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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  Reliable at best - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jay - March 13 - 10:45 am

  After 4 months of ownership my wife noticed a whistle upon acceleration. I was told by the dealership that it is air passing over a hole in the throttle body. Throttle body replaced and problem persists. Contacted GM customer service and they told me it is not a mechanical defect and that "if its not broke, dont fix it". My dealership stated they would keep me up to date on possible recalls related to this issue but after two months of phone calls they no longer call. This whistle is simply not acceptable for a $26,000 vehicle and GM wonders why customers are choosing foreign vehicles with better build quality. Interior plastic looks and feels cheap. I would not buy another one.

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  A fun car - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By ss355 - March 6 - 3:15 pm

  Bought mine with 8 miles on the clock. Now has over 165K. Its been a fun car to drive. A few quirks, certainly, but overall Ive really enjoyed the car. Not 96 Supra Turbo fast, but certainly enough ummph to get on the highway with no trouble and impress a few teenagers. Fantastic car for the highway. Plenty of room for the whole family. Large trunk. Reasonable back road performance, given the 4000+ lb. curb weight. The air pump (emissions control) and water pump have been headaches, but otherwise a fairly reliable car. Plan to drive this one till it drops.

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  Very Reliable - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gregg - March 6 - 1:34 pm

  My Impala has the Police Pursuit package as I use it as a police vehicle. This car has been very reliable. At 115,000 miles I have had to replace the cooling fans and the catalytic converter which was covered under warranty. I drive about 100 miles a day and it is very comfortable. The trunk is huge and holds all of my "goodies" and the performance is still very good. The interior is cramped with all of the accessories that I need, but it is workable. I would buy an Impala for personal use.

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  The best car in its class - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jegan - March 5 - 3:46 pm

  For anyone who needs a dependable car, that is comfortable to be in, with nice creature comforts this is it. I have over 100K on mine and it runs and drives like a brand new one. It is fast and powerful, yet I still average 28 mpg on road trips. It still looks great with classic Chevy styling. No major work needed. My 17 year old daughter loves to drive it, and my 68 year old mother loves it too. It has mass appeal. So glad I did not buy a Camry! It has held up so well.

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  You only go around once! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Don Rizzuto - March 4 - 7:33 pm

  If you are looking for a tame economy car your looking in the wrong place. My SS gets 28 mpg on the road, has a great ride, and my friends took one look and knew why I bought it. On mountain highways it has the power to master the steepest grade yet on long straight runs it only fuels four cylinders and the economy is great. Clean lines inside and out, quality throughout, and a real head turner make this performer one of the finest vehicles Ive ever owned.

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  Love The Ride......Hate the Gas Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By yesman85 - March 1 - 12:46 pm

  Have had the Impala SS since November and love the performance and ride of the vehicle. However, Im really disappointed in the gas mileage as Im only averaging 19.2 mpg. Also, the torque steering does take some getting used to. Was also suprised that the owners manual suggests using premium grade gasoline.

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  Great buy for a low-end model - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By 1philco - February 28 - 12:36 pm

  LS model has everything I wanted, including power seats. great heavy-feel ride in a lightweight car. Qualfity excellent, standary radio very good. Gas mileage as posted (21, 32). One long trip in my 3000 miles. First GM car in 30 years, having bought mostly Japanese. Test drove Camry, Accord, Saturn. This had the best ride.

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  great reflections - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By *Cat* - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is first car I have owned in long time, previously drove SUV or pickups. So far I am loving this car. Only reason not a full 10.0, havent had it long enough to rate the reliability, but dont foresee any problems there. When driving thru town, and checking out reflection in store front windows, this car looks ssweet!

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  Got the sport package LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mr.Happy - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I started second week with the 02 LS sport (black). The car is fully loaded except the sunroof, I dont like it. So far it was very pleasant driving. The car looks much better than LS at least in my view. Got the car with 58 km on it and average fuel 13.5 liters per 100 km. ever since I am driving it the consuption is improving. I am at 10 liters/100km. I would like to see the dealer driver how he was "pumping it" to get to the dealer!

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  The Car that Could Have Been, But Isnt - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Henry - February 23 - 4:46 am

  Rented a brand-new Impala SS for a recent two-hundred mile trip. With a nice exterior styling and a roaring V8, this car could have been a huge hit for GM. However, it lacks the refinement, features and quality that are present in even entry-level import sedans. Despite its sport pretentions the cars steering and suspension are numbed with novacaine. Transmission lacks the auto-stick feature and is neither sporty nor refined. Wind noise is pronounced The interior lacks any character and feels generations behind both in quality and in content of my 06 Civic. The quality throughout is inconsistent. Overall, the car has a feel of being designed by the bean counters for the rental lots.