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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  A BARGAIN WITH A LOT OF EXTRAS. - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mikey47 - November 6 - 8:07 am

  I OPTED TO WAIT AND BOUGHT MY "LS" IN 2005 WITH ALL THE REBATES. THIS CHEVY SCREAMS ON THE ROAD(GREAT ON THE ROAD) IT SCREAMS INSIDE(SUPERIOR STEREO SYSTEM) AND IT SCREAMS JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY (CORVETTE TAIL END WITH THAT SCOOP). AVERAGED 23-M.P.G. ON MY FIRST TANK, THE MINUTE I GET INSIDE OF MY LS, I CAN LOOK UP THROUGH THE SUNROOF AND THANK GOD I GOT THIS CHEVY, IT IS PHENOMENAL WITH ALL THE STANDARDS, DONT LIMIT YOURSELF, GET THE LS VERSION AND GET THE UPSCALED SUSPENSION AND EVERTHING WITH IT. POWER, PERFORMANCE, EASY TO DRIVE, GREAT TO RIDE AND CAN LAY DOWN IN MY BACK SEAT. LOT OF VALUE FOR THE MONEY AND IF CHEVY KEEPS THIS KIND OF MENTALLITY OF OFFERINGS, ILL BUY ANOTHER..

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  glad i bought american - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By backtogm - November 5 - 8:35 pm

  i waited until i had 12000 miles before i wrote this review because i was so skeptcal of buying a gm car again. But, its been over 6 months and 12000 miles, and everything has been perfect. Quiet, comfortable, solid build quality, and not one problem. the gas mi. are super for this size car- i avg. 32-33 mpg. mstly all hwy. This car is the best new car ive ever owned, even compared to foreign makes. Good job chevy- if this car continues to be reliable- ill be back for another.

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  Another Vehicle, please! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By AneetraSherrell - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately, I wanted to trade it in for an SUV. On the contrary, I was told that the trade in value offered would cause me to add $3000 to get out of the damn car! At first, I thought I was the only person who couldnt keep my light assy clean. Much to my surprise, when I notice other Impalas going down the road, the rest of the car looks clean but that lens is always filthy! I like it for the look since I am a single female, but getting out of it is more trouble than its worth. Do me a favor Chevy, since I have owned nothing but your model vehicles for 10 years now, give me a break on the trade-in!!!!

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  Best Replacement Choice - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Investigator - November 4 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased this 2004 Impala as a replacement for a 1999 Crown Victoria. And I could not be more pleased at my choice. I had done careful research, Mich. State Police tests on the Impale and the Consumer Reports results. Both were positive and have proven to be accurate. I recomend the Impala. But be sure to get the proven 3.8II engine. This engine give strong acceleration and higher gas milage.

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  Happy with my Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By mx_286 - November 4 - 2:46 am

  I bought my Impala about six months ago with 22000 on it. I have loved the car ever since with decent power and gas mileage for its size. I also like the trunk space. Only real complaint is I had to mount my XM radio obove the mirror as there arent really any flat spots on the dash.

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  what a sweet ride - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By big willy - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This is really one fine ride. Very quick and agile for a car of this size. I picked up the Indy speedway edition on a model close out got a great price. The car is excellent! The only complaints I have are The torque steer under hard acceleration really bad, the SS badges are the same color as the car and its really to quiet for anything that says SS on it.

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  bad brakes - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By cfaller - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Very poor front brakes, they go out of round every 20,000 miles. Need better quality material in the brakes, same problem on my 2000 Malibu.

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  FAMILY CAR - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By FAMILYGUYB - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a nice family car. The interior is nice and I especially enjoy the high end stereo system. The car has decent pickup and passing power. The only problem being a thud when the driver window goes up in extra cold (below 40) weather. The best part was, with incentives, I was able to purchase the car for $17,000.

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  Worth Waiting For - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By DJkris - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted an Impala LS since 1999 and Im so glad the wait is over. Its all I dreamed it would be. The Impala LS is roomy and comfortable, user friendly, packed with convenience and power under the hood. I love how safe I feel driving it. Sure, the taillights are geeky and if I had the money for the sport pkg Id have popped for it. But the new 2003 color Cappucino was my second favorite, so I didnt exactly settle. If Im disapointed by anything its the XM Radio. Just like cable, sometimes its 100 channels and nothing good on.

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  Good deal if you dont pay sticker price - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Terry - October 30 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased a new 2004 Chevy Impala base model. We were orginally going to buy a new Honda Accord, however we couldnt pass up the good bargain we got on the Impala. Its sticker price was 21000 dollars, however GM took 3500 dollars off and also we received another discount of 2250 dollars off the 3500. So it ended up that we only paid 14800 for this brand new impala, which we couldnt have gotten a Honda Accord for that. The Impala is a fairly good car. It gets good gas mileage for a large car and is roomy inside. Also has a big trunk! However, I do question the quality of some of the Impalas features. I do feel GM, and all car makers, for that matter, need to improve on quality!