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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  We like it so much we bought two! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Coastrider - January 31 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought identical LSs. We prefer big, confortable cars,and the LS delivers. The car features good power, economy, and handling. Very large trunk, roomy and comfortable driving position. Surpasses my two previous Crown Vics. Handles better and delivers much better fuel economy.

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  Impala #1 - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala Man - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Impala LTZ for two weeks now and can say that it is one of the better cars I have driven in a long time. The car rides and drives great and the 3.9L engine has plenty of power to get the big sedan up and moving. As far as the Bose radio system is concerned I have not had a problem with background "hiss" but have heard that some cars have had this problem so I will count myself among the lucky. All in all this is a great sedan for the money. If you don’t care for the styling and all you have seen it in is pictures you have to see it in person to do it justice. You also have to remember that this car isn’t meant to be edgy its a vehicle that they want to appeal to the masses.

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  My Dream Come True...96 SS - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By 96 SS Q-SHIP - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I wanted one of these cars from the first time I saw one on the road. After doing some homework, I realized quickly that the 1996 model was the one to own. In 1998, after selling my Camaro, I was surprised to find one in a local trading paper that was about 60 miles away. I was fortunate enough to have a seller that offered to drive to my home and let me see the car. They told me that they were the original owners and had all paperwork...including the original window sticker. Low and behold...right at the scheduled time they said theyd show up...A menacing low, black car crept past my front window.

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  Great Car Better than A Pontiac - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By whitedragon814 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Well I just bought my car and trade in a pontiac sunfire. To compare the two well their is no comparison. I notice all the room in side and the performance was 100% better. The Gas milage is also 100% better. Overall the impala is a very comfortable car and fun to drive. Unlike the Sunfire

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  Great Car! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bigmnky - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car its my newest car Ive ever owned and its great smooth ride great sound inside good looks and its god all kinds of power.

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  Couldnt give us anything else! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By DoonaVint - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We love this car! It has everything we could possibly want on it and under the hood. The 3.8l V6 is super, it has excellent get up and go on the highway yet still gets decent gas mileage in town as well. The berry red metallic paint is eyecatching and always changing depending on the light. The interior is wow! Love the leather seats. Dashboard is arranged so everything is easily seen. It was a toss up between a sunroof and a rear spoiler when looking, my husband wanted one and I wanted the other we were both willing to give up what we wanted so the other could have what they wanted, luckily we found one with both!

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  06 Impala, the best yet - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By L Johnson - January 21 - 8:03 pm

  Purchased this vehicle in September 05. My wife & I may keep this vehicle FOREVER. Its FUN (a little torque steer on hard accel can be forgiven & easy to get used to), Laser Blue is BEAUTIFUL; lots of looks & comments; all good+. It can get good gas mileage but its hard not to jump on it once in awhile which doesnt help mileage. Engine & exhaust sound fabulous. My brother purchased a new Mustang GT (which is also fun to drive) but he & I both prefere the SS if you are driving any distance. I would rate the Bose sound system at an 8 (very good, not great). More fun to listen to the exhaust sound (especially with the sunroof open but OK without).

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  Dead Battery - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By aav8r - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I parked it for 10 days. when tried to start it the battery was completely dead. Dealer jumped the car and said nothing wrong. They advised me to put a charger on car next time I park for that long. Give me a break.

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  IMPALA LS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By ccllmanske - January 13 - 10:00 am

  WE BOUGHT THE LS MODEL WITH THE APPEARANCE PACKAGE. 3.8 V-6 HAS EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE AND REALLY DOES GET 30 MILES PER GAL. QUICK HANDLING WITH A SMOOTH QUIET RIDE.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By KBJR - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my Impala purchase. The car is comfortable, has an extremely roomy interior, with leather and full complement of toys, its a peach.... I could have spent twice as much for a Volvo, but why on earth would I want to do that?! One thing that I do not like is the windshield wipers are too noisy. That definitely needs to be addressed. Other than that, great work Chevrolet! Thanks!