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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  Nice car - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Anthony E - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Its a nice car runs fast smooth and rides soft

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  BEST CAR YET! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By HUFFU2 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  WE HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN THE PAST 20 YEARS...BUT THIS CAR & STYLE IS THE BEST YET! COMFORTABLE INTERIOR, NICE LOOKING EXTERIOR, AND MANY COMMENTS MADE TO US SINCE WE BOUGHT THIS CAR.

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  2000 Impala LS problems - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Norbert Berninger - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This 2000 Impala LS has been trouble since I brought it. Almost every month in the garage. Front suspension completely replaced, Brakes,rotors, pads at 15,000. I purchased car with 15,000 miles. It is advisable to buy extended warranty.

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  Safety - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Terri - July 27 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased a 2005 Impala after being T- boned in my 2003 Impala last month. The safety rating was the determining factor in 2003, and it proved to be correct. While the car was totalled, I was not hurt, and the 3 carseats in the back were untouched. The car is extremely comfortable, roomy and fuel efficient. It handles nicely, and above all, it is built to protect passengers in the case of a crash.

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  Impalla SS - very, very fast family car. - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By Way2KeuL - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The 1994 Impalla SS is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is a big, fast and very stylish car. For families, it is the high performance alternative to a mini-van. Great for hauling groceries and kids, or for hauling a@# or cruising the beach or town. Not many family cars that weigh 4000-plus can beat a V-8 Mustang or Camaro but the Impalla does it with ease ...

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  Great Car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank1003 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the first GM Ive ever owned. I bought this vehicle new and have had it for two years now. Just turned over 50,000 miles. Besides oil changes and car washes, maintenence cost has been zero. Never been back to dealer since driving it home. This is without a doubt the best car Ive ever owned. It makes Taurus, Camry, Accord, Intrepid, etc. seem like junk. Impala has a much more solid feel and has been 100% reliable.

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  Nice car to have - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Guo - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Comfort for long drive

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  Not impressed - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul Wernich - July 20 - 11:29 am

  Car looked great on the lot and it was a certified pre-owned with a good warranty and only 8,000 miles for almost 15k below the new car cost. Thats where the "wow" wore off. The Impala rides too harsh and unsettled for the flagship of the Chevy lineup and twin to the Buick lacrosse and Caddy XTS. Getting in and out literally bruises my hip because the seat belt has a hard piece sticking out at the side of the seat. I keep turning the radio off and every time I get back in the car its on again. The a/c automatically lowers everytime you make or receive a phone call, even if its 100 degrees outside. The autostop function is a nuisance because the car bucks and jumps at every stop light/stop sign and I doubt its really saving that much fuel. Some of the interior bits are cheapy/flimsy. I have the upgraded LT and it has fabric/plastic seats, the Chysler 300 costs the same and gives you real leather and a V6 that gets about the same mpgs as Impalas 4 cylinder??? I think I made a mistake. The Impala also sits way to low, I keep scraping up the front end. Im just not impressed.

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  I love my car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kisskalt - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Roomy, smooth ride, nice features and a fantastic price.

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  EXCELLENT DRIVING MACHINE - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By sear2 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds is right, it might be call the Impala, but this beautiful front wheel- drive family sedan has little in common with the v8-powered rear-drive models of the past. It is a much better sedan. than the past, excellent performance from 3.4 V6 & 3.8 V6. And it is better sedan than Ford, Chrysler & Toyata.