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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  all gm vehicles should be this good - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By fancydancy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  An outstanding car. Rides well with comfort and style. Engine and brakes are responsive and strong. The only problem this car has had has been early replacement of front brake pads at 28000 miles and frayed wires which were replaced under warranty at 22000 miles (the dealer said this problem was probably caused by animals which had chewed the wires!) Otherwise no problems. Car could be quieter, however.

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  This is the car for you - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sullivanmark1 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The car has an electronic information center that tells your average speed, mileage, average mileage per gal. I average 32 miles in town and 35 on the freeway. I have checked it the old method and the electronic mileage unit is accurate - WOW... (I have the 3.4l engine on a sedan).

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  Happy Indiana Campers - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob & Cari Palma - October 22 - 4:53 am

  Excellent overall execution. This is the first new automobile we have purchased in 33 years, preferring used. But the factory incentives made this new car impossible to pass up, so we went for it and are glad we did. Great car overall. We appreciate the level of standard equipment, even in this base LS model. We did not want ABS and Im glad it was optional on the LS so we could avoid having to pay for it one way or another. Fit and finish is excellent; no complaints or any need to return car to the dealership. The Impala is an outstanding value for the money; head & shoulders above Camrys, Accords, etc. Highly recommend that it be compared to those makes before assuming anything

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  NIce Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sinner - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice car for the money....bought it on GM employee plan paid 19k for 27k car...Rides & drives great...nice performance excellent fuel mileage 33 mpg...overall nice car...

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  I luv my caw - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By impala_luver - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Even though Im 25 and Im driving a chick magnet on wheels, I still cant seem to get a date. I thought the heated seats would "warm things" up a bit, but to no avail- but seriously i love the sunroof, heated seats, steering wheel layout controls-radio, the radio adjustment to windspeed, smooth handling, and fun to drive. All my friends want to take it from me on trips. I am an impala junkie.

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  One of the best that I have owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By A. Lane - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome, big, comfortable car. Its handling is great and it is very smooth driving. The gas mileage is great and it has a great safety rating. Finally a 4-door sedan that is fun and practical to drive. Congrats Chevrolet on a great car!!!!

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  Great car but unreliable - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By amcurtis - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my car 16k miles in the 6 months I have owned it. I do lots of harsh city driving and many highway miles. I am religious about the maintenance and upkeep. I love the car it drives great. Rotors warped 29k, dealership turned free. Warped again at 34k. 43k miles a lower intake manifold gasket started leaking and a fuel injector went bad. merging onto the highway yesterday something under the hood went crunch and the computer shut the engine down. now it is in the shop for what I expect to be a torque converter or transmission at 43k. very glad I bought the extended warranty not so glad that I bought the car.

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  Not my dads Impala - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cozman - October 13 - 7:56 pm

  This is not my dads Impala! Love the power. Hope to tap into it more with a Flowmaster system. Only complaint is that the seats need to more bucket than bench. Exterior is nice with crisp lines and a tight fit. Makes long trips enjoyable to drive.

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  Love the SS - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ron - October 13 - 4:00 am

  I have only had for short time. But so far I just love it. Its hard to get used to an SS having 4 doors but I like the emblems, reminds me of days gone by. I traded in a crew cab dualy, so this is of course way more fun. I read reviews here before I bought it. And I have to agree about the wind noise and torque steer. But I bought it and like it anyway. I got almost 28 miles to gallon on a three hr. trip. That was at 70 with cruise control. I liked the steering wheel controls in my pick-up (04 Silverado) better than the switches on the dash in Impala.

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  Dream Car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By KR - October 11 - 7:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car. I factory ordered the LTZ model black on black with cloth seating (as I dont like leather) and the metallic trim on the inside instead of the base woodgrain trim. This car is my dream! 18" Wheels that stand out and look like I went out and custom bought them. Two large exhaust tubes sporting stainless steel tips. I tried to create a great sports car with this vehicle and I succeded by putting two thick stripes running from to back as well as chroming out the front and rear chevrolet logo (over the default gold. A sound system is my only future plan for this vehicle as it turns heads no matter where it goes. I just want to drive it!