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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  Reinys review - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By reiny1 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  The Impala has been a very trouble free car. I recieve favorable comments from strangers in regard to the looks and color. They also wish they owned an Impala. I also own another black 02 Impala for my wife. She very much likes to drive it in town and highway.

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  White w/ Sport appearance pkg - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By BoomerJoe - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 94 Deville in for this and lost only a little interior room (seats 5 instead of 6), gained LOTS at the pump (87 octane vs. 91 and 28 mpg vs. 22 @75mph), trunk size about the same, except the Chevys back seats fold down! This is my first Chev. (except for a 69 vette back in my wilder days) and the form, fit, and function is A1. Rides and drives great although it does tend to get a bit cramped on extended (6+ hours) trips for my 63" 250# build. (Its my wifes car though, Ill stick to the F350)All in all a great car with a very decent sound sytem from GM. Buy American!

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  Very nice - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Scortch - April 19 - 12:26 am

  After the HHR, this thing is like 100 times better. It rides smooth as silk. The shifting is really smooth. It has a really nice pickup and just plain comfortable to drive around in. One of the best cars I have had.

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  Sleeper sports car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By chris - April 17 - 8:56 am

  This is the second front wheel drive car I have owned. Does not take long getting used too. Surprising how much power this vehicle gets. Handles the road good and has a smooth ride. Just took a trip from Houston to Colorado and had no problems and was very comfortable driving. I only got 24mpg on the highway using 87 octane. I get a steady 19mpg with city driving.

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  Replaced our Cadillac - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By jim and randa - April 17 - 7:33 am

  We wanted a good over-the-road vehicle with lots of storage, good ride, good mileage, good audio. (Our 1995 Caddy has 116K miles and wanted a newer car for the mountains and countryside.) Our new LTZ is a great car as our Caddy replacement on all counts! We got 29.4 mpg on our first trip, loaded to the gills. The ride is much improved from our 93 Impala. We looked at Honda and Toyota, as well as Buick, but the Impala was the best price performer out there. The fold down seats will be handy for runs to Lowes. We are happy to see GM make such a fine sedan. Our first Chevy was a 66 and GM seems to be regaining their form with the new Impala. And our import owning friends like it!

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  Fairly Happy - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By schober - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Our Impala is a decent car, but several problems have plagued us. New tie-rods at 30k (dealer found "problem" during state inspection and replaced under warranty). The rack and pinion was replaced at about 10k due to a loud squeal. The weak Goodyear RS-A tires were replaced after the third one blew out before 30k miles. The instument cluster was replaced at 37k due to a grinding noise in the tach. Its great to drive and the fuel mileage is incredible, over 25 average!! Its a good car, but I wouldnt buy another one.

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  best of the lot - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By George - April 12 - 12:32 pm

  I had owned a Mercury Montego (just like the Ford 500) which by far was the most comfortable sedan I have every owned. But it came with electrical issues and transmission problems. So I checked all good size sedans out there and the Impala was the best subtitute Icould find. Nice quiet, comfortable ride, with a great instrument panel. The 4-cylinder was more than adequate. Not as easy getting in and out of but OK. One major complaint is rear visibilty. One minor complaint, owners manuel comes with no nice case and even without it does not fit in any front seat compartments (including the glove box). All in all a great car.

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  Was disappointed. - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By adina - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car a year ago and have had many problems. One problem was a water leak that the dealership could not pinpoint. My husband had to go down to the dealership and tell them what was wrong. They thought my windshield was leaking, turned out to be the air conditioning was not draining properly so the condensation backed up into the car. Also had numerous problems with valves leaking, blower switch not working for air/heat, wipers breaking during winter, and now the drivers side window switch sticks. The service engine soon light comes on periodically and no one knows why. Glad I bought an extended warranty.

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  LTZ - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Leakenkans - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Wife gets in. Top goes up. Down the road she goes/\.

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  OK car, poor mileage, uncomfortable... - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By erik_j_72 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The seat is very uncomfortable. There is no lumbar support and I could not recommend this car for long trips. The seat only adjusts two ways: front-to- back and seat-back angle adjustment. The road noise and tire whine were very quiet, even at speeds around 75 mph. Ride quality was acceptable, although many small bumps on the highway that other cars had no trouble with caused the Impalas steering wheel to jerk and jitter. There was ample trunk space and rear seat storage space for my equipment. After a quick trip to the gas station the gas milage was a measly 18 mpg, absolutely HORRIBLE for 100% highway driving.