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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  The SS is Back - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By DSP - June 3 - 4:20 am

  Chevy is on the right track this car deserves the SS tag. This car is such an upgrade I traded in my 2003 LS model to be driving the SS again. The car has great power. The options available with it fully loaded are plenty for most people, and the best part is they have managed to keep it at a low price point compared to other luxury sedans. After comparing to many, the SS stands up to ones that are much higher priced. They body is sleek and the interior as well is classy with great controls and availability. For those who knock the gas mileage (which is not that bad) should not buy a V8. You pay a little for the power and know that going in. This is as happy as Ive been since my old 64 SS.

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  Honda/Toyota may be worth it - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Fat Gary - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Be wary of this car. Warrant work will regularly take place and yes, a couple weeks out of warranty soemthing that would never break on a Honda or Toyota will break or require service. Depreciates like a rock. Nice car in form but not in function due to quality issues. Most Impalas (and GMs) have awful Brakes. Problems to expect: Steering, Alignment, Tie Rods, Brakes, AC, Electrical, Computer, Transmission, etc...... I had an Accord before this and it was problem free (only oil changes) for the nearly 50K Miles I had it. I will get a Honda/Toyota and never look back.

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  Best car yet! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff Taylor - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Our 6-passenger 2003 Impala with the standard 3.4L engine gives up no noticeable accelleration power whether Im alone in the car or when my family of 5 went on vacation with the trunk fully loaded. Very quick. We had no problems on the Pittsbugh winter roads last year. The 4-wheel disk brakes are very responsive, and steering is crisp. After 11 months of owning the car, we havent had one problem with it. This was our 3rd new car (full size) purchase since 2000 and by far the best. My wife is a short 51" and has no visibilty problems driving (as evidenced by no "parking lot bruises"!)

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  SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bigdaddy - June 1 - 2:00 am

  peppy and stylish. options not expensive.

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  Pros and Pros - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By GeorgeClarke - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. I rented one in CA and because of that I wound up buying one. Even fully loaded the car handles well and responds well. Both my wife and myself feel that a lot of thought went into the design and placement of interior features. Things are just convenient to the driver. We are very happy with our new car.

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  Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By never another ford - May 29 - 8:20 pm

  This is a nice and comforatble car

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  Problems with rotors - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By WMM - May 29 - 2:00 am

  We love this car. Other then one MAJOR problem. We have to turn the rotors down about every three months. We replaced them once already at 30,000 miles. I have NEVER had this problem before with any other car. The dealer and corporate wont help. Why would this need to be done every 3-4 months? It is a hassle and the cost is high to do this. Other then that, the car is nice but we wouldnt buy it again because of this problem. Even more so since they (Chevy) wont help.

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  uncomftable unexciting - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By haroldthart - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Car is very uncomfortable to sit in. Workmanship quality is very good.

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  Great Value - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Joe - May 25 - 4:23 am

  Leased my LTZ Impala and am very happy. Fit and finish is crisp. Car in black looks great and gets looks back! Good performance, gas mileage good, not great, avg. 20mpg. Trunk is huge. A lot of car for the buck.

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  I love my Chevy Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Linda Faris - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Since this is the first new car Ive purchased in a while, I spent a lot of time researching certain makes/models. I chose the Impala because of its sleek style, its comfort, and its size. Its like driving a large car, but it isnt too large. It is like driving a dream - easy to handle, hugs the road, feels substantial with a very "fluid" feeling (not tight), and gets absolutely great gas mileage. I typically get 30-32mpg on the highway and 26-29 in town. When the salesman told me it would do 32mpg, I really didnt believe him at the time. Well, believe me, it will get 32mpg on the highway. And....the price was right.