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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  Garbage - 2011 Chevrolet Impala
  By Me - June 30 - 7:34 pm

  Youll be getting rotors every 6 months. Definitely not designed for a hilly state. This big cars has 190 horsepower. Thats a joke. Transmission went out at 45k but it was under warranty. Thats my selling point. Its in excellent condition with a new transmission. This car is for senior citizens.

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  New Impala - not flashy, but refined - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bluto202 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  A very good car overall. I shopped Camry, Accord, and Taurus before choosing the Impala. Reliability, value for the money, and dependability were key decision criteria.

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  Excellent car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rick Hidenberg - June 26 - 4:36 pm

  I was a little disappointed at first with the gas mileage, however after 2000 miles, it has really moved up better than I expected. The handling and performance is much better than I thought it could be. While not a sports sedan, you will be pleasantly surprised at the handling. Was undecided between the Malibu and the Impala, this was a far better choice. I would make one comment if you are looking to purchase this car, shop around the price differences between dealers is quite large. You need this car!

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  I like it! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By bighouse - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Impala, used, last November and have been very pleasantly surprised with the value and performance. Weve taken several long trips(NE Ohio to Fla.) and have really enjoyed the spaciousness and comfortable ride.When family comes we have put three cars seats in the back with no problems! Previously owned a Camry and I honestly like this car better. There have been no problems mechanically.

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  This Is A Real Bow-Wow - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Fed Up - June 23 - 4:13 pm

  For the upper end of Impalas, this has been a real joke. The rattles and windshield leaks make you feel like youre watching an outdoor concert of bad music. Hit a pothole and OnStar wants to know if everyone in the car is OK--even though they think Im about 80 miles from where I actually was . . . and they called back three times to verify that nothing was wrong. I listened to them more than the radio. Where do I find the fuse to kill that beast?

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  Pleasure to drive - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Harlie - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This car glides over the highway and the pick up on it is quick from a stand still, you can really feel the power under the hood. The design is sleek with out over doing it, you will get many compliments on it every where you go.

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  Love it, but - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mike Washburn - June 19 - 2:13 am

  I bought this car for the economy after owing an SUV gas guzzler, I was not disappointed! Gets between 25 and 32 mpg. I have a shake in the car though that the dealer has not been able to get out after 5 visits and two new sets of tires. Love the car but hate the shake, seems like a quality control issue.

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  No matter what color, impalas r lemons - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By troy8432 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Electrical - Turn signals wouldnt work at 3K miles. Brake rotors - Warped at 3K miles. Chevy replaced but told me next time I would pay. Transmission - Fail to shift at 15K, 20k, 25k, and 35500 miles. Chevy found no fault until 36100 miles. Hmmm...just after original warranty expired. Ignition - 38k, intermittently wont recognize key and fails to start. Cant disable system. No matter what I will sell this car at 69999 miles or before. I expect the fenders to jump off at 70k.

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  Watch the gas gage - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By jhenry - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used Impala after driving one for my company car. Both the company car and my car had gas gage problems after 50,000 miles. It is a great car (very reliable) except for the gage.

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  my impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By richard Livingston - June 7 - 2:00 am

  great brakes fit and finish well above average