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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  2005 impala review - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By ddathe - January 25 - 4:47 pm

  I bought a 2005 impala ls with 25,000 miles and I have found no problems with it. This is a very fun to drive car. I am over 6 tall and the Impala gives me a very comfortable ride, while still giving plenty of room for passengers. I have seen no issues with the interior, exterior, or the handling of the car. This was a very nice upgrade from my Ford Taurus.

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  My Impala SS Experience - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeannette Yackel - January 21 - 11:05 pm

  I love my Impala SS. Ive had it for almost 2 years and it still runs like a charm. Ive had no problems whatsoever with it. It drives great in rain, sleet or snow. I feel safe driving it in any weather. My three children ages 7, 11, and 12 all fit comfortably in the back seat. My son is 56 and has plenty of leg room in the back. They dont even touch elbows! I especially like driving on the highway. This car sure has some "get up and go"! I never worry about playing "chicken" to pass a "Sunday driver". That engine kicks in and I always have plenty of time to pass when needed. Out of the 5 vehicles Ive owned in my life, my Impala SS is definitely my favorite!

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  test before you buy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By driveallday - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The Impala is my company care, and I drive alot of miles. The 180hp motor is OK off the line, but far to weak at hiway speed. Just not enough gutts or should I say tourqe to drive with real command. The real dissapointment is the interior. the seat is uncommfortable and none of the arm rests steering wheel or pedals line up right. The interior alignment in not as well thought out as with other cars I have driven. The Impala is not all bad but the important things are off the mark.

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  Good, but... - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By mattb - January 16 - 11:30 pm

  Overall I love my Impala. However, my transmission has slipped some... the tech said it was a bad solonoid valve that tends to go bad on all of them. The steering shaft had to be repacked and the dex-cool stuff turned into what looked like modeling clay. I converted it to green stuff. On the positive side would be the fuel economy, which is exceptional, the room, and the solidity of the car.

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  Reliable Car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bobber - January 15 - 3:52 pm

  I bought the car in 2002 new. I now have 112,000 miles on it. I live in Iowa and drive on pavement, gravel roads and even farm fields. This car runs like a Swiss watch. I have the 3.8 engine and highly recommend its excellent combination of torque and fuel economy. This car is heavy so it feels extemely solid in snow, ice or rain yet is still will average close to 30 miles per gallon in highway driving. The car has a huge trunk and it it does a great job of transporting my young family of four with all our assorted luggage and toys. Traction control, ABS, Airbags, and the cars solid feel all give me a sense of imense safety when taking my family on the road. A value leader!

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  A great car for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By jukebox ed - January 12 - 2:39 pm

  I have owned 6 Impalas since 2000, 3 base models and 3 Ls sedans. We have owned the 2000, 2003, and now the 2005. We have had virtually no problems with any of them. They are very dependable, comfortable, and get good gas mileage for their size. Safety record is also a major plus. It is a great car for the money. I have owned Cadillacs, Mercedes, and Ford products and I can say without a doubt that the Impala is a trouble-free car in every respect. Would recommend it highly to anybody.

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  Comfort, size, economy - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jay Jay - January 10 - 1:58 pm

  Third Impala I have owned-very comfortable leather buckets. Ride is smooth and predictable, larger six provides enough power and fine economy on the highway (30+ mpg). Overall mixed driving gives 22-23 mpg. Everything works the way it should, no surprises-Wouldnt recommend if you are looking for a tire burner or rally vehicle-this car is solid, dependable and comfortable to drive.

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  Excellent Ride - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By IMPALADOG - January 10 - 11:59 am

  You cannot find a better car than this one. If you apply any upgrades, which dont really need to be done, it will only improve the performance. This has to be one of the best cars ever made. As long as you do routine maintenance, this car will last as long as you own it.

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  Impala 3.4L - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By SDrega - January 7 - 2:00 am

  On a trip to Florida we averaged between 32-34 mpg, which I find extremely impressive for a car of this size and considering it is a six cylinder. I really like the ride, the comfort of the interior, and the big 4 wheel disc brakes. So far after 40k Ive had no mechanical problems. The car has had some annoying quality control problems including a rattling ash tray, a defective seat track which creaked and groaned, a rear window seal which kept popping out around the edges, and roof drip rail moldings which were popping out. Since these items have been fixed, Ive had no other problems and I really enjoy the car.

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  Beats the Camry - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Steve Eckert - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I was 99% sure that my next purchase was a Toyota Camry. I rented a Camry- and that is what I put 400 miles on the next two days. That car was all over the road (it is not a highway car), it was loud inside and the transmission was shifting on its own. I hated this car! So to the chevy dealer and took a Impala out to the highway and ......couldnt help but buy it. I love everything about it. What the Camry lacks the Impala has. The engineering is twice the Camrys. This Impala holds the road, has plenty of acceleration, seat comfort, lots of interior storage, interior colors and panels matched, outside paint is flawless...I love to drive this car.