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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  2006 SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ssowner - September 11 - 9:56 pm

  Great vehicle. Still trying to sort out some bugs with the tire monitoring system with the dealer. Warning light on almost every trip. Had troubles with the block heater system, engine falsely recording overheat condition.

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  Fantastic GM Car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By StormyLiz - September 10 - 12:30 pm

  My husband and I absolutely love this car! There really are only a few minor complaints: the sun-visors have a poor design, the cruise doesnt hold as well as I would like, and the road noise is more than in other similar models. Otherwise, this is a great engine with lots of torque, the fuel mileage with the VVT can get up to 33mpg on the highway (with the wind at your back...30 otherwise), and the interior is very comfortable. The lumbar support is fantastic. We made a long road trip this past Christmas, and I am pregnant, and I did not get back pain at all. The fold down back seats were great for transporting stuff. Oh, and my husband loves the remote start in the cold weather!

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  Great full size car but has some flaws - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chevyman??!!?? - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great car, roomy. Good everyday high mileage car. Water leaks at wheel wells-Water puddled in rear foot area-Rear wheel wells had to be sealed. Keyless entry stopped working-1 week wait. Dealer used wrong transmission fluid after servicing-transmission slipping- Extended warranty will take care of this. Cheezy cup holders will break apart repeatedly with bench seat. Developed back problems because no lumbar support-lubar support pillow in driver seat helped me recover. Only 25 mi/gal with 3.4L engine- should get 34 on highway- should have bought the 3.8L engine. Headlamp shroud came loose, had to replace headlight assembly = $250 @ dealer.

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  Great Car - everything I need - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ike079 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Impala is a great overall ackage. It truly has everything I need. It is very roomy, comfortable and handles well. Its engine has a good combination of enough power and decent fuel economy. It has the utility of a 4-door, which allows me to do everything I need with it, but it also has a sporty and fun feel. I love it! I have not had a single problem with it, and really cant think of a single thing to complain about. It is much better looking, more fun to drive, and a better total package than the Camry, Accord, or any other mid-size and at a much better value!

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  Alicias Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Graydon - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car this week and it is absolutely beautiful.

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  My SS - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By DarthMommy - August 21 - 3:50 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Impala SS in for this one, and all I can say is, Woweee! This car rocks! Bose stereo. 18" rims, Gun Metal leather is the best I have ever had. The black exterior and the gun metal interior looks great! The car looks great overall!

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  Best American Car on the Road - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By MP - August 19 - 4:52 pm

  I just cant believe this car, its like driving a couch, its so comfortable. The performance is tip top, the leather wears great, the XM Radio is excellent as well as the control knobs on the steering wheel. It is without a doubt the most comfortable car I have ever owned. Yes the styling is a little aged, but who cares? It is a non-descript car in a time where everyone wants to stand out. It stands out by blending in.

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  BEST 4DOOR EVER BUILT......... - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By DMASON - August 16 - 5:05 pm

  THIS 4 DOOR FAMILY CAR IS ALL A 4 DOOR SHOULD BE. HAS MORE THAN AMPLE HORSES AND PLENTY OF SHOW. NOTE THE AMOUNT OF YOUNGER ADULTS THAT OWN ONE NOW, WHEN ORIGINALLY 85% WERE OWNED BY PEOPLE 50 AND UP. KINDA SPEAKS FOR ITSELF DOESNT IT. BMW AND MAZDA AND FORD HAS NO ANSWER IN COMPARISOME WITH ANY OF THEIR 4DOOR VEHICLES UNLESS YOU PAY FOOLISHLY.3 IMPALLA "SS" OR 1 BEEMER? NOT THAT HARD A QUESTION IS IT. OH YEH, DONT FORGET THE DOLLAR LOSS IN % OVER TIME . CHECK OUT THE RETAIL ON THEM ALL AND SEE WHO LOST THE MOST $ IN VALUE!!!!!!!!!

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  Improving GM Designs - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Todd - August 10 - 7:36 am

  Overall, the 2007 3.9L Impala LTZ compared well with the our previous GM car, 1998 3.8L Lumina LTZ. The engine performs well with nice pickup, but sometimes lugs down in 3-cyl mode before switching. With 4000 miles on car, the average fuel economy for 87 octane fuel is 20 mpg for combined city/highway driving, which is alright but not a good as expected. Engine access for maintenance work is much improved. The car does sound to be less sound proof than older car with noticeable wind and road noise, not sure if this is due to rear-door driver-side alignment.

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  Impala Mechanical Quality - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark - August 9 - 2:01 am

  Even though it was maintained to factory specs by the Chevy dealer and not driven hard, it has required a new transmission at 75,000 miles, new radiator fans at 70,000 miles, numerous power window motors and numerous batteries. The interior build quality is poor, especially the plastic trim pieces.