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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  Awesome Family Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By bill h - November 3 - 3:12 pm

  Now that I have wife and kids I had to give up the z28 for a family sedan. Very solid car that is very comfortable to drive. Better gas mileage than my wifes Subaru. Ive been getting 24 mpg city and 31 on the high way. We got the 3.8 liter engine based on the durability that we and other family members have had with it in older GM cars. We also got the sport touring suspension that comes standard with the LS, however, the ride still feels fairly soft and vague - it should not be confused with the sport touring designation that you hear about with Saabs, BMWs, etc. However it is the only car I have driven that my back feels better after 200 miles of highway driving than before!

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  SS - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By SS - November 2 - 9:40 am

  Traded a BMW 3 Series for the Impala. Best value for a sports sedan with plenty of legroom and trunk space.

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  2004 LS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Phillip J - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Silver. sunroof, ONSTAR, almost every option except leather, deleted spoiler for better rear view vision. Have 3K on the odometer, pleased so far. Except for oil changes no scheduled maintenance til 100K. Shopped Grand Prix, Camry, Accord, etc. Lots of car for the money.

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  Big Disappointment - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Karen - October 28 - 7:35 pm

  Since I bought this car is 2002 I havnt had anything but trouble. The vent/air/heat has never worked on low setting. The check engine light stays on all the time. When this happens, the air doesnt work. Ive had this check out several times and no one can figure what is wrong. The catalytic coverter went out while under extended warranty while I was out of town. When I requested that the dealer I bought from pay for repair they refused. GM did refund my money for the repairs but not the rental I had to get. All I want to do is drive this car thru the windows of the dealership and leave it there.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jack - October 27 - 5:28 pm

  This car drives like a sports car--hugs the road like magic, takes our curvy mountain roads like they are interstates, accelerates rapidly at any speed. The gas mileage is not believable: 27-28 city, 32-34 highway at 70 mph. And its quiet and comfortable even on the 800 mile, one-day trips we commonly take.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Greg k - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had a very good experience with this car, I am a big guy & I have plenty of room, Some cars the same size I could not even get In. Rides nice & no real blind spots, I just real like this car

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  A decent family / touring car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Metalgod27 - October 23 - 3:36 pm

  Overall its a good car. Handles fairly well for the size & lack of sport suspension. Nice dash layout, good factory stereo (I have the 200W cd player, an upgrade). Complaints: engine could use more power, the seats could be more comfortable, and the leather is not soft at all - it feels more like vinyl than leather. Road noise is a little high, and the auto-on headlights cycle on and off at annoying times. Otherwise, a pretty solid car for a family or a 30- or 40- something guy who likes a roomy ride. I wouldnt have it without the sport appearance package though. Too bad there wasnt a real SS in 2003. I like the new Impala.

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  This is an amazing family car. - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Susan - October 23 - 2:51 pm

  This is an amazing family car. I can fit three pairs of skiis, a snowboard, boots, and luggage in the trunk and five people in the car and the drive is still good, still powerful. This car has great acceleration and agility without excessive lean, on the road in the summer and winter. I am the only one who can get up my steep hill in the winter with my Impala without slipping and sliding.

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  great car! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By slimgirlz - October 21 - 10:00 am

  the impala is a car i never like until i rented one..and i loved it,the way it handles,was the greatest,i was very impressed,so impressed,im thinking about buying one..keep up the good work.mrs.odom

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  2005 LS Review - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By mc58 - October 13 - 2:25 pm

  Bought the last 05 Impala LS off the lot, and very happy with car to date. I average about 26MPG overall (comb city & hw miles. CAr has all options except the Sport appearance pkg - dont care for that tail-lamp look anyhow. Very responsive and has good handling. Interior materials a bit on cheap side, like center console plastic. Surprising very few rattles. Leather seats firm but comfortable. Shopped around for a big back seat - this one fits 3 across no problem. Solid feel overall - very pleased.