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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  Most roomy car since the 55 chevy - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark - January 19 - 5:46 pm

  The seats are ok...I wished I would have upgraded to the suede version. The car is very roomy. I recently went to trade in the car and the same Chevy dealer where I purchased it, low balled me on the value. Other then that, it was a great car while we owned it.

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  Great car and value - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By isaiah - January 18 - 10:40 pm

  I got my Impala used with 32,000 miles and it runs like it has 32 miles. Lots of space with the old school third seat in the front. The new body style is slick and if you put 20 inch rims on it heads will turn.

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  Impala...a good USA alternative - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Robert 9999999 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  A nice domestic car...looks good and does everything with ease. A no hassle alternative to glitz.

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  2000 Impala LS - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By steve peacock - January 16 - 3:37 pm

  This has been a good car, the only problems I have had are the air bag light would come on and off, still dont know why. I have had to replace the battery, and three fuel injectors {which I thought was odd} Good thing I had bought an extended warranty, other than that I have been happy with it.

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  02 LS...Love it Love it Love it - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Randy - January 13 - 10:01 pm

  Bought this car used in October of 2004. At time of purchase the odometer was at 26,827. I have since then put about 5000 miles on the car and have not had one problem yet. This car is truly fun to drive, and the performance is terrific for a car so large. Saving now for a new 2005 Impala SS.

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  Very nice car. - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By td - January 10 - 5:00 am

  Very nice car for the money. Fast comfortable and better fuel economy than I would have expected. Combined fuel economy has been 19mpg..have gotten as high as 28.9mpg on the highway. Wanted to buy a Chrysler 300C but decided to keep the $10k in the bank. I have not had any problems with the car and would recommend an Impala to anyone. High praise from a Mopar buyer. For a front driver with a V8 the torque steer is not all that objectionable. I wanted to buy an American car and after 31000+ miles I am happy with my decision.

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  Love Thus Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By FloridaMan - January 1 - 10:28 pm

  VERY smooth ride. INCREDIBLE price. Spacious rear seating. One of the best values for the money. I looked at many different vehicles, but dollar for dollar this one was the best.

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  Fun driving it - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Henk DeBruyn - December 31 - 5:11 am

  I bought this high milage 2002 Impala LS with all the options, and the feeling of having fun driving came back to me.

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  2002 Chevrolet Impala LS driving fun - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Alexander J Ricci - December 30 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Chevrolet Impala LS is a great car to drive, it feels like a much more expensive car, it rides good, comfortable seating, it handles really well with a good feel of the road and has just about all the features you would find in a car costing way more. Although the interior is laid out well, easy to read gauges and easy to reach controls, the enterior could be alittle more plush, the rear seating area and front and rear door panels are rather bland.

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  My new car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Barb M - December 25 - 2:58 pm

  This is the first car Ive ever owned. Its kind of intimidating at first, but the look and the ride is absolutely georgous.