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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  Best Car Ive owned so far - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chris William - December 13 - 6:25 pm

  Ive owned several cars, and I try to run them all until they give out. Ive owned Ford, Isuzu, Nissan and others, but this car has been the best. I drive 70 miles a day round trip and love the handling, acceleration and comfort. Even though others have gotten more MPG, I only get 26 on the highway. Also, if youre over 6ft tall like me, you will love the leg room in both the front and back. The only problem I have with the vehicle is the stereo system. I know people today are into a lot of bass, but I like my sound well rounded. This system puts a too much bass for me, and is difficult to adjust to just the right amount. Minor problem for a great car.

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  Impala passes test of time - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By joeski2 - December 7 - 1:06 pm

  I waited to write this after owning the Impala for 1 year. I have not been at the dealer since, as I have had not one single problem. It has great power and is fun to drive. Lacking rear room, and front seats are not as comfortable as other cars. All in all a good car.

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  Poor Quality Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jerrys Impala - December 6 - 2:51 am

  This is our first new car and it has been a horrible car. The motor burned oil for the 1st 10,000 miles when the dealer finally agreed to fix it. The service writers just laugh when the car comes in. GM has even given it an extended warranty because of all the problems. The car is great to drive with all the options when it is holding together. The car was getting 31mpg hwy when they reflashed the computer and now it gets 24mpg and the dealer says that is OK. I am now selling the car. Impalas are great cars. But I wont buy GM for a while until GM and their dealers get it together.

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  Over all its an excellent car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By bibhuti - December 4 - 9:54 pm

  We bought this car 3 years back. We have yet to get any kind of mechanical problem. Mileage is great. I get more than 30mpg on highways and 24 in mixed daily driving. It is spacious, comfortable, and beautiful. Only thing I dont like about this car is wind noise that I am having after 2 years. In case GM can take care of that a customer like me will always go for an Impala.

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  Love my 2005 impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By joe laRosa - November 29 - 2:50 pm

  This car rides like dream, and mileage is outstanding at 24 city, 28 combined, 34 highway. The dash guage setup is great and easy to read. The stereo system is 200 watt with awesome sound. Interior room is also great. Leg room is more than ample, and i am 6ft.8in tall. The impala is an allround great car.

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  Impala SS - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Garsarno - November 28 - 12:26 am

  If you drive it, you will buy it! The SS version is a great all around car. I still have not enjoyed the Bose music system because I cannot get enough of the exhaust sound. Has 800 miles on it and no problems whatsoever. The interior is very functional, back seat bottom folds up to reveal a storage area that can take a beating versus the leather. Trunk is very large and the ride, while some say it is not firm enough, is almost perfect. The tire replacement cost is going to be high (18") but the cars performance and workability is a big plus. I recommend a test drive of the SS version. Once you do, you will not consider the lesser versions.

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By D - November 26 - 3:36 pm

  I would not own anything other than an Impala. The car rides nice, handles well for the size, great power, outstanding looks, plenty of room.

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  07 Impala SS: Worth a look & drive! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Morgan Hayden - November 24 - 3:53 am

  We have an ’06 Hemi Charger and an SS; the Charger is my spouse’s, and the SS was a replacement for a company car I had. I did not want another Charger, so I went looking for a conservative looking sedan I could take clients out in during the week, yet still have fun with on the weekends. I think the SS has satisfied both criteria. Notes for performance buffs: installing the $20 GM strut tower brace from a 1999 Buick Regal GS in both the front and back significantly reduces body roll. Second: Taking 20 minutes to swap the soft rubber upper motor mount bushing for a stiffer one will greatly reduce the driveline lash w/o sacrificing comfort. Third: youll love the sound at wide open throttle!

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  American Quality - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Joseph O - November 16 - 4:50 pm

  The Chevy Impala is an attractive nearly full size car with a lot of interior and truck space. The v6 3.4L 180 HP engine is smooth and provides more than adequate performance for my needs. A v6 3.8L 200 HP engine provides more performance and I am told 1-2 miles more fuel economy. With the 3.4L expect to get 22-23 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Good driving and visability site lines. The interior 60/40 split bench seat with fold down arm rest and cup holder. Although the steering wheel adjusts the base model manual seat adjustment may not work for all. Reliability has improved each year and the 2003-2005 is exspected to provide better than average reliability and good value.

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  Worst car Ive ever bought - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By apptt - November 15 - 10:58 am

  I have never owned a car with more problems. Ive had to bring it in 3 times in the past year with repairs. Ive had to pay almost $1000 this last time. I bought this car as a "Ceritfied Used Car" from a reputable dealer.