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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  Fun to drive - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jennie - January 16 - 12:23 am

  The car is a lot for the money. Smooth, quiet riding, very good gas mileage. Shopped for other cars, but this car had more room and more for your money. Very pleased with the car.

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  I got a good one! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By johnny_sc - January 15 - 12:20 pm

  Bought the Impala LT in October 07; have 9500 miles, and so far no problems. The gas only engine gets 34.5 mpg highway and 27.6 combined. Great looking exterior & interior. Im very content. Thanks GM.

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  Great Car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bill Gaheer - January 14 - 3:50 pm

  Great car, only if they could improve the interior build quality, Good brakes, ok perfomance, I think i will add Corvette engine in it. Hi Bob, Please convert Impala back to rear wheel and improve quality up to Viper level Great product, good family car. Will definatly recommened this car

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  2002 Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lonnie - January 12 - 9:03 pm

  This has been a great car even though I have only owned for four months. It rides and handles great, the seats are as comfortable as any Mazda. Toyota or Nissan I have owned. the fuel milage is as good as any other V-6 by any other manufacturer with more power. By the way I purchased this car after my experiance with my wifes 2001 LS Impala

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  GO FOR IT! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gene from Mass - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Well, My all my friends thought I was crazy buying another Impala. But this time it was the LS. Every option. The handling, and performance, make this car. Quiet, tight, responsive! It snowed here in mass last week. When the standard traction controll kicked in It was a like I was driving a 4WD.

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  2008 Chevy Impala - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By jim - January 12 - 12:03 am

  Have gone on 2 trips since buying in late Dec. 2007. The longest was 1500 mile roundtrip from LR, Arkansas to Panama City,Fl. Gas mileage is right on the money to what the window sticker said. My only gripe is on the return trip, the CD player croaked after playing about 50 CDs. And the service adviser said they often have problems with "burned" cds vs bought cds. The "burned" cds can cause them to hang up and not eject. One woulda thunk in this day and technology age that "burned" cds would not be a problem. So in the big scheme of things this is only minor as it is covered by the bumper to bumper warranty and a new unit is on order.

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  2nd review since purchased in 6/07 - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jukebox Ed - January 10 - 2:03 pm

  First review was at 8800 miles; now 19250 miles. Car is excellent. No problems whatsoever. Gas mileage still a lousy 22-23 mpg no matter how driven. Just ordered a 2008 2LT for wife with same 3.9 engine. 2008 has stabilitrak which wasnt available in 07 so that is great news. Overall, the Impala provides excellent value for the money. Reliable, problem-free, great Bose stereo/XM radio. My wifes 2008 Impala will be our 8th Impala since 2000. Love it!

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  Great Car - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mako - January 8 - 5:46 am

  This has been a good auto for over 11 years. Very few problems.

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  Great looks, lots of power, so-so feeling - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala - January 7 - 5:02 pm

  I love the look of this car. It may be the best looking car I have ever owned. Plenty of power from the 3800 v- 6, but lesser gas mileage than the other 3800s I have owned. The leather seats are hard, non-breathing and somewhat uncomfortable. The car seems excessively noisy to me. The dealer replaced a catalytic converter, and I had some suspension work done. There is a whine, I believe in the power steering, but the dealer cant hear it. That may be because it is still covered by a GM extented warranty. I do not think I would buy anymore Chevrolets due to what I perceive as a lack of production quality and long-term durability. My similar (W chassis) Olds Intrigue was better and more reliable

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  Overall Satisfaction - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By 04 Impala LS - January 5 - 12:11 pm

  Very satisfied. Gas mileage not as much as I thought would be about 24 mpg. A few warranty issues with brakes and rotors, speedometer, steering column, paint chipping on volume button for steering wheel. Luckily everything covered under warranty. Very nice car otherwise