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:
Showing 1571 through 1580 of 2,036.00-
All American - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
By mjm55 - August 16 - 2:00 amPERFECT 10!!! Finest car Ive ever owned. The new "impala", an insult to this cars fine name!!!
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Excelent Acceleration - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
By Arnela - August 15 - 2:00 amExcellent performance In spite of anual alignments and low miles I am on my 3rd set of tires. Heated leather seats good Plastic trim bad gages subject to glare at sunrise/suunset
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Wonderful Car!!!!! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
By marci68 - August 14 - 2:00 amBest car Ive ever owned. Rides great and handles even better.
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this car is phat - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
By low - August 14 - 2:00 ami love this car my wife calls it my other woman i mean the power and the comfort is lovely im ready for my next new car it will be a impala ss 2004 im a impala owner for life just keeep building them like my 2001 and you got a life time buyer my motto is once you go impala you never go back
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Simply the Best Buy in a Sports Sedan - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By priggly - August 12 - 12:36 pmThis car is simply the best automobile Chevrolet has offered for sale in a very, very long time, a grand example of sports sedan combined with high quality highway cruiser with its powerful engine, superior fit and finish, quiet cabin interior, awesome BOSE sound system and excellent gas mileage for its engine size (29.5 mpg at a steady 65 mph on the highway). The interior is superb with its high quality controls, gauge cluster, comfortable, quality leather seating, and general ambiance. Ergonomics are absolutely excellent. Handling, braking and transmission are top-notch. The tranny is especially smooth with effortless and imperceptible shifts. The exhaust note is exhilarating.
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MADE IN AMERICA - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
By Joe Mac - August 5 - 2:00 amWhen I bought this car I had a little question mark in my head - now I have a big smile on my face! This is the best sedan on the road - PERIOD. I drive 65/100 miles a day (Local,Highway,City) and look at all the "non" American four door vehicles that cost thousands more yet have less room, power and comfort. I laugh as I pass them by. The Impala LS is the best kept secret around. I have ordered an SS and cant wait!!!
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2002 Impala LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
By larryfl - August 1 - 2:00 amWeve owned this car for almost 18 months. Very few problems, nothing serious. Car handles well for its size and type (sport suspension) and gets phenominal gas mileage -- upwards of 30MPG at 80MPH. Lots of room and huge trunk. Its an excellent family car and were very pleased. If I had to list a few negitives, Id say the interior fit and finish could be better.
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waited for a deal and found it - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
By jmorris@vertafore.com - July 31 - 8:02 amdont skimp on what you want
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A very, very good car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
By Sly Foxe - July 31 - 2:00 amThis is one of the best cars overall that I have owned. It has a high level of comfort. Particularly the front seats. i am a big guy (250#s) and I have been very comfortable on days that I drove 600+ miles. One small problem with the power steering pump that was replaced under warranty and that is all after 26,000 miles. Fuel econmy is 19-21 in town and 28-30 on the road. Excellent for a car as large and comfortable. I also like the ONSTAR system. Still riding on the original tires and brakes that should be good for another 5,000 miles. Acceleration is above average and handling is secure and predictable.
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Lots of fun - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By Russell Giuliano - July 30 - 5:00 amJust got a new SS. I went in to look at an old Jaguar, ended up buying new. I love the look of the new Impala (I liked the old one too). Im getting lots of compliments from co-workers, saying that it looks like a more expensive car than it is.
