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:

• 

  great car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By p. therapist - November 15 - 10:00 am

  interior so quiet when under way. 3.4L engine so smooth at idle sounds like its off, and gas milage is terrific. so many standard features its amazing.and i only have the base model!ride is smooth,i have to say that build quality is excellent. no squeaks everything fits nice and tight. paint job is excellent.you can hardly feel the trans. shift.for a little over 16000 dollars i got a lot of car for the money. g.m. is building great cars. and its roomy with a big big trunk.

• 

  Awesome Car! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By David - November 14 - 8:54 pm

  I love Chevy, The Impala is an awesome car, and extremely reliable. Never have any problems with mine. I put a lot of miles on it, and it still has the power and comfort.

• 

  Another Impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Susan - November 12 - 1:06 pm

  I had my first Impala in 2003. Wow, What a stable ride, great manuevering, great acceleration, Great comfort. When I had to get a new car, (My lease was up) I test drove several other cars, but came back to the Impala. It is a tiger on the road and I feel safe!

• 

  2004 Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Slove - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Thsi is a great car,has all the comfort and nice ride. Good performance from a standard 3.4L engine and provides good fuel economy. Good value for the money spent

• 

  New Impala better than ever - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By jad22nd - November 4 - 3:36 am

  I traded my 2001 Impala in on a 2006 Impala 2LT. Black w/ ebony cloth interior. The new impala has much better interior dash materials and looks alot better too. The new audio and climate controls are easy to read and understand the the dash is backlit very well.

• 

  What a car! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By billjo4 - November 3 - 12:16 pm

  This is one great automobile. Fit and finish is superb inside and out. The powertrain is very quiet and responsive. The interior is quiet, no squeaks or rattles. This is a "tall" car, you sit deep into the seats and it gives you a real sense of security and confidence, not to mention it corners like a cat. I am so impressed with this car, several friends have bought one on my suggestion and a test drive. A "best buy" in its class!

• 

  good - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By harrideo - November 1 - 10:00 am

  very good car. the only thing that i dont like about it is there is no child safty latch on the back door. other wise for short I LIKE IT. THE DEALER MADE MY SALE VERY EASY NO HASSLE.

• 

  A Chevy to enjoy. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rugs - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Looked at Buick but ride was better than Buick 2000 and priced better. Enjoy riding this car very much.

• 

  Neat car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brian - October 31 - 9:20 am

  I purchased this vehicle in Aug 2003 when it first came out. I now have 72,000 miles on it and no complaints. It has only needed basic service. It needed new tires at 50K and new brakes at 60K. Only normal service issues. Three car seats fit in the back. Cornering has been excellent, expressway driving has been excellent 30+ mpg at 70 mph. Local driving averages 25 mpg. Could use a better sound system.

• 

  Bulletproof Car with 3.8L - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By RickMiller - October 25 - 1:58 am

  i purchased this car with about 25k on it in march of 01. I drive about 30k miles a year and really test cars. Normally i got a new car every year. With a well maintained 196,540 on my odometer i am pleased to say other than a new battery, oil, tires, and an air filter, the car has been problem free. My mechanic says the car looks perfect mechanically and should go another 200k. I average 28.5 mpg on the highway but have gotten over 31.