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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  Low MPG - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jon - February 19 - 10:42 am

  Overall this is a good car. It rides great and looks great. It has many nice interior features, such as dual zone climate control, automatic headlights, and an amazing stock stereo. The trunk is huge. There is plenty of room for an adult to sit on each side of my sons center mounted booster seat. However, my fuel economy is awful. I am concentrating on being as easy on take offs as possible and still only get 17mpg. I have called the dealer and they say that unless the check engine light comes on, there is nothing wrong with the car.

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  Good Buy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By RLMSr - February 15 - 10:00 am

  We just got the car and love the sport appearance package. It looks like an SS without the need for premium fuel and loss of 2 mpg. My kids, one of whom is 59" and growing, both fit comfortably in the back seat. Their hockey and baseball bags fit in the large trunk. Gas mileage thus far has been a lot better than the van the car replaced. The sunroof gets high marks with the kids, but I dont like that it flips up and back rather than into the roof as on other GM cars. The seat-cushion length could be a couple inches longer; I have trouble supporting my thighs without playing with the seat positioning.

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  Very disappointed - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lin - February 10 - 1:56 am

  My Impala LT does not have a split rear seat, therefore, I will not be able to access my cables in the trunk should I have a dead battery. There is no trunk key and the inside trunk release is connected to battery power. Extremely poor design. This is the last GM car I will ever purchase after having GMs for 45 years. Toyota here I come.

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  Best kept secret - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Froderick - February 9 - 12:56 pm

  It looks great! I have every available option. Love the OnStar! The gas mileage is fantastic. What can I say I love this car.

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  My 96 SS - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bill L. - February 7 - 7:57 pm

  I have owned this car for almost eight years, and will continue to drive it until GM comes up with a sucessor. It is amazing for anything this big and heavy to be either as nimble or quick, yet comfortable as an old shoe. It is unfortunate that we are both getting older.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By fp1899 - February 6 - 8:52 am

  If Chevy keeps building cars like this, I will never not own one. It is a great car, very reliable. My Impala has 85,000 miles and still runs like new. Mine isnt garage kept and it has no trouble starting in cold weather. The 3.4 Liter V6 has plenty of power and great fuel economy. It is a well designed and well built car.

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  04 Impala LS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rick - February 2 - 4:36 pm

  My 04 Impala LS has performed great. I have taken it on long trips and gotten around 30 MPG at interstate speeds. I have no complaints and would buy another Chevy Impala again.

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  Run Far Far Away! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Piece of Junk - January 29 - 8:39 pm

  Ive only put 24k miles on this car and have had to replace brakes and rotors twice. Thermostat twice, the temp gauge keeps going out and when that happens the air/heat doesnt work properly. New exhaust system only to find out it was recalled and gm only reimbursed me 60% of the cost. Rattles between 55-65. Performance is horrible. Gas mileage is nowhere near what GM claims. And this week the transmission just went out. I am buying Japanese from now on. This car is completely unreliable and I would recommend you not even test drive it. I now have so much negative equity that I have to buy a much more expensive car to carry it.

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  OK Car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By ayadre26 - January 22 - 10:22 am

  I traded in the my 2002 Chevy Tracker in for this car for more room, better performance and less problems for my family. At first I was happy, now Im having all kinds of problems with this car. From replacing all 4 brakes, rear rotors, computer malfunction,bad battery when the indicator said it was good, 2 fuel injector failure, replacing a converter, and now every once in a while the security message come the message display. Tech said to watch, might not be anything. Other than these things the car has been OK. Would have like an armrest for my right arm. I do love the design of the car. Might not buy this car again.

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  3 X Lucky - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jim - January 20 - 3:08 pm

  This is my 3rd Impala since 2004. I traded the 04 just a few yrs. ago for a pre-owned 2013. (All I had done to besides regular service , was brakes, and tires once, traded it with150,000 miles). Then bought a pre-owned 2013 LTZ. ( Besides regular service and a set of tires ) traded it with 65,000 miles on it for a 2016 model. I have had this one for a week and love it! Averaging 24 mpg in city! ( with a V6 ) Looks and drives great, with plenty of room (I am 62" ). Looking forward to my road trip next month. I have either been 3X lucky or these are just great cars.