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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  My 2006 Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ralph - January 3 - 2:40 pm

  I just bought a used fleet 2006 Impala from Carmax with 7666 miles. Im thrilled with the car and Carmax. I looked and drove many cars this year mostly via Avis Rental Car while traveling. Malibu and Impala stood out of all other models driven. Almost bought Malibu however found Impala LT with XM radio for less than lowest used malibu price.

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  2003 Chevy Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By chevy guy 18 - January 3 - 8:51 am

  Its a great car. It is easy to drive. The car is very reliable. It is a quality car.

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  OK, but... - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By fred - December 28 - 9:43 am

  We can all read and know whats special but heres what should have been different: more laterial support for bucket seats; a 6 speed automatic tranny; rear wheel drive - the FWD has too much torque steer; no indicator on floor shifter; no truck key access; huge open gap on overhead visors; climate controll; move skyroof forward so you can actually see out of it; run on regular 87 gas.

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  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob C. - December 28 - 5:10 am

  Car is fabulous except I am surprised with paying for a fully loaded car ($28K) that it wouldnt come with climate control. Car runs amazing and is extremely quiet. Glad I purchased it.

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  Love It - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tony Lopez - December 27 - 11:43 am

  This is my first new car purchase in 15 years. I think it is one of the best if not the best for the money in its class. The V6 gives you plenty of power and all around looks are impressive. Plenty of room for 4 or 5 people and very comfortable interior. I love the remote start feature although I have had a problem with it when there is ice on the car. Overall a 10 !

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  Great Car for the money. - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Eddie Davis - December 24 - 3:02 pm

  We have a 2001 Impala LS with the 3.8 V6. Its a great engine. Very peppy for the hills in Tennessee we drive on. The sound system is very high quality other than a speaker rattle in the front passenger door. The only downfall to this car is the turn signals. They only work when they want to and the dealership is no help. They want to charge upwards of $500 to fix something that should be recalled by GM since I know of at least 10 other Impala and Monte Carlo owners with the same problem.The radio also goes out when you turn on the rear defroster. But other than that weve had no problems with our Green Ghost. Its the only high quality vehicle GM has left.

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  Impala SS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By ob2golf - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car for the price. Sporty yet practicle and economical.

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  Basic Review - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mr. G - December 20 - 9:33 pm

  Sales car. Great average gas mileage of 30 miles/gallon highway. Large trunk held my clubs and bags with ease. Great reliability. Plenty of room for 5. Excellent lumbar support, and with no center console could stretch my legs on long cruise. Well engineered, good balance of power and economy, plus roominess all for a price less than Toyota and Honda. Regular oil changes only needed new tires at 48,000 and new brakes/rotors at 58,000. Only complaint is the brake rotors, had to have originals turned twice.

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  Fun to run, but... - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By c holden - December 17 - 1:43 pm

  Like most who own this beast, it mostly comes fully loaded and as such is very nice, blah blah blah. But after the initial romance wears off you kind of notice a couple of this and wonder why. First the cheap visors dont go out to the door frame and leave an annoying gap that if youre driving into the sun. No trunk key access, hope to God you never have your remote do dead. The batteries are supposed to be good for 4 years, losing range at 1 year mark. The OEM tires are great and all, but what a sticker shock when the time comes to replace, how about $250+ each! You could get cheaper Goodrich and some others for much less, but if you really like those Goodyears, start saving now.

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  Best For Price - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By bob - December 13 - 9:03 pm

  We rented this car on vacation! 3 days, 800 miles, we fell in love with all the options ,heated seats, XM radio, OnStar, dual air, great ride, smooth and quiet, great seats, I think Chevy. is on the way back with this car! I want to thank edmunds for all the information i found on this car and pricing to have an idea on what to expect, dealing with car salemen! We got a great price and good trade in value plus the rebate! Thank you, for helping make buying a new car feel good.