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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  Just as it was. - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bill G - March 21 - 11:49 pm

  This is the first car I have bought that feels like a real car, since 1976. This is a great car for the money, smooth, great ride. All the good stuff. Plenty of space. I drove from PA to FL. No problem. If you need a big car this one you have to look into. Get the 3.8 v6 or if you so need the v-8 is fast and will take you back to when cars were cars. It is a great car

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  Under-rated ride - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Believe It - March 21 - 4:22 pm

  Overall great experience. Wanted lots of interior and trunk room, w/o spending too much. Great gas mileage (30 mpg highway @70 not uncommon). Sure its no Acura, Audi, etc. but I have gotten used to the many "extras" this car has that many do not at thousands more (auto headlamps, tire pressure sensors, rearview mirror auto tint, daytime running lights, delayed power after ignition off, etc.). It doesnt feel quite as "polished" as some foreign brands, yet I feel like it goes out of its way to take care of me. Brake rotors needed machined around 25,000 mi., and two steering wheel switches were replaced due to plastic flaking off. Really the only problems.

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  Great So Far - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By KBUD - March 20 - 9:36 am

  I have had a 60, 64SS 71 77 89 95 and now an 07 Impala. I have it 10 months now and I have to say, Im impressed. Sufficient power, comfortable front seats, road driving 32. In town, 26 average. Actually quieter than my 03 Mercury Marquis. Probably the best (mileage car) I have ever owned. By the way, I have a contact in Oshawa Canada where these are made and I am told the Impala quality control is strict and tight with constant inspections. Its not Grandpas old big monster Impalas, but I am rolling with the times and this looks like a winner.

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  Good basic transportation - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By chick molitor - March 16 - 9:38 pm

  The Impala has been a good car for my needs as a sales rep, putting on over 50,000 miles a year. Nothing spectacular in performance, just good reliable transportation

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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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  So far, so good. - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Nipper - March 13 - 2:00 am

  3.8 engine - smooth, quiet, and responsive. Brakes - excellent. Transmission - smooth as silk (Chrysler, take note). Solid. Styling just different enough to generate excitement, but not goofy-looking like an Aztec. Heard many positives about this 3.8 engine; now I see why. Better legroom than most. Looked very seriously at the Accord and Camry - thinking about resale - but to say those cars are not in the same class is an understatement. Dozens of features that I will enjoy that are not engineered into or offered on those two. Trade-in isnt everything - the total driving experience counts for a lot.

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  Powerful - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bass - March 12 - 6:53 pm

  Very impressed with this car. Its absolutely beautiful inside and out. Nice body lines. The car basically comes fully loaded without the high price tag. Ride is smooth. There really is nothing to complain about. Overall it really is a very nice car.

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  2003 Chevy Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Larry Bisbing - March 11 - 6:55 pm

  We have had zero problems with our Chevy. Gas mileage is at a steady 27.1 per gallon which is acceptable. Most of all it is an American auto built by UAW, even if it is in Canada. We will be buying a 2008 model in the future.

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  great buy! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By haddock - March 8 - 2:00 am

  this is one of the best autos i have ever owned!!!!This is my 15th car

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  Great car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Leo - March 6 - 12:53 am

  I bought the LT2 Impala used, with 7000 miles, and have driven 1500 miles so far. The car rides great, gets 30 mpg in combination city/highway, (about 75% highway)which is better than the 02 Nissan Altima 4 cylinder I traded in, can use E85 ethanol, and is a much more comfortable car. Looked at Accord and Camry, but the Impala is a lot more car for the money. I have friends with Hondas and Toyotas, and they are not as trouble free as some would have you think. If you drive as much as I do, and want a solid, cofortable car, with great safety ratings, check out the Impala LT