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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Fun Sedan - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
By Gossett - January 8 - 3:00 pmFun car to drive. Lots of power and handles great. Gas mileage less than advertized but who cares? The interior is pleasing and confortable. The Bose system is great.
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There is no other car Id rather have - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
By p6134476@yahoo.com - January 7 - 2:00 amIve put about 100,000 miles on it in the last 3.5 years and have had very little trouble. Its fun to drive, very roomy, tremendously easy to work on (I can swap the water pump in well under an hour). It is also quite the attention-getter. Economy is not the word with this car though - tires are $150-$200 each, milage you can expect 17-20 mpg (although some get more) and all the toys youll want to buy for it aint cheap.
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My Second Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
By zmamoo - January 4 - 2:00 amI just bought the new 2003 base sedan. It is my second Impala. The 2000 I had I just loved. But it did give me problems with the transmission. But the dealer kept rebuilding it so I have no complaints on my dealer taking care of me. But the problem was more then I could handle so I bought the new one and I love the Impalas they are great for traveling and I put a lot of miles on a car in a year. I have room for everything in this car. And I will always have an Impala as long as they make them.
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04 LS Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
By GTB82l - January 2 - 10:00 amJust bought one and loving it so far. Fast, smooth acceleration, great handling, luxury ride. Interior huge compared to my old Camry and our other car, a Maxima. Kids are in heaven. Trunk Tony Soprano would love. What other car can comfortably seat 6 adults AND all their stuff and get 32 MPG on the highway. This car is the value proposition.
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Best Buy Chev Impala LS - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
By Garo - December 30 - 2:00 amI am so pleased with this vehicle that I will replace this with a new Impala LS with the added Sport Package which resembles the Corvette backend lighting. Great gas mileage, both on the road and in town. Super powertrain.
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Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
By JoHanna - December 30 - 2:00 amI bought my Impala back in Sept of 2002. I owned a Cavalier before but I needed more room,truck space and a little more power. The Impala seemed like the best buy for the price plus the safty rating were pretty good. I drive a lot of miles and I really enjoyed driving it. If something happened to it I would buy another one in a second.
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96 Impala SS - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
By SEW - December 29 - 2:00 amThe only problem is road noise. Great car!
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Love My Chevy - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
By earthmofo - December 27 - 2:00 amI bought my Impala June of 1999. Ive had the car for almost 5 years only very minor problems. About 4 months into having the car my O2 sensor went out. I brought it into the dealership and they fixed it same day no problem. I didnt have another problem until 3 years later when my front driver side window stopped working. Just needed a new switch. Other than standard maintenance (new rotors and struts on the front after 50,000 miles) Ive had no problems in 87,000 miles. The mileage includes 3 trips from CA to OK and lots of trips from So Cal to Vegas. One time I made it from L.A. to Vegas in 3 hours doing 100mph on a single tank of gas!
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Solid transportation - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
By rdreece - December 27 - 2:00 amThe is a nice practical car that gets fantastic mileage from the 3.8 liter engine and also has plenty of power. In 50,000 miles, I have replaced the tires and battery. On-Star is a really nice feature that makes you feel more secure in your travels.
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Well done - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By Bob - December 25 - 3:33 pmIve driven my LTZ for a month now. I have great praise for it. Didnt have any of the quality problems mentioned in one of the reviews. Tightly made. Drives well. Great styling. Lots of compliments from the office staff in our lunch excursions. Even got praise from the office Ford fan. Im getting an overall 24 mpg city and highway mileage.
