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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  Impala is a winner - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Matt - August 27 - 5:00 pm

  I have the 3.9L--LT Impala. Its a great car. Rather quick, very quiet and roomy. It can reach 28MPG HWY. Nice looking car and auto start comes standard.

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  Bad rotor design - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ferg - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Had to replace front rotors at 19,000 and 34,000 miles. Other than that, I love the car.

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  Impala Chevrolet Has Improved - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By carman joey - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I currently have 52,000 miles on my 2002 Impala sedan & have driven all over getting gas mileage as high as 33mpg great highway car & the 3.4 has preformed beautifully!

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  CMONTOY1 - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cmontoy1 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Great Ride, Has a lot of room. Great trunk space. Fun to drive. Great on long trios.

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  Good car at a good price. - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By AHapka - August 21 - 2:00 am

  3.8 liter V-6 engine works well, gives plenty of power for a large car. Very spacious and comfortable.

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  should have bought a hyundai...... - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By bob - August 20 - 10:46 am

  Bought this car hoping that it would be enjoyable to drive, however front end vibration, limited cupholders, wind noise around windows, cant put a map in drivers side door pocket, no glove box light, no vanity mirror lights, lousy radio. no locking gas door.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dale Knepper - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new, and have driven it now 53000 miles. the original Goodyear Eagle tires were noisy, but the replacements (at 40000 miles) are great. Performance is great, interior space is great, and it never has a problem. A few minor glitches were fixed under warranty, and since then it has been trouble free. My other car has over 200,000 miles on it - but I think this one will pass that one easily!

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Former Japan Owner - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Love the quality of the Japan cars BUT, these car is doing great! No problems of any to report...yet $1000s of daollars less than Camery and Accord V6 cars. Paid only $16,000!!!! So far so good!!!!

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  Great family car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By speed diva - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle a year ago. We have taken it on several road trips with the kids. The ride has been very confortable and fuel economy reasonable given the average speed of our travels. We are extremely happy with it. This vehicle replaced a Camry we had owned which turned out to be a lemon.

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  BIG BANG FOR THE BUCK - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mikkara - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I researched this car for months, test drove it, and bargained the price down to where I wanted it. I am very, very pleased with the styling and performance. Bought it in the Galaxy Metallic Silver w/sunroof & spoiler, leather...makes me feel like I am 21 again, only at 21, you cant afford this car! Buy it! Youll like it.