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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  My SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mr. Bill - November 22 - 6:20 pm

  The new Impala SS is comfortable, quiet, very powerful, and affordable. Gas mileage as I have tested on strictly highway is right where the window sticker has it at 27mpg. My commuting average with hour long traffic jams and stop and go traffic is 22mpg. I have always believed in supporting the US economy when I spend my hard earned dollars by buying American made products(foreign brands, even ones with US badges assembled here, 50 cents of every dollar goes back to the country of origin) and the Impala SS is 92% US and Canadian parts content with the engine and transmission made in the USA. The SS performance surprises the overweight HEMIs and Mustang GTs.

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  Happy owner - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By JoeyDee - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We have owned our Impala for a year,and so far it has proven to be one of the best cars either my wife or myself has owned.I have driven sports cars all my life and was reluctant to buy a "Family" car. Our Impala has enough "get up and go" to keep me happy and enough room and comfort to keep our family happy.

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  Great Ride - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By sjpioneer - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This care is fantastic. Its smooth/ sleek ride makes it a blast to ride for hours. Controls are easy to get used to. plenty of room to enjoy company. ONly problem is that the tourque of the engine makes it little hard to get going in the snow in Drive, even with TRAC control

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  best yet - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By no1mrrythem - November 19 - 2:00 am

  one of the best chevys i owned yet. you will enjoy for sure and feel confident while on the road. I have very good vibes with this car from day one. Good lu ck with your new set of wheels . you are sure to enjoy.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By slp - November 17 - 4:26 am

  Had it for 3 months. Love the car. Very spacious. Kids love it. Husband had enough room in the back seat with the front seat all the way back and he is not a small man. I love this car.

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  AWESOME VALUE - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By RockinJoe - November 13 - 11:37 am

  I love this car! I have owned a lot of cars, so its hard to say this is the best of them, but it is certainly among the best. It is good looking, tight handling, and I drive the base model. The Impala is a lot nicer than the Monte Carlo. It has better gas mileage, more interior and trunk room , rides better, and handles just as well. I was reluctant to buy an Imapla as there a million of them on the road, but now I understand why it is so popular. I think it beats most of the imports too. I also drove one with 110,000 miles on it, and it drove just like mine with 22,000 miles.

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  One fine machine! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Harun Ar-Rasheed - November 12 - 9:36 am

  The 06 Impala SS is a masterpiece in quality and beauty. It was an intoxicating experience from the moment I turned the ignition on for a test drive. This Chevrolet exhumes 100 percent luxury and unimaginable power.

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  love it - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By bostond - November 9 - 3:49 am

  I love this car..after searching high and low for the right car, I went back and bought the impala. you wont go wrong with this one

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brooks, M. - November 8 - 11:24 am

  I have had my Impala for four months and I think it is a very fun and reliable car, so far. It is so comfortable. My family loves it, especially my son. It is great on gas and handles well. I look forward to the future with my car.

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Smiling Rick - November 6 - 9:52 am

  Great car at an awesome price. I expected to have to buy something more along the lines of the Cavelier but was able to buy the Impala and it is a joy.