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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  Dont Buy This Car... - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By jnagle - August 28 - 9:37 am

  There honestly isnt a single thing that makes this car worth buying. The body is starting to rust and the clear coat on the rims is gone. The cat went at 60k and they refused to fix it b/c it wasnt setting of the codes but the car was undrivable. The damage from the car killed my engine, now I get 19mpg/highway. Now at 85k the tranny is going. Car shifts hard in between gears and engine makes a high pitched sound???

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  Not very reliable - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Steve B - July 22 - 8:20 pm

  Have been stranded twice with this vehicle. In both instances it was the security system that failed. It wouldnt allow the engine to start. Upon replacing the failed security system electronics, other electronics controlling the anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitor subsequntly failed. Have problems with the front passengers side suspension (rattles) that are still not resolved. Vehicle was at the dealer for repairs to the suspension issue when it was discovered that the steering rack and axles needed replacement (this occurred at around 12,000 miles). Mileage when using E-85 falls by about 35% but vehicle operates fine with this fuel. Average vehicle, nothing special

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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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  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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  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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  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.

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  Buy Japanese - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By buying Japenese - August 7 - 5:48 pm

  When I saw this car I thought I would get a lot of bang for my buck. What I got was a drain on my wallet. I have put less than 15,000 miles on this car and already replaced exhaust system, transmission sensors and the problem is still not fixed. GM reimbursed me for the exhaust system but only about 60% of the bill and the trany problems are related to the catalytic problems I had but not covered by recall. This car has started to ride very rough and goes through brakes like crazy. Car also shakes and shimmys around 55- 60mph

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  No Trunk Access If Battery Dies - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Alfred Refice - March 14 - 6:36 pm

  After I purchased the Impala, I found that the only way to open the trunk was the remote on the key-fob or a button on the dash - both of which are useless if the main car battery dies. The owners manual says if the battery dies the owner could access the trunk if a fold down rear seat is available. The base model LS does not have a fold-down rear seat, therefore, if the battery dies then all items in the trunk (such as jumper cables) are inaccessible.

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  Worn out large car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By vonyesh - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Driver seat in the 6 Passenger seating was worn out by 50k miles. Car has no get up and go when cruising. Boring dash. Good sightlines. Big size with great gas mileage. Large trunk. Turn signals do not work all of the time.

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  Never Again - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By FW - February 22 - 1:55 am

  Console displays occasionally do not light up. Dealer never could find problem. Remote entry system stopped working. Was out of warranty, cost about $600 to fix. Shortly thereafter car would not start. When ignition key was turned there was absolutely no response. If you messed with the shift lever and ignition key for a while it would finally start. Another $600 to replace ignition switch and some sensors. Traction control light comes on for no reason. Dealer cant find cause. Electrical/computer system very unreliable. Lots of road noise, very poor sound insulation. Just traded it in for a Ford. Im done with GM.