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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  Grandma Car or Sports car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Andrew - May 5 - 8:41 am

  When I bought my Impala a few months ago I got a lot of heat about buying a grandma car but when my friends drove it with the 200hp v6 0-60 in under 9 sec. they decided its a nice grandma car. I drive 180 miles per day, and get over 27 mpg cruising at 75mph. When I get out I am not stiff at all. Probably the most comfortable car Ive driven. I am 64" and have plenty of leg room. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable, roomy car that performs well.

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  Half-way there - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Big T - May 2 - 5:07 pm

  This is a nice ride which has a lot going for it. The 280lb-ft of torque is above average. The car is big, roomy, comfortable, and has a huge frickin trunk. Interior and Exterior styling is OK. (In my opinion the 2006 has a better interior, but worse exterior.) An SS needs to be a V8 rear wheel drive. The 2006 get us SS fans half way there.

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  2004 Impala SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By RepeatChevyDriver - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Having been tempted to purchase a new Impala SS in 1996 but not doing so and observing the cult following the model has had since 1996, it was intriguing to hear that a 2004 version was being built. The current SS will never have the same aura as the 94-96 rigs because of its FWD V6 configuration, but it is still a marked improvement over the base and LS models. The 2004 Impala SS is also a great bargain in comparison to other similarly equipped vehicles. It feels great to drive and has a lot of available acceleration at any speed. I may seriously consider trading it in, though, if the rumors are true and a RWD V8 Impala is on the way.

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  Honestly enjoy it! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Heather - April 29 - 11:43 pm

  Bought our Impala (base model) after I was hit and my 1992 Pontiac Bonneville was totaled. Ride is wonderful. Plenty of room for our family of 5 and can seat 6. I have had toruble with my turning signals ot working properly. Weve had the multi-function switch replaced twice and its now acting up again. Oddly enough, I can some times get the signal to work if I put hazard lights on while the switch is in place for turning. Playing around with it usually can get the signal going again. I wish we had bought the LS model. Our daughter is soon to be driving and she has picked out a 2000 Impala in the LS model. The ride is that good that she passed up the little Mitsubishi Eclipse! Impressive.

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  LT3 Impala new buyer - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Michael Capria - April 27 - 10:06 pm

  Former Avalon driver, now in a 2006 LT3 Impala and after the first 300 miles Im impressed. Great dash info display. Smooth ride, comfortable seating, extra room even for a 6th (small) person with the column shifter. I never thought the remote start would be so handy but in a hot parking lot I can step into a cooled down car, nice.

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  250k and still going! - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ed - April 26 - 4:37 pm

  Weve had 2 96 Impala SS over the years. Both were adult driven and routinely maintained. The first one had 122,000 on it by the end of the 1999. At that point it was retired from duty, and we picked up another from a collector with a mere 1700 miles on it. The second now has over 250,000 miles on the original LT1 motor, 4L60E transmission and 8.5 10 bolt posi rear end. Burns no oil, and starts up every time. Only fixes have been a starter, an A/C compresser and a harmonic balancer. These are just great cars that hold thier value.

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  Recommend buy- Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By EvansImpala - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Extremely pleased with the Impala. I purchased the vehicle in Feb of 01, mainly as a pleasure vehicle. I owned a 96 Impala and can say that short of the acceleration of the 96 Impala, the remake has exceeded my expectations. On a recent 1500 mile trip with full load of luggage driving at average speed of 65mph, mileage was calculated at 31.5mpg. Smooth ride, smooth acceleration, quite, and just about the right size for ease of handling in tight spaces. I would recommend a buy of this vehicle to anyone. Traction control works fine, stereo sounds great. Only repair problem which was fixed in one day by dealer was side air bag sensor was defective.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By ColnelJ - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. Only problem is break rotors - Chevy needs to change suppler - Had a 97 Monte Carlo with 97,000 miles and never touched the breaks.

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  Impala LS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Len - April 24 - 6:16 pm

  Chevy engineers did a fine job on this design, however, a few more changes would make customer rating better. I find it difficult to determine where the rear of the vehicle is when backing up. I love the handling and performance of the Impala LS and find it to be a reliable automobile.

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  Fun and Sporty Car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brian - April 24 - 3:23 am

  Every morning I go out to my car to begin the days journey to work, a situation that will put a frown on most peoples faces. But as I walk up I hit the remote starter and hear the deep throaty roar of the V8, and I cant help but think, this is what Chevy meant by "The Heartbeat of America!" Needless to say, Every morning I drive to work with a smile on my face. This car has amazing power and very crisp handling living up very well to the Super-Sport lineage. The exterior and interior are both clean and sporty, and look distinctive from anything else on the market. In short, on paper this car was exactly what I wanted, in practice, this car is exactly what I wanted!