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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  An update! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By bigrig - December 23 - 2:00 am

  After another year and a half, I thought an update in order. Only problem has been brake rotors due to heavy road salt but completely covered by warrantee! You could not pry this car away from my wife! I still cant get over the gas mileage (3.4 engine)of 28 to 35 mpg and the great power in everyday driving! Drove it on a 200 mile trip yesterday and had to do some serious passing on icy roads. It handles great! Be sure to get antilock brakes and the power split bench seats! A great car all around! I would buy the base model again with upgrades--who elsehas a power split bench seat with this kind of mileage??

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  Overall Great car! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By ParrishFam - December 21 - 2:00 am

  We have had very few problems with our Impala. The brakes had lasted until 48,000 miles on the front, still over 50% left on the rear. Alignment goes out pretty easily. Only real complaint is the OnStar. The entire system has been replace twice and needs to be replaced again. Comfortable for my wifes daily commute. Large enough for family (5 people) trips. Excellent fuel economy for the power the motor has. Considering the SS model in the very near future. Highly recommended.

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  My car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By adpmcc - December 16 - 5:33 am

  I love it. Very quiet. I like the automatic lights, it helps me whe I forget to switch them off. The console between the front seats is perfect and has just the right sized holes for my cell phone, gate opener, and dont forget my Starbucks!

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  Cant go wrong here - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Walt123 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I ve leased this vehicle for about 2 1/2 years now and I must say its been very reliable. 20 MPG in town and 31 on long trips. No mechanical problems at all. Very comfortable. When the lease is up Ill buy it.

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  Not the everyday muscle - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By LSU Thor - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Being 24 years old, buying this car was the best purchase decision of my life. It was the one car that had everything I was looking for. It had a torque- monster V8, rwd and it wasnt a truck or a Camaro/Mustang that you see everyone driving nowadays. Its distinctive and will always turn heads and receive thumbs up on the road or at the track.

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  nice car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By petrock - December 7 - 2:00 am

  have no problemes with this car,unlike edmunds I like front wheel drive handles great in snow

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  2001 Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By CHARLIE-D - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Left fron transaxle seal leaked at 7,000 miles and repaired. Most miles are highway and one of the better cars I have ever owned. Looking for a new 2004 and will buy another Impala. I wish they had changed the 2004 body style.

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  The best, fastest, most fun - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By masterforklift - December 6 - 6:26 pm

  I traded a 2000 Impala for the 06 SS and I am pleased. 0-60 is about 4.5 sec and 60 to 80 is like lightning. I have the full package and am very pleased. Fully satisfied so far. It is a thirsty car but hopefully gas will stabilize

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  Edmunds Unfair to Impalas - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul Black - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Edmunds reviewers must have been on loco weed when they said Impala was "dreadful". We looked at everything from Audi to Volvo and settled on an Impala LS. The LS has a snappy engine, full independant suspension, and rides great. It corners like an Aston and has zero understeer. Itll beat anything but a "muscle car" in a dead heat off the line. Fully loaded, its the buy of a lifetime.

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  owner - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By goerge - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Only problem I have had is with brake rotors