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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  Chevy Gets It Right - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By LoveMyChevy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Quality, Reliability AND fun to Drive - what a combo. I am a professional Quality/Reliability Engineer and after 5000 miles this car has NO quality or reliability problems. Acceleration when you want it is great. When you dont want accel car is tame as a kitten. Handles well and still has a smooth ride. I owned a Lincoln LS and this beats it hands down for 1000s less.

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  Get-up & Gone - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Truly Amazing - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The best phrase to describe the Impala is "Get up & gone". Merging into traffic has been more of an ease. Absolutly no hesitation as far as this car goes; it "rails the highway." The extremely smooth ride and quitness that a luxury sedan has to offer. I love the overall performance and its style. It is also a great family car with outstanding interior space. In a nutshell, the Impala LS is a fun car to drive at a great cost.

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  GOOD, SOLID CAR - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By AMANDA - April 3 - 2:00 am

  THIS SEEMS TO BE A SOLID BUILT CAR. IT IS VERY QUIET, AND HANDLES VERY WELL. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS SO FAR. IT HAS ROOM FOR 3 CAR SEATS IN BACK. AND PLENTY OF LEG ROOM IN FRONT AND BACK.

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  Best in class - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Eneal - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle compares very favorably to other mid-sized domestic cars. The 3.8L V-6 is worth the extra money. I drive 40K miles per year, so its comfort and quiet ride are also welcome features. It is big enough to take a foursome golfing, with its ample legroom in back and cavernous trunk. It is slightly smaller than the Intrepid, but of better overall quality. It is hands down better than Taurus and Grand Prix.

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  My Baby - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By LilKiki221 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car everyday to school. I love the reliablity of the car.

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  Its good - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By ladyj - March 28 - 4:37 pm

  I bought my 2002 used with abou 64K miles on it. Its run well, but has had issues that mechanics tell me are typical for this car. Had to replace intake manifold gasket, major work to front end including replaceing a wheel hub because of bad bearing, fixed power window switch on drivers side, had to have ignition replaced. That said, I still love the thing and Im buying a newer model when I can.

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  Love It So Far - 2017 Chevrolet Impala
  By RobG - March 20 - 9:12 am

  I have only had it for a week, so cant say anything about the reliability or the fuel economy. Had to order it special because I wanted the Adaptive Cruise Control which comes with Forward Automatic Braking (they work great), and the dealers dont stock cars with that option. I really like the built in GPS and maps - no longer have to carry a Garmin on my front shelf. And you can program the GPS by talking to it. Got lost at night the first time we were out, and was able to tell it where I wanted to go, and it got us there.

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  I watied two months and a day - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By kw5kw - March 20 - 7:13 am

  I waited two months and a day for my new Impala to get here. I ordered it on 6/14/06 and it came in 8/15/06. I was on pins and needles waiting for it. Now that Its here I love it. I like the AFM (6cyl to 3cyl) for helping with fuel economy while it only has a few less hp (233hp) than the 1999 Mustang GT 4.6L 35th anniversary editon convertible (260hp) that Im replacing. Having said that, going from a RWD to a FWD and from a V-8 to a V-6 Im really noticing a lack of performance. Now, I realize that a sports car is supposed to run better and faster than a family sedan, so Im not comparing apples to apples, but Im really happy with the ride and performance of my new Impala!

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  Best in Show - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Best in Show - March 20 - 2:00 am

  After reading Edmunds review of the 2003 Impala. Moved with caution before purchase. After many test drives both long and short experiences. I found Edmunds review selling the Impala short on all there comments. Edmunds weak reveiw shows that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. I am extremely happy with my new Impala. It performs beyond all my expectations

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  Pauls 96 SS - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Pauls96ss - March 17 - 1:48 pm

  I love this car! I have owned this car for 11.5 years. This car won runner up at the 2003 Super Chevy Show and many first, second, and third place trophies at other car shows and bracket racing events. Odometer is at 148,000 miles and I would not hesitate to take it on a cross country trip.