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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  Good, but needs some improvements - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By wallyuwl - July 9 - 12:39 am

  Bought last August with 33k miles. Now 50k. Brake rotors from factory are soft and warp easy (had already been replaced under warranty before we got the car), replaced them with ones from Car Quest (and put on ceramic pads). Stops great now, and the parts shouldnt wear out for a long time. Will do the back in the next few months. Thermometer was bad, and they found an intake manifold gasket leak ($600) while fixing that, which I guess is somewhat common in GM vehicles and is caused by the Dex-Cool coolant they use. I got that flushed and had different coolant put in. Should be good now. Have done a few other maintenance things that would have to be done with any car.

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  I love my Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By cedric - July 6 - 9:56 pm

  I am very impressed with this new 2006 Impala. The ride is great and very quiet compared to the previous generation. I am happy with fuel economy also. This car beats the gas mileage of my previous car, a 2004 Kia optima V-6

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  Salesman Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Turbo XL - July 5 - 8:46 pm

  I travel a large 8 state area of the Midwest. My average week is 1,200 to 1,500 miles per week. The fuel mileage is a steady 29 - 30 mpg, which helps with the high fuel prices. I wish I would have purchased the XM/ On Star option. Im 62" & fit comfortable. But I dislike the seat due to it already sagging out, & would like it to have more lumbar support. Also, I prefer a tighter suspension, however I realize that I prefer a stiffer ride, & that is not what the public wants. I will be replacing my car in the spring & will consider buying an other Impala.

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  Impala SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By RD5 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Impala SS for one month and have 675 miles. It runs great, no lag from the supercharger and handles very well. The brakes are great, got 24.2 mpg on my first tank.

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  Excellent family car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By puppy - June 27 - 6:57 pm

  I bought a 2001 impala from a private party at 75,000 mile for $6100. It feels like new. Has a quiet engine, stable and comfortable highway driving. Its much better than Camry or Accord ifor this price.

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  Awesome Buy! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By thermal izod - June 22 - 6:38 pm

  Economical and fun to drive, my Impala has ample power, and lots of room and comfort. It has a smooth quiet ride, and is easy to find aftermarket parts for, such as my cold air intake and Flowmaster cat-back exhaust system. I couldnt be happier.

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  Walkers review - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By eric walker - June 21 - 2:20 pm

  This is an excellent car, the best Ive ever driven. Fuel economy is great for the size of the vehicle. Its comfortable, roomy, and good looking. I havent had a single problem with the car.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By rls2882 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Imala Ive owned. This ones black with grey leather interior. Has all the toys which is nice. Good results thus far but a nagging problem are the ac ducts on drivers sided. One either freezes one hand or face. There is no other alternitive except turning off the ducts. Very poor design from the get go. Getting acceptable milage and am happy with the car.

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  Great Car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chuck - June 10 - 3:54 am

  Purchased from the original owner one year ago. Car has been great. Nice to drive, gets good gas mileage on a trip. Its nice and roomy. Have had no problems. Would consider purchasing another one in the future. Only thing I replaced so far is tires!!

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  So So - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala7 - June 7 - 9:51 pm

  My thoughts on this car after having it for 4 years is its so so. The brake/rotor system is cheesy. Maybe it was built for the Cavalier. The car is noisy on accelerating. Not inpressed with the flooring under the carpet. Theres not much pickup when entering a highway or passing. The radio antenna in the window makes for lousy reception on stations 50 miles away. The opening of the trunk for putting things in is too small.