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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  Great for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By bob - July 14 - 7:40 am

  Impala ls under $20k. You cant beat this car import or domestic 4dr sedan this is it. The interior is basic and that is what I wanted. Trunk is huge good gas mileage

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  Great Old-School (if FWD) American Sedan - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jkp1187 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought this used with 25k on it, put 11k on in 3 months. Great engine, good power/torque. Wish the handling were stiffer, but it is more than adequate for the average family sedan purchaser. The car has incredible acceleration at highway speeds. Smoked a Honda Prelude on a deserted stretch of interstate a month or so ago -- he gave up when I hit 115.Get the leather seats--they are more comfortable and make the car look SOOO much nicer. Its not a luxury sport sedan, but its easily the equal of the Accord, Camry, Taurus.

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  FAR BEYOND EXPECTATIONS - 2017 Chevrolet Impala
  By Pops Cleaves - July 8 - 10:39 pm

  The Impala Premier V6 is an exceptional full-size sedan. Comfort and roominess (front and rear seating plus trunk) far exceeds mid-size sedan competitors -- Accord, Camry, Fusion, Altima, Sonata, Malibu, etc. Styling, exterior and interior, is sharp. All performance factors are tops -- acceleration, braking, handling, ride, and quietness. And fuel mileage exceeds factory figures. My wife and I average 31 MPG at 75 MPG on the interstates on long trips (rated at 29). The instrument panel is easy to read and the controls including techie ones are easy to learn. With only 6,000 miles it has not visited the Chevy Service Dept. One single drawback: its easier to get in and out of our Cadillac SRX crossover. TOTAL SCORE: The Chevy Impala is an exceptional vehicle and with tremendous value.

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  RATE THIS VEHICLE - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By rednic - July 6 - 2:00 am

  HAVE OWNED OVER 40 NEW CARS. TRADED CADILLAC FOR THIS CHEVY. TRIED OUT SEVERAL NEW CARS. THIS CHEVY IS BY FAR AHEAD OF OTHER MAKES FOR GAS MILEAGE, COMFORT AND EASY TO DRIVE. NO PROBLEMS.

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  SS has no rival - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Better Fords - June 24 - 9:00 am

  My last car was a Ford, & I liked it a lot. Im not stuck on one brand, rather, I buy what I consider to be the best car for the money. The SS fits that bill more than any car Ive ever owned. I love the understated, clean styling. IMHO, simple interiors are best, & the SS is as straightforward as it gets. 18" rims are great, and like the rest of the car, tough looking yet classy at the same time. Love the heated seats, XM radio, & sunroof - options I had never splurged for in the past. Hwy ride is smooth, be careful, though...this car can get away from you! Mileage is function of my driving; can get 28 mpg on hwy if I need to, but fun factor of the V8 has me averaging more like 19 :)

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  2002 CHEVY IMPALA ROCKS!!!!!!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By BIG L - June 18 - 2:00 am

  after owning this car for almost 2 years and i have to say that this car is tough as nails i have 43000 miles on it and i have not have take into service for anything except for oil changes and regular maintenance. if you are looking for car with a lot of room and features and wont break the bank the chevy impala is worth a shot.

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  $30,000 Performance Family Sedan - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By ChEvRoLeTfAn - June 12 - 2:00 am

  As soon as I turned over the keys to my 1998 Chevrolet Lumina Z-34 and got into the Impala and stepped on the gas, the difference was definately noticeble. The Lumina was quick and I used to be able to take the Civics and Eclipses right off the line but now, prior to experience,I have beat a 2000 BME 328i Sport sedan. I paid just over $30,000 and now that there is a special edition Indy 500 package i am probably going to trade it in.

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  impala sucks! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Shelley - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2001 white Impala LS, fully loaded for $27,000 & it has been my nightmare ever since! Ten months later and the transmission has gone out THREE times! You have to schedule an appointment, 25 miles away, to have it looked at. Let me tell ya, Ive been doing a lot of reading up on Illinois lemon laws. The 0% is what got me to buy the car and I will never, ever, ever buy a Chevy again. I have tried numerous times to trade it in and its true about the value of it dropping as soon as you drive it off the lot. 10 months later and it books at $12,000 less than what I paid for it. Dont buy Impalas!

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  So far good value - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By SueZee - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Impala in May of 02. I looked and drove foriegn sedans as well. I bought the top of the line. It has more bells and whistles then I could have thought of. Mine came with On-Star as well. The hands free phone although expensive, is a lovely addition for a hard working mom who needs to stay in touch. The pick-up is descent as well as the handling and fuel economy. Respectable crash test ratings and a price that couldnt be beat are what sold me. Now I have to see if it stands the test of time.

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  Nascar Mama - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By krystalnator - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This has been by far my favorite car ever. Its awesome to drive. Everyone had to have one after i bought mine.