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:

• 

  Its a Chevy - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chevy for my Baby - January 3 - 5:55 am

  I bought this car used for my wife when it had 60,000 miles on it, now has about 85K. Its been a decent car, a good road car. Had to replace spark plugs at 62K, catalytic converter at 65K (under warranty). Problems include intermittently working turn signals, squeaky suspension, motor on drivers power window switch about to go out. Steering feels too light, car doesnt feel very substantial for its size. My biggest gripe is that the car cant make it up a moderate grade without downshifting, which gets tiring on long trips. My 4 cylinder 89 Acura makes it up without so much as a hesitation.

• 

  Cant complain - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala - December 27 - 6:14 pm

  I had a 98 Plymouth voyager that I traded in on my new Chevy. My wife divorced me and I wanted something for myself that I could depend on winter and summer for at least the next 10 to 15 years.

• 

  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By LINDA TRANBERG - December 27 - 4:55 pm

  This vehicle has been the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. It drives and handles wonderfully. I have a bad back and in this vehicle I am able to go long distances without any problems. Ive had this car 3 years and cant wait to buy another.

• 

  Bad Tranny - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By john mattioli - December 27 - 1:30 am

  Had Tranny trouble with 7,800 miles dealer has car for 1 week says could not get part from G.M.. Called cusmter service for help got no help or return phone call.

• 

  05 Chevy Impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul R - December 26 - 11:04 pm

  It is a comfortable car that has room for five and a sixth with some discomfort in the middle front. The comfort for the sixth passenger could be better. I wanted the capacity for six people and this one of few cars that have it. The trunk had adequate capacity for six people for a week on a recent trip (one infant)where we made large pruchases at the Mall of America. It gets over 30 miles gallon on the road. It is a quite car with good handling and I have had no problems with it.

• 

  Many Problems - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By freedom_tip - December 26 - 5:25 pm

  Overall I would have to say that I do enjoy the car when it isnt back at the dealership getting serviced. I have had problems with the brakes squeeking, rotors going bad, sunroof sticking, and as a result of the sunroof my headliner has been dripping water like crazy. Also the stereo fades in and out. Oh, and "6 speaker system", dont plan on finding the other 2 speakers, there is only 4. The performance isnt what I figured it would be for an SS, but hey cant get everything.

• 

  A Cadillac ride with a Chevy price ! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By snm - December 25 - 4:37 am

  We have owned this vehicle since new ( my wifes car). It has been an in town vehicle primarily until recently, but it has always had a great comfortable, quiet and dependable ride since new. The 3.5L V6 engine is very quiet, smooth, powerful, will run on ethanol fuel if desired, and features like the dual zone climate control help the car feel like a luxury vehicle . The only part we replaced since new was the battery ( also had rear wheel alignment and tire replacement due to warranty / GM factory issue). It has the "Premium LT Package" which provides 6 way power driver and front passenger leather bucket seats and the rest of the chrome and stainless steel floor shift and dash appearance package. From day one we have enjoyed each mile of driving this vehicle. I know the new ones are the "next generation" of technology and appearance packages, and have very good professional and customer ratings, but we are still very happy with this vehicle. This generation of the Impala still is great for dependable "best buy" used car purchase.

• 

  Same great car 3 years in a row - 2017 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark - December 23 - 11:41 pm

  Ive had the 2017 Premier for a few weeks now. Traded in my 2014 impala 2LT for an upgraded version. Its the same car as before only much nicer interior. Im not impressed by infotainment and leather, I want them but thats not why I got another Impala. I got it because it drives like a dream. Acceleration at low speeds is very good, at highway speeds it awesome. It handles like a performance car when cornering. Its interior is very quite which make driving any distance a pleasure. Cargo space is excellent and my passengers in the back seat are amazed at how much room they have and how comfortable it is. Ive watched the maintenance reviews from other drivers and its been a solid car. Gas mileage is what you would expect for a full size sedan. If you like bells and whistles, wifi, infotainment, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel and side mirrors, if you cant live without usb ports and a 120 volt outlet in the back seat well this car will not disappoint you. Did I mention the Bose sound system and oh its got a "secret" compartment that I can lock behind the infotainment center that seems to impress everyone that sees it. Seriously, its a great car that doesnt disappoint.

• 

  A lot to like! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By GJC81966 - December 22 - 5:23 pm

  Just purchased a 2005 Impala Base model with 13K miles, have had it almost a month. Very, very quiet interior, easy to read guages, logical controls that are well placed and easy to use with gloves on in the winter time. Seat is bit soft for my taste but its very comfortable nonetheless. Handles as it should, not a Porsche, but a quiet, well built, easy and low maintenance 6 passenger sedan with great fuel economy. Edmunds needs to get over the dash/interior -they make it out to be junky - which it is not. Its functinal, easy to read, easy to use - what do they want in a 4-door sedan? Add a few more thousand for real wood if thats what makes them happy - for me, its perfect!

• 

  Awsome Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark Yarbrough - December 19 - 7:45 pm

  I test drove several cars, I liked the impala the best. Now having owned it for @6 months, I must say, I still love it! Nice ride, nice stereo, nice everything..