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 Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Don Stansloski - October 25 - 10:00 am

  We are at about 24000 miles with absolutely no problems. The car has impeccable manners. Good acceleration and we get about 28 overall mpg and 32 to 35 on the Interstate.

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  Just love my Impala - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By JMW13 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  i bought my impala new in 2000, it has given me very few problems. I had a click in the steering sector that apparently is common on these cars. That was fixed $80 bill from service station. I also had to have intake gaskets replaced at 140,000. Thats about it for problems. My car burns no oil. I go about 6000 miles between oil changes & have never had to add any oil in between changes. The suspension on this thing is something else.I am still riding on the original uniroyals at 163,000. There is still some tread to wear off of them yet but am thinking for the upcoming MN winter i will

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  Everyting I Needed - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By dwit - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I needed a larger four-door car. I wanted performance and creature comfort. I got both with this car. A loaded LS has about as much as anyone could want. The moonroof is great and the heated seats and steering wheel mounted audio controls are very luxurious. It handles reasonably well but not like a small car. Quite quiet inside with windows up. The controls are well placed and the trunk is huge. The 3.8L engine delivers enough power to really go but gets great mileage (I average about 23 MPG around town, 29 highway).

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  perfect sedan - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By angel 52 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  very happy with this car. very realible

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  2008 Chevy Impala - Awesome - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ron Bonofiglio - October 22 - 9:33 pm

  I have about 300 miles on my 2008 Chevy Impala 1LT. It has the 3.5 L Flex-fuel engine. I especially like the fuel economy, OnStar, XM satellite radio, ride quality, safety ratings, stylish appearance, huge trunk, seating for six, fun to drive, ride quality and zero defects. GM also gave me 0% APR for 72 months. What a deal on an awesome American car even though it is assembled in Canada.

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  Better than stated mpg - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By noyego - October 16 - 9:40 pm

  Like many of us, wanted a car with better gas mileage, but didnt want a subcompact. Bought car as a program car, saved a ton of money. Good interior. Ride a little bumpy, but might be because was used to driving a towncar. Excellent gas mileage for the size of the car.. I am getting 25 city and a little over 34 mpg on the highway. Good leg room. Has an excellent information center, tells you when to change oil, tire pressures, instant miles per gallon, avg mpg, outside temp, compass, and a lot more usefull info. All controls on steering wheel, radio, air, cruise, etc.

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  Uncomfortable - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By AJ - October 13 - 2:39 am

  This is one of the least comfortable cars that I have ever driven. There are multiple ergonomic problems. First, the headrests ridiculously far forward. They push your head and neck forward putting strain on your neck. Half an hour behind the wheel and you will have a headache for the rest of the day. Next, the center console is too tall and too far forward and is not adjustable. With your hands on the steering wheel and 9 and 3, it is impossible to turn right without going through a series of elbow contortions. This is unsafe. If an emergency right turn were necessary it might not be possible. Third, the view in the rear view mirror is restricted to a small sliver. The rear parcel shelf is so high that it is barely possible to see the roof of the car following. The interior materials are cheap, but this is a rental car, so that is to be expected. However, a $30,000 car should at least have a leather wrapped steering wheel, not one made of foam rubber.

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  06 Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By scbays - October 12 - 9:23 am

  I love this car. Chevrolet did a great job on the upgrade from the 2005 models. Performance and styling compares equal to or better than any simularly classed sedan out there. This is the value sleeper of the class.

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  BEST CAR EVER MADE - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By GETLOW - October 12 - 2:00 am

  THE IMPALA SHOULD BE A ROLE MODEL TO ALL OTHER VEHICLES THAT CLAIM TO BE "MUSCLE" YET A FAMILY SEDAN.

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  What else? - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By Fraptician - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Loved it since it appeared in 94. Was only 14 at the time so when I became of age and started making a little money, what else? I LOVE MY IMPALA! Bought a 95 at a steal when I was 19 (though I wish it were the vette 96 edition) but still very pleased. Gets up and goes without hesitation! Was on I-20 headed east here in Atlanta near I- 285. Was doing 120 mph and it was still pulling!!! What elese?! It still turns heads almost 10 years after initial production, and thats without rims. People know an Impala when they see one. And if they dont... "Honey I seen the prettiest fastest car today. Had a deer or something on it. It sure was nice."