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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  Best Impala Ever Built - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Fred Shine - December 2 - 6:36 am

  I picked up my new 2006 Impala SS, in August. The new style 2006 Impala SS is the BEST Impala SS ever built so far. Comfort, style, appearence, easy to learn gadgets, fun to drive and outstanding performance. The DOD V8 is fantastic. This 2006 Impala Super Sport is going to be a collectable classic in years to come. It was worth the wait!

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  gimpala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By bob - December 1 - 5:00 pm

  lets see.....two tone grey vinyl dash with faux wood trim are the highlights of this tribute to historic american auto interior design.....lame and uninspired particularly when compared to other model in this price category....I wont even comment on the patterns in the seating area.

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  Great car but with exception - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By montgomery - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely comfortable. I call it a poor mans Cadillac. The only problem I have had with this car is the brakes. Replaced rotors at 21000 miles and again at 35000 miles. This has also ruined four sets of pads and they are gone again now at 49000 miles. General Motors says they have no problem with this but I know different after owning 14 Chevrolets. Do not trust the brakes.

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  love my chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By MARLENE SPENCER - December 1 - 2:00 am

  looks good,ive had so many compliments on my impala,drives so good and the steering is so easy,i love the cd player and all its different features it looks so sporty and yet it is so practical,my husband talk me into getting it and im so glad!!

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  Get One! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By dano8710 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The Impala SS is a really sharp looking car for starters. Sure, its a 4 door sedan but, its not grandmas Impala. Start the engine and you can tell that theres fun going to happen. Nice exhaust tone....and fairly subdued until you punch it and watch the S/C boost gauge; smooth power and torque when you want it. Im glad that Chevy brought it back.....and you can get one with no options (standard features are plenty for me) for right around 22K, after all the rebates !

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  high maintenence vehicle - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By fleetman - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car till it hits 60K then get out your check book. So far the front brakes have been changed twice, fuel injectors serviced,front end makes awful klunking noise, steering wheel squeeks, catalytic converter changed, computer repaired, ignition repaired, spark plug wires changed and the list goes on and on and on!!!!!!!!

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  I Like the LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tony The Tiger - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I took a look at the car when a friend of mine showed me hers. The LS was top of the line in 2002. For a family man who wants a comfortable car with a sporty fair, this car is ideal.

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  Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By DavidJump - November 16 - 6:00 am

  Performance is excellent. I hit 80 before I realized it. It felt like I was at 60, given noise and road feel. Gas mileage for the trip from Dover, Delaware to Somerville New Jersey was very close to 30 MPG. In fact it exceeded the EPA estimate of 27 MPG for that vehicle. Build quality, fit and finish is clearly equal or superior to any similarly priced import. This car has the leather seats, which are very comfortable. The quality of workmanship from design to engineering to assembly and dealer prep that went into this car is impressive. The trunk is large and well thought out. Hardware is out of the way, so it doesnt interfere with cargo or luggage. To summarize - WOW!!!!!!

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  Where do you get your retail prices? - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sal Federico - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The 94-96 Impala SS is the last of the rear wheel drive supercar sedans. The current retail value posted is not realistic, the average retail value on one of these cars is several thousand higher in the case of an average condition 94 and as much as double for a pristine 96 with low miles. How did you arrive at such a low retail value?

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  Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lumpy - November 2 - 6:13 pm

  This car handles extremely well and has the power of a 1960s-1970s hi performance car (Ive had a few). The technology is great, showing my when tires are low, what gas mileage I get at any given time, and a lot more. This car is the best buy out there.