  Big Bang for the Buck - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By leaseman - May 2 - 2:00 am

  If you want to buy an American family sedan and want great value, the Impala is a good choice. Ive driven the 2000 LS model for three years and test drove the 2003 LS w/ Sport Appearance. The exterior styling is bold and sporty while the new sport appearance package gives the car a cool Corvette look. The 200 horsies provide plenty of low-end torque and the transmission is smooth as silk in the 3.8L V6. The leather seats are comfortable even on very long drives and the two-tone plastic dash looks clean and stylish. Dont let the elitists scare you away from this car! My 2000 Impala never spent one night at the dealer.

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  Impala a decent car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Woggy - April 28 - 9:50 am

  While it isnt the Impala of the 60s the 2004 Impala is still a pretty decent car. Solid build structure (withstood a concrete truck backing into front end very well). Fuel economy is not excellent but good for a car this size. No major component breakdowns yet. Just quite a few more minor annoyances. Brake part frequent servicing,a number of worrying, but so far harmless, noises of varying types. Comfortable to drive, reasonable quite ride, good handling. Has been a 7.5 out of 10 on overall satisfaction. Lots of trunk space, especially with fold down rear seats. Standard stereo not outstanding but more than adequate. Exterior finish good to very good. Horn stinks, intend to replace it.

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  Impressed - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gregg - April 26 - 7:39 am

  I received my Impala new in November of 2002 as my police patrol vehicle. This car has been outstanding! It came equipped with the 9C1 police package and has not disappointed me. It is very powerful with the 3.8L V-6, and the 4 wheel disc brakes are outstanding. I have 115,000 miles in less than 5 years and have not replaced the brakes. The interior room gets a little cramped in the front, but the trunk is huge and holds all of my junk with ease. This car is a vast improvement over the Lumina police car. The only repairs to date are new electric cooling fans and a catlytic converter covered under warranty. I would buy one for my own personal car

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  Great Family Sedan, Cheap Mechanics - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By PATRICK - April 17 - 9:50 am

  Bought this Impala new. Now has 81,000 miles. Best family sedan out. Have 3 children and all fit comfortably in backseat with plenty of luggage space. Great gas mileage and comfortable for long trips. Adequate acceleration, braking and handling. Mechanically, apparently cost accountants undercut engineering, hurting Chevys reputation. Twice had to have steering shaft repacked with lube since steering column felt "loose". At 80,000 miles intake gasket gave out leaking antifreeze, costing $700 to repair. My 1st car was a 65 Corvair with 44,000 miles. Gaskets leaked oil. Replaced them with better quality and car lasted 100,000 more miles with no leaks when I sold it. When will Chevy learn?

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  Smooth Ride - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Arthur - April 14 - 7:03 pm

  When loaded with leather, heated seats, retractable sun roof and a fine sound system this vehicle is nearly as good as the Hyundai Acera. The car cruises on the highway extremely well. It does not have the pep I would like but it does the job especially when fueled with E-85. This flex fuel vehicle gets a big lift from the higher octaine gasoline that helps solve the sluggish pickup problem. I found the vehicle not as comfy as my Cadillac Deville but it was nearly as nice. The price of this vehicle is right. The 28k I saved made me feel a heck of alot better in giving up my Cadillac for the 31 mpg I now get on the freeway. Good value, good on gas and nice looking to boot.

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  A great car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By john b - April 13 - 7:06 am

  Im very happy with my new Impala. I took the car on a round trip Boston- Indianapolis (2100 miles total) and averaged 27 mpg. Plenty of room and power, and the seats were extremely comfortable. I was looking for a large car with good gas mileage, a big trunk and good looks - and you cannot find a better value than the Impala. With employee pricing, the car was just about $ 18K.

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  Smooth rider - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Drew - April 12 - 4:26 pm

  This car is very smooth and quiet. There is no center console so you have room to spread out although the backseats arent as spacious as you might think. My first tank fillups have given me mileages of 21, 22, 19, 29, and 30 with the last two being all highway and the first 3 mixed. Overall Im very pleased with my purchase but would not buy one brand new because they lose their value very quickly compared to Honda or Toyota. Handling is not very good and the car tends to drift but that is the trade off for a super soft ride.

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  On demand power and high mileage, too. - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - April 9 - 11:10 am

  Traded my 2000 Impala LS last month on a new 2006 Impala SS. Loved the sporty look of the new chevy. Got a black one with the neutral interior. The dealer said that the neutral interior is hard to get in this model but I just loved the light color. Very classy upscale look. Had no problems with the car. Tons of power when you need it but drive it soft and you will get 30 miles to the gallon. I test drove the LTZ model but I didnt think the 3.9 liter engine performed near as well as 3.8 Buick built engine that the older Impala LS had. Not as much power and lower MPG. Then, I drove the SS and it had the power I wanted with mileage and the sporty look. Drive it and buy it.

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  Overall real good - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jerry - April 5 - 6:20 pm

  I have been driving my Impala for 600 miles. I realy like the feel, smooth but sporty. I think the color red did a lot for the sporty look.