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 LS Sport - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By SaabDriver - March 4 - 8:54 pm

  This is a great car. It comes with the LS sport package(Corvette tail lights, carbon-fibre interior trim, little Impala logos on the door panels on the inside, shiny exaust tip, 16" sporty 5 spoke wheels and lower front fascia extensions. The interior is really big, even though I like small cars better.

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  One of the few good chevys - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By mike in norther ohio - March 4 - 3:27 am

  Bought it new. Yes the steering shaft went twice-but I wrote to GM and they paid for out of warranty ($223)repair. Original tires noisy, replaced with Regattas. The 3800 engine is a dream, quick and 28 mpg at 75 mph. The ABS/traction control feature is absolutely great for snow. The car is still tight and handles extreamly well after five years. I just saw the 2006 Impala at a car show and cant wait to buy it. (and keep this one too). Unlike the smaller sedans this one is built tight and well and is without the excessive road noise you get in the earlier models. Lastly the brakes were imporoved over previous Luminas although you warp rotors prior to pad replacement, but you do stop.

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  Review - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By don - March 2 - 2:03 am

  So far so good. Lots of features. Great driving experience. Safe and reliable. very stylish. great appeal with design. good performance. Nice brakes. Attractive wheels and excellent traction with Goodyear tires. Handles well in mountain driving as well as freeway. Probably the best car Ive owned in 30 years. The SS Chevy is a great value and every one likes the car who see it when Im parking the vehicle. Lots of extras for an American revolution! Go check the car out for yourself. The vehicle sells itself! Thanks General Motors I like the car!

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  Fix it before the warranty expires. - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Medic274 - March 1 - 4:48 am

  When I heard that Chevy was bringing back the Impala,I was excited. Went right out and bought one without researching it. I got stuck with a 2001 model that had just about every problem mentioned on all the forums. I had to get the brake rotors turned at 12K! Again at 20K. I should have insisted on the manufacturers recommended fix of replacing the rotors with aftermarket hi-performance rotors. The steering column clunked. My dealer "fixed" it by injecting grease into the joint boots. That lasted about 2 weeks. The ride was stiff and noisy. Good points? Seating was comfortable, and the 3.4L engine ran flawlessly.

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  My 5th Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Larry Clements - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful, reliable, wonderfull car to own.

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  Gaylord, Mi. - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - February 22 - 6:03 pm

  Very comfortable car, love the OnStar and the hands free telephone. Handling seems to be good. Not real impressed with the 3500 V-6. Mileage is not what I was expecting, around 26. First heavy snow we had was 12 inchs, the car never missed a beat driving through it ! All in all I would buy another.

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  Love It - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By edwardo - February 19 - 4:50 pm

  I was looking for an everyday car for my wife that would be fun for me to drive on nights and weekends! We live in Maine so I decided to rule out the Charger because of rear wheel drive, and the Subaru WRX sti because she will not drive a stick. When we test drove the Impala I couldnt have loved it more. We have over 13,000 miles on the car already and neither of us get bored driving it when we get behind the wheel. The only problems we have had is who gets to drive and how much my replacement tires are going to cost once I burn these up. The remote starter also has malfuctioned and is kinda cheesey. All in all I would recomend it to anyone.

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  Problems, Problems, Problems - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ECRISS - February 19 - 2:36 am

  I have loved everything about this car up until about a year after I bought it, Within the last four months I have had my tire sensors replaced numerous times. I have had my tires replace at no charge through the dealer, the steering shaft was replaced a month ago and today I had both front tie rods replaced! Something not of the norm at 24,000 miles. Poor, poor gas mileage! I was originally looking for an Acura, but wanted to stay American. Guess I made a wrong decision.

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  I love my new car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By smooches - February 18 - 2:00 am

  It is very comfortable on long trips and is very suitable for a family. It has great asthetic value. All the parts and service have a good quality.

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  2007 Impala 3LT - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bus Driver - February 13 - 5:26 am

  Driver information panel is conveniently in drivers view. Steering wheel controls are convenient and easy to see.