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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  Toyota Sucks - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kevin USA Rules - July 25 - 2:00 am

  The Impala has lots of room. Its also easy to drive a little sensitive maybe but that comes in handy in emergencys. I recently had some idiot him me while I was driving my Impala and it was a very hard hit. The fender was compleatly damaged but nothing not even a speck of dirt hit and internial parts. Thats a well built American car. If I was driving a crappy Toyota I caould have been killed.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Larry Edwards - July 18 - 7:26 pm

  Its not my Z28 Camaro with the LT1 engine, but then again Im not stopping at every gas station on the way home. Great performance for a V-6, alot more than I had expected.

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  Best car I ever had - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By AMCHZ - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car in this price

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  bought an 04 LS now!! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By dayton91 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car was great for the 52000 miles I put on it in a little under 3 years. Upgraded to an LS (at aboout 7K off the sticker). Unbleviable amount of car for 22K

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  Great Car - Want another one - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Wendy Gale - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Test drove several luxury cars and then the Impala. Fell in love with it immediately. The car has power to get up the road when needed, even just for showing off. I love how sporty it looks with the spoiler on the trunk. The leather interior is the only way to go. It was comfortable to drive on a long trip. The controls for the AC/Heat/Defrost are simple and easy to understand, not the new computerized type. The "official" color is Capucino Frost Metallic. It is definitely not white. If I ever decide to sell or trade this in or even buy another vehicle, I will get the Impala SS in Red, with tan leather interior. The price is excellent for all that you get.

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  2006 Impala SS Improved, but ....... - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brett - July 8 - 8:26 am

  I bought my SS in October. This is my third Impala and the best by far. I love the car, styling and performance. However, GM cant seem to close the deal on making a car that can compete with the imports. Ive always been a fan of GMs powertrains, but to put a 300hp engine to a dated four speed tranny reaks of cutting corners. Torque steer is a problem The interior. I travel 40,000 miles year so I do like creature comforts along with performance. Full intrumentation would be great to match performance of the car. The HVAC controlls are old school (no LED readout for temps, plus clusmsy dials). The cup holders are big enough either Hopefully GM will get up to speed for 2007.

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  Chevy Really Did It - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tannakat - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car...Im very picky, and I only have two major areas for improvement for this vehicle. I plan to keep this car for a while, we are really enjoying it, and the gas mileage has drastically improved since it was new (split 1/2 hwy & 1/2 city, about 275 mpg, all hwy almost 400 mpg).

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  Great car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By My Chevy - July 3 - 10:00 am

  It can seat 6 comfortably.It handles well.It,s easy to drive.$3,000 incentive makes the price affordable. Large trunk.Seats fold down therefore trunk space is enormous.

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  Lemon - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jh1969 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 impala has given me nothing but trouble. Thank god for extended warranties. Too many problems to list

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  Real American Sedan - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Alice - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my Impala. I do a 130 mile/day commute and find it to be very comfortable, good on gas, and because its a full size sedan, I feel as if I have something to protect me against all the big SUVs on the road. Five adults can fit in the car very comfortably. Smooth, quiet ride. Minimum maintenance. Never let me down. Good in the winter.