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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  04 impala ss - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By coolestcatintownyo - April 8 - 10:00 am

  coolest car ever, except for the lack of a v8 and convertibility

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  An Excellent Car and An Excellent Value - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By West Coast Pat - April 7 - 1:12 am

  My wife and I bought our 2004 Chevrolet Impala LS on the last day of 2004 and weve been extremely pleased with our purchase. Our other car is a Toyota Corolla so we visited the Chevy dealership with reservations but were quite impressed with the build quality we saw there. Our car has perfectly-aligned, narrow panel gaps, high-quality materials and a very comfortable interior. The 3.8 liter V6 is quiet and strong and provides great gas mileage. My wife loves the heated seats. No other car offers so many features and value for your car-buying dollar and the Camry and Accord cant even come close. You pay for the name with those cars and you pay for a great car with the Impala.

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  Great Value - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Omalon - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car for tall people 67" and fun to drive.

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  Love This Car! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By xt109 - March 30 - 1:26 am

  I am so glad we to Chevy to try out an Impala. Wed been test-driving Toyota Camrys and Nissan Altimas. But we finally went to Chevy, and we really liked the Impala. So we bought the Chevy Impala, and for less than a base Camry! Now I realize how flimsy the Camry and Altima were. The quality of the Chevy Impala is far superior. And with the 3.5L V6 weve attained 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway, far better than the window sticker said. Im glad I didnt fall for the Japanese foriegn car hype. If you dont believe it, go test drive an Impala and compare. There are plenty of old Chevys and Fords driving around, and they are easier and cheaper to fix. Most cars last with care.

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  Hot SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob James - March 28 - 8:23 pm

  I special ordered my Impalla SS and took delivery on July 25. This car drives like a dream and the handling is great. It will give a Camaro Z28 a real hard time. I traded a 02 Camaro Z28 and a 03 Chevtolet Impalla. This car gives me the best of both worlds. The preformance of the Z28 and the comfort of my Impalla. Thanks Chevrolet.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By deminin - March 21 - 5:36 am

  We have had our 06 LTZ for about 3 months now, and it has been flawless. The more we drive this car, the better we like it. The build quality is excellent, the ride is firm, but not harsh, gas mileage is acceptable, and improving. The Bose radio is outstanding, and the car is very quiet, even at highway speeds. I would have to call this car an outstanding value for the money in todays car market.

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  21 visits to the dealership - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Barnes - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive the car when it is running. That said, I have been back to the dealership on 21 occasions with a variety of bugs. The dealer sent me to Chevy who said that if I dont qualify for the lemon law, (same issue each time) they dont have to do anything. Good Luck if you buy a 2006 Impala.

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  2004 IMPALA SS "INDY" - ALMOST PERFECT - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Edward Dudek - March 20 - 1:59 am

  2 "Indy SSs arrived at "my" dealership & I shot over with my driving gloves. I gave a salesman a "serious" 1 hr road test. After the test he said that my reputation had preceeded me & he knew he was in for it when I got behind the wheel. I didnt disappoint him & I bought the "Indy" that day. Im prejudiced toward Implalas having owned a 01 LS. It was problem free, fun to drive & got a lot of compliments. The 04 "Indy", 240HP supercharged is better. Steering & suspension are tight. Terrific engine response-smooth shifts & the engine wants to pull forever! Beautiful 17" diamond-cut aluminum wheels. The P235/55R17 "W" Goodyear Eagles & large discs haul it down quickly. It has few negatives.

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  Whata rush! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Boz - March 11 - 7:46 pm

  This car is a blast to drive, gas mileage is acceptable, and if you dont have Flowmasters on it, youre missing out. Great rumble, great performance, great looks. I love this car!

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  Parker Impala Express - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By kirbyj - March 7 - 7:41 pm

  The Impala LS is the perfect car for the budget minded family who still likes the acceleration, safety, comfort and good gas mileage for a larger car. My car has cloth seats which was the selling point plus an average 25 mpg in a city/hwy scenario but I have gotten 30 plus on the highway at 75mph. The sound system is great and the ABS brakes and tire imflation system is standard. All this for under $13,600 makes it delightful on the pocket book and very reasonable to insure. Five can ride comfortably although I would not want to attempt a cross country trip with that many and the trunk is large and roomy. It is not a luxury car but the price for what you get makes it very appealing.