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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  What else offers you factory XM radio? - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By missnothingcarcritic - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I looked at the Honda TL for 2004 ....nice car alright but forget sticker prices and far away dealers and questions of service departments....I got a 2004 SS loaded with every option from heated seats to factory XM, CD, bilateral power seats, sun roof, supercharged motor rated one of the ten best motors ever built all for $25,+++ with the incentives...for this price I even like black which I was not looking for in the beginning.

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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Goof47 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  For the consumer who wants good gas mileage, safety, comfort, reliability, and affordability, and does not mind driving a car that dosent turn heads, this car is for you...

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  Love my Impala ! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By lin656 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  My car is great to drive around town, roomy enough to take the kids on vacation and school but sporty and fast enough to be fun to drive. Great gas mileage on trips as well. I love the looks and feel of it.

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  I love the look and comfort - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By DLA - May 29 - 3:20 pm

  Bought my 03 Impala 04/20/06. Took it PA the next day. Ran great. Put 1300 miles on it in up and back. Great on gas.32 m/g on high way. Getting 26 m/g in the city. I have two complaints. When turning right or left at a speed between 10 to 15 miles I will feel a quick slip in the steering wheel. The dealer cant feel it. I will take it back and tell him to turn at a slower speed because you dont feel it at a faster speed. Second is that the car feels every bump. Not the smoothest ride I felt anyone else having this problem?. After cutting car off its rough to start right back up.

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By mizzoutiger18 - May 26 - 2:30 pm

  This is the first car Ive ever bought and I love it. Its such a smooth ride and it gets great gas mileage.

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  nice car but a rattle-trap interior - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By kenny6071 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I really like the car except for the constant rattle in the glove box door and the unusually high road noise. You may not feel every bump in the road but you sure can hear it. The car has been this way ever since I bought it. It is great to be able to fit 2 shopping carts of food in the trunk, and another cart full in the back seat area! The stereo is nice but needs better sounding rear speakers. 24K miles later, it is showing its age as well as feeling its age. The car doesnt feel as robust as it was when new. So far no major mechanical problems!

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  The Best Sports/Sedan to drive! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sanders187 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is a true family mans dream to drive and own! Youll like it for its family capalbilities, and its super sporty look. Super fast, Super safe. Great gas milage to, and when you gotta get somewhere this car can take you their quick and in style.

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  Awesome - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By PAC - May 25 - 9:16 am

  Great to drive and handles great. Fuel economy is above average, and nice to be able to use flex fuel

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  Very solid! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By rock - May 21 - 3:40 pm

  Let me tell you this is a great car. Love the looks of it and rides excellent. The 3.9 v6 is very powerful and has no problem going fast but very long spaced gears. The seats are very comfortable and nice looking. The inside is a little plain but I like it like that. I have the front bench seat with the column shifter and I love the bench seat because you can fit more people. Column shifter is easier to use because it sits next to my hand. Averaging 25 mpg excellent.

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  Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Betty Roberts - May 9 - 12:31 am

  The 2003 Impala is fun to drive I only have one problem and that is the fresh air situation. It also lets in exhaust and smoke when you try to run the defrost you cannot keep this outside pollution out .