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:
Showing 1431 through 1440 of 2,036.00-
Impala LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
By broncoguys - May 10 - 2:00 amExcellent large car with exceptional gas mileage!!!!
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Baseball, Apple Pie and Chevrolet - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
By Average Joe - May 7 - 12:01 pmGreat looking, comfortable , good gas mileage,reliable
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Solid Vehicle for the Money - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
By dlewis - May 5 - 9:50 pmI previously drove a 2001 Monte Carlo SS after owning two T-birds (hated the 2-seater style change). Went with the 2008 Impala as there arent many full- size 2-door coupes on the market these days. The 50th Anniversary Edition is basically an LT model with more sporty features, the car looks a lot like the SS (including same 18" wheels/rims). The car rides smoothly, gas mileage is pretty much what the sticker says (it all depends on how you drive it). I like the two-tone interior. Front seats could provide more "lateral" support. Like the heated leather seats and garage door opener. Would have liked 6-disc CD changer and premium sound system, standard sound system just ok.
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A Wonderful Family Car! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
By Bribabe - May 3 - 2:00 amIm not sure why Edmunds rated this car as they did. Ours now has 120000 miles and has only had tires, oil changes and a battery. It is highly reliable, safe and comfortable. It could be quieter but that costs a lot more in other makes for no better a car.
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Great car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By loub52 - May 1 - 7:13 amAfter heavily researching the Honda Accord, Subaru Forester and a variety of SUVs, 0% APR on the 2006 Chevy Impala SS prompted my wife and I to take a test drive. Glad we did. Total miles so far: 1,500. The interior is simply configured, no hard to find controls. Plenty of room in both the front and rear seats, and it has a distinctive exterior look. Then we drove it. Wow. More than enough power to handle any traffic situation, merging or otherwise. We have a family of 4 (kids age 11 and 16). Longest trip so far has been 260 round trip miles.
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Great Car-No Problems in 30,000 Miles - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
By Navig97 - May 1 - 2:00 amI bought my Impala in May 2000 and have 30,000 miles with no problems. It is a pleasure to drive and I would not hesitate on buying another Impala.
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First Car last car - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
By Michael Mitchell - April 28 - 8:09 pmMy first car 51 years ago was a Chevy, Havent bought one since until I test drove the new Impala LTZ. Very nice, I came out of a CTS which I liked a lot , I like this at lest as much for $20,000 less.
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Solid, sometimes overlooked choice - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
By Tam Burai - April 27 - 9:10 pmEveryone who recommended that I get a Camry or Accord raised their eyebrows when I said I had chosen an Impala. I got it for its E85 compatibility, the wide bench seat and column shifter, and the great fuel economy for a V6. It is quiet, smooth, and looks and feels a lot better, more quality, than an Impala I had rented a few years ago. Im very happy with my purchase, and the dealer was willing to slash the MSRP on this new 2007 model.
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Super-Sport Superb Fun - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
By michael david - April 24 - 4:00 pmSS model equals superb fun! Just got all black SS model with chrome 18 inch wheels and the car is a looker! Performance exceeds my expectations, while appearance blows the competition away!
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Best V8 Sedan for the money - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By tacoman - April 24 - 8:20 amWonderful car. Fast, smooth, quiet. Excellent on long trips. Perfect cruiser. Blends in doesnt stick out. Roomy inside as well as in the trunk.
