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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  Despite the Engineering shortcuts - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By diliho - December 10 - 1:43 pm

  Purchased brand new in early 03. Had brake rotors resurfaced with 600! (thats right 600) miles on the car. New rotors at a few thousand miles. Another brake job at 20 some thousand miles. New tires and a wheel alignment around 40000 miles, and its finally running smoothly. dealing with GM, and service managers were a real pain. Now have 55000 miles on car and its finally broke in and rides fine with no mechanical problems (knock on wood) Im a little concerned with the intake manifold leakage problem GM has had with the 3800 motors (plastic). I guess Ill see if I get lucky with that

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  The Impala is back - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mike Davenport - December 9 - 10:10 pm

  Finally, I can buy an Impala Im not ashamed of. The new 2006 is awesome. It handles great. Is comfortable on a long trip. Has plenty of room. and the fuel economy for a large car is great. The first week I had the car I drove on a 600 mile trip each way. It was more comfortable than the Chrysler 300 & TownCar I rented for another recent trip. This is the real deal finally for Cheverolet.

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  Bad Glass - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By JVi - December 9 - 10:00 am

  The windshield on my car broke a couple of months ago. Whatever glass the factory was using was poor quality. The windshield got a rockchip and it instantly cracked all the way to the edge ensuring repairs were not optional. The replacement that I received didnt have the black dots and now it looks really stupid. There is a very noticable black cord for the lights on the mirror that is very visable now. Having less than 4000 miles on the car I was very disappointed. Also no child locks on the back doors.

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  Good Value... - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By heavy "G" - December 8 - 3:49 am

  Upgraded from a Cavalier so the extra room is awesome! Like the big car feel and the extra 2 doors. The ride is nice & smooth at normal driving speeds, having On-Star and the Chevy computer advisor are also nice features, great car for the money...

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  Big Car on a Mid-Size Budget - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Michael & Kathy - December 8 - 2:53 am

  We commute short distances but like to take multi-state road trips. The Impala fits in the garage and budget but flies down the highway without any strain. XM radio and OnStars navigation are great over the road tools. Finding an E-85 station is particularly cool using OnStar. The hidden storage under the back seat is nice for the lap top rather than in the trunk. All the trip computer readouts are nice when the scenery gets boring. We also considered the new Malibu but tiny things like the 2-zone A/C and power passenger seat ruled the day. A couple of small items would have been nice, memory settings for the seat/mirrors and a wider choice of wheels. Thank goodness for TireRack!

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  Buy It - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By susann - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Very Smooth driving. Comfortable seats. Feel safe and secure. This is my first and last car I will own !

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  Not happy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By impala - November 30 - 6:05 pm

  Bought car in Jan of 04 . I have owned Chevys for about 40 yrs and was allways happy with them . However the 04 was noisy from the start. The dealer said it was the tires. They went to Goodyear this year. Changing the tires helped some but road noise is still bad .Windows fog up whenever it rains. I dont think I will be buying another Chevy any time soon. Find visibilty very poor

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  Buying 03 tomorrow! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By be relentless - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 00 in July 99. I fell in love looking at it and more when I drove it. Put 105500 miles on it until Vets day 02 when it was totaled by an idiot running a red light. All the air bags opened and I walked away perfect. The biggest problem has been finding an 03 equipt just like my 00. The problem, sun roof. I am 69" and 340lbs and its the most comfortable car I have driven. People can still sit behind me!!!

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  Comfy, Roomy, Cool, but not Sexy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By W. Moreno - November 24 - 9:53 pm

  People who ride in this car say things like, "I like riding in this. Its not a very good looking car, but its comfortable". The A/C here in LA is great. The ride is smooth, but not as quiet as Ive had it other cars this large. At 30,500 miles, after a 40 mile drive, the engine temp gauge went all the way to the top! It caught me off guard. I turned the heater on, but to no avail. I quickly pulled into a parking lot to check the radiator, and it was fine. Turns out the water pump went out. Thankfully, it was covered under warranty.

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  Is this it for Chevy? - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By RCS - November 24 - 7:10 am

  The driving experience is great when the car functions properly. Ownership of vehicle is embarrasing, because I am often on the side of the road while passerbys yell slanderous remarks because my 07 SS Impala is in the middle of the road dead. It is in the dealership as I write this. It has had two hard failures.The mileage on the car is 787 miles.