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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  New SS Impala - What are you waiting for? - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By garsarno - April 9 - 5:46 am

  Just purchased the car on 1/27/07. A real performance family car. Comfortable, roomy, an ideal business vehicle with the flip up rear seat bottom cushions for luggage/briefcase storage without marring the leather seat. Large trunk / fit and finish very good. Standard remote start and XM satellite radio / OnStar.

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  Good value - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chris H - April 5 - 7:43 am

  The LS is the value here. I think you will be dissapointed if you spend more the upper trim levels; hey, its a Chevy not a Mercedes. I found it to have better handling and braking than Ford 500. Handling is even better once I replaced the stock(cheap quality) tires with the Pirellis that the police package Impala uses. Would not have purchased if it didnt have 100k warranty. Not all cars on the lot are flex fuel so pay attention. Also, watch out if buying used: used rental car fleets tend to not have ABS or head airbags. Had a bad radiator cap that took two visits to diagnose. Other than that, flawless. I have 11k miles on it after 5 months of ownership.

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  Going to Tokyo - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By joelicanoli - April 4 - 3:00 am

  Problems..First with the crunching noise coming from the steering wheel when turning corner. Next problem was the security system would act up every once in a while and would not let me start the car. Then, I started encountering problems with the turn signals....only works when they want to. Recently, I noticed it was hard to start, idled roughly, and was loosing coolant. I took it into Meineke and they said it might be the head gasket. Also, they showed me there was a hole in the air intake screen which I guess was making it hard to start and the rough idle problem. Now my car is sitting outside my apartment and I cant even get it started at all.

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  Dependable Car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jaun - April 3 - 2:00 am

  After 195,000 miles in 4 years this car still rides like new. The Impala is the most dependable car I have ever owned. Normal Maintenance and it keeps on going.

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  my best car - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By dean - March 19 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i have owned its fun to drive and still turns heads,and always git complements its great

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  Sporty appearance - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By jkonkle - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Id rented these for years at National Car Rental. I finally broke down and bought a new car. I checked out the Dodge 300m, Infiniti G35. Nothing packed the punch, size and features as the impala for the money.

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  impala review - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By vivas - March 14 - 10:00 am

  whenever i had to get somewhere fast this car was great.

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  Dicks Impala - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By randr - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in Wenatchee,I understand it was the second one sold in the area ,so I paid almost full bore ! The car has only 2 problems that Cascade Chev couldnt or wouldnt solve1st the radio gets very POOR reception outside of town ,every time I tried to get it fixed they said the problem couldnt be dupilcated, ( I guess so,nobody takes time to drive it far enough out of town ). And the front break rotors seem to warp every 6000 or so miles ,been turned 4 or 5 times and replaced once ,they blame our driving habits,but my 99 Dakota or previous cars havent had that much of a problem.

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  Great Car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By guff - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Good safety record.

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  Impala GAS (SS) - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gary from Dayton - March 10 - 3:26 am

  I was in the market for an SUV and I wanted a foreign brand. I felt a loyalty toward American cars so went to a dealer to look at a TrailBlazer. I saw the Impala SS, test drove it, and was hooked. I forgot how fun it was to drive--it all came back to me when I touched the gas pedal. This was the CAR. I am not a fan of leather so I was happy to find a black Impala with cloth. I also have a 2005 Accord V6 coupe. The mpg listed on the sticker is 29 HGWY, my Impala is listed at 28, a one mile difference, but that is as close as the Honda can come to the Impala. OnStar, remote start, power,ride. I would like to use reg gas in it though.