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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  Impala SS - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By rcap - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The seats are uncomfortable and lack support. If you can find Bonneville leather seats buy them and replace. Other than that it is quite a car. Not as quick as my Corvette Z06 -- BUT turns alot more heads and gets more notice!

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  The Perfect Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By dustyred - February 19 - 6:43 pm

  This car is absolutely perfect. I bought it early Janurary as a second car. I thought I would like my Honda Accord better, but this Chevy has proven me wrong. I drive a lot, so I like to own two cars to spread out the mileage. However, I cannot stop driving my Impala. The Honda sits in the driveway, this one is just that much better. The engine is fast, the brakes are unbelievable. My brother has an LS version, that is the one with the V6, and he says it is still a nice engine. I like the SS look of this car, I would recommend it to anyone.

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  I like it - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gtc - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I was driving a vic for work and i liked that car, but then i got the cevy and i love it. And talk about fast! The only problem with the car was the headlights, but thats due to it being a police car and having all the goodies in it. Im so happy i get to take it home with me every night. And best thing about it is no one knows its a police car. Forget ford, im stickin with the cevy.

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  A Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By T. Jackson - February 16 - 10:26 pm

  Overall, this is a great car the only problem I have is that its fuel economy isnt all that good. But, I mean what do you expect, and my vehicle is a V6 therefore the 4 cylinder may be better. But, other than that I love it!

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  Reliable solid automoble - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By sgtniz - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Great transportation love it .

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  Sturdy & Comfortable Ride - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By MambaJack - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This is just about the most comfortable driving sedan that I have owned. As an industrial salesman, Im used to long stretches on the road and after long hauls in the Impala I feel far less fatigue and muscle pain. The car handles tightly and worls well in wet weather with low road noise.

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  2 times and out - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By madison - February 9 - 2:00 am

  We have had 2 new impalas with trouble with both re tire rods breaking both vehicles were in shop within warranty both chipped paint

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  happy - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By joesnuffy - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Most car for the money on the market

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  Fun to drive!! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By ponymare - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE to drive this car... and I hate to drive! I dont understand why all these car magazines, etc. give it such poor reviews. MUCH more comfortable than any Honda Accord Ive ever ridden in... or the new Toyota 2003 Camry I was a passenger in. I love the way it handles...its small enough to maneuver but big enough for a family of five. My teenager also loves the sound system! Says its better than alot of his friends customized systems.

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  dont waste your time! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By cmont496 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  i brought the car with 17,900 miles,,,,at 19000 miles the engine coolant came on, and loud metallic noise started while making turns, the dealer replaced the engine coolant sensor, and found no cause for the noise. at 20420 the engine coolant light came on, thank god i check when these lights come on, the coolant leaked in with the engine oil. it is now 15 days and counting, and the car is still at the dealer with the heads out, and still no clue as to why this happened, i truely will not waste my time with another domestic car, no wonder there are so many people buying toyotas!