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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  Impala...What more could you want? - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rollin in the Impala - November 24 - 2:03 am

  OK, first of all...Id not even compare this car to anything else. I simply could never find anything I like as well as the Impala or the Monte Carlo. I have owned a 2000,2002,2003,& this 2005. I strayed away once, just once & came back to what I knew was an amazing car. Trouble free, fantastic gas mileage (have got 35mpg twice now on hwy), classic Chevy looks & comfort for tall people like me. Another thing is, I dont feel like a nerd driving it like I would a Camry, Accord or Jetta!

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  Really like this car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By biokmst - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I really like this auto. I have had foreign, chevys, pontiac and GMCs. Wouldnt give a plug nickel for the foreign - soooooo expensive to maintain for the money. The pontiac was comfortable for the mid size and dependable. This Impala is a looker, great gas mileage, comfortable leather interior and lots of bells and whistles for the money. I bought it used and saved tons of money for a nice car.

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  A true family car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By JeeYem - November 22 - 5:03 pm

  All new 2006 Impala is a run for the money. Beats Toyota Camry in roominess, crash safety ratings, performance and price. The black Impala looks like a premium car from outside, definitely stands out on the road. Impala sets the benchmark for large size family car. If you want roomy, comfortable sedan with "On your face" attitude, go for it. On the negative side, the door locks feel cheap and the side mirrors are small. Doors are heavy and hard to close. I hardly get 24 MPG on highway.

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  Hot SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark - November 20 - 3:13 am

  Love the car! Great look, great ride, great performance. Not owned long enough to comment on fuel economy, but hoping it is good also.

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  American Touring car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Captain Safety - November 18 - 9:33 am

  Purchased this car for business use, and will drive 45,000 miles in 2008. Excellent seat and ride comfort for extended highway use. Great value for less than $25,000. Leather, heated, power seats; strong V-6; remote start; tire pressure monitoring at all four corners; XM radio; five-star crash rating. Better seats and ride than my previous Honda Odyssey. Likely 27-29 mpg as along-term average.

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  In love with my Impalla SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Annette - November 16 - 2:29 pm

  I have owned my Chevy Impalla SS for over a year now and am in love. This car is almost everything I hoped it would be. It handles like a pro on the express way and can pass just about anything out there. The gas mileage could be better, but being supercharged, its ok with me. I would recommend this car for someone who is looking for affordable luxury with a kick. This car is also very accomidating to teens. the back seat is very roomy and the trunk has pleanty of space for travel.

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  Try It Youll Like It! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Michelle - November 14 - 11:03 pm

  I would recommend this car for anyone who wants a luxury car at a very affordable price. It looks and drives great, and we havent had even a little problem with it. It hasnt been back to the dealer. We purchased the SS with leather seats and they are extremely comfortable. It should be called a large car because there is plenty of room inside and the size takes a bit of getting used to if you have been driving a smaller car. The only complaint I have is the gas mileage which is not what I expected since the sticke said it should get 28 mpg on the highway and the best we have ever gotten is 25 going 70 on the interstate with the cruise on. The 2008 now shows 16-24 which is much more accurate

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  Always liked em, now I love em - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By modillard - November 11 - 1:36 am

  Ive always liked this car, when the General first introduced it to media as a car they "might" make, I thought it was hot. Now that I finally own 1, WOW!! I knew it would be fast, but for a car this big to handle so well was a very amazing surprise. I love driving it. Also,driven "sensibly" the gas mileage isnt that bad. I love the body style except for the rounded back end. I think the enterior is cool too I havent had it long enough to see any recurring problem but a Chevy 350 is a easy motor to maintain, even though its difficult to change the plugs and wires on the passanger side. whenever I walk up to this long,low,mean-looking black car, I kick myself for not buying one 10 years ago

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  gas guzzler - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By bogey54 - November 9 - 1:30 am

  Fairly satisfied with vehicle. Fuel economy is VERY FAR below advertised, and no, I dont have a heavy foot. I average about 18 mpg - the car was advertised as 25-30 mpg. This is including city (40%) and highway (60%) miles.

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  Sporty and Practical - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By David V. - November 5 - 10:23 pm

  I bought a used 2005 Impala and absolutely love it. I feel like Im driving a sports car, yet I can load up the family and go. Great gas mileage for a V-6 (29 - 31 mph). The ride is very quiet, smooth, and comfortable. You get a lot of value for your money, as even the base line model feels sporty and has lots of "extras." The crash-test ratings were fantastic too which should make my insurance company happy.