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:

• 

  Good, reliable sedan - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jonny p - April 23 - 9:07 pm

  Good sedan, bought it used in 2003 put on maybe 70,000 miles since. No mechanical problems, good interior ergonomics, very happy with the purchase.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By IMPALA LOVER - April 20 - 2:42 am

  This car is great. Driving to and from work (38 miles each way) you cant beat the gas mileage... 29.7 miles per gallon! The Impala has a great smooth ride. If I ever buy another car, it will be another Impala!

• 

  fuel economy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By MATTPERCHPAGE - April 16 - 10:00 am

  my 3.4 litre impala may be a hot rod, may have a huge interior, may be quiet and cost thousands less than the japenese cars, but it looks great and doesnt burn any gas either. 33mpg at 75mph. get yours today

• 

  Noisy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Patrick - April 13 - 10:30 pm

  I have driven this car 700 miles since 1/3/06. I love the way it looks and its power but I cant stand the road noise. Those reviews that say its quiet and smooth are driving with the radio on, which is what I do now all the time. The brakes are great and being a senior citizen I like the OnStar feature. My last car was a 2003 Impala and what I miss in this car is the large rear window and normal size sideview mirrors of the 03. The rear defroster in the 03 was 3 times better than this new one also. It looks great outside and inside but this will be my last Impala. I got this car because my lease deal was excellent; it definitely wasnt my first choice.

• 

  2005 Chevrolet Impala LS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ken - April 7 - 5:01 pm

  I purchased one of the last 2005s at my local dealer, it was on the showroom floor. So far, I really enjoy this car, its comfortable, runs real well (3.8L V-6), and returns exceptional gas mileage. My commute is 100% city, no highway driving, in fact, I rarely get this car on the highway, and I consistently average 19 m.p.g. in city driving, not bad for a large 5 passenger sedan. The dash is a bit dated, but the exterior still has alot of appeal, and one of my favorite things about the exterior is that it is instantly recognizable as a Chevy, especially at night when the taillamps are lit !

• 

  cops love this car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Pluto5 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  If you like cops staring at you, get this car in Superior Blue, a new color for 03. Cops love it--makes them wish they could trade the bombshell CV.

• 

  A GOOD CAR - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By AL LAWRENCE - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for 5 months. I have owned many cars, but this one seems to be the best so far. It handles great, fuel milege is great. The dealer has treated me great, unusuall for my experience with new cars. I shopped around before buying and chose the empala for open road performance. Fun to drive, the only problem I do have is backing up the car, the design of the body causes low rear visibility. It takes getting use to.

• 

  Test drive and see for yourself - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Giza_wuta - April 6 - 7:20 pm

  In my opinion, this car is simply awesome. Yes, the exterior can use a little more modification, but it is still a head-turner. Everyone that Ive spoke with about it loved it. As far as pure HP, I dont think your gonna beat it with any other sedan on the market. No I havent purchased a lot of sedan, but this is an animal on the highway. Going 80 mph seems like 50. The ride is smooth. The interior is nice also. Of course, everyone will have something bad to say about everything in life. Great vehicle.

• 

  Awesome Chevy! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Khalid - April 3 - 11:49 am

  This car was last on my list of cars that I would buy till I test drove it. Loved every aspect of this car from the very start. Its aluminum frame, beefy 3.8 L engine and sport package with leather seats, four wheel independent suspension made this a great car for the price. I would buy another Impala in a heartbeat.

• 

  Love this car! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kelly - March 31 - 3:26 am

  I was looking for LTZ during the 0% sale and ended up with the SS due to availability, and I am glad I got the SS! Its fun and powerful, yet safe for a family. I hate the cupholders, only design flaw though, and Id buy another even though thats important for my commute (traded in 01 Impala LS with 102K+ miles). It has everything that I wanted and much more. Only downside is its a gas sucker even with the 4-8cyl flexibility, but I knew that going in, its a V8 with 303 horses for goodness sake, of course its not great on gas! Thats why I was looking for the LTZ, but like I said, glad I bought the SS! 250 miles so far, and Im still learning all the features, cause I just like to drive!