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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  The Only Problems Were Caused By Me - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By blaised - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I only have about 5200 miles on this car, but they have been short trips, which is worse than highway driving. The gas mileage is excellent for such a large car (large by todays standards). The acceleration is also fantastic for this car. I think on the whole this car is outstanding except for its overall looks. (I do not think the crop of cars out there today are all that good looking, so my 7 rating of the Exterior Design is really a compliment). I slid on ice and damaged the front fascia, power steering unit had to be replaced because I hit a big railroad track, and mice got into my engine bay and chewed the wires. Exceptional.

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  Poor reliability - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ltolch - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car has had coolant problems, two transmission rebuilds and warped rotors all within two years and 38,000 miles of easy city and highway driving.

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  2001 impala rewiew - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By mark dettloff - June 5 - 9:50 am

  Great buy for the money. Excellent gas mileage for a full size car. Very comfortable, but not slooppy handling.

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  performance vehicle ...late 90 - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bill...chevySS - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This Sporty looking family car has the muscle and style..Its been a pleasure owning, I have drove 60k miles..Never a problem...The only part that i have changed is a water pump in all these miles..Except for period maintanence..Ex.oil,plugs,filters.This is one good Chevy!!!!

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  huge, fast car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jasonholiday - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was the overhaul best sedan Ive been in. Leg room up front is huge, Im a big guy and can still stretch out. Car is fast, and still gets 23mpg on average for me (chevy says they get 29hwy, but mine gets less). Tires are expensive to replace and my steering makes a crunching sound- also have had small antifreeze leak that they couldnt fix and problems with the car starting. Only have 37k on it, too.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By coosa - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 2K miles on my LS, and dont know of anything to complain about, and that is unusual for me. I looked at several other cars seriously - a Camry, Lexus ES 330, Buick La Sabre, and also briefly considered the Equinox. The Camry is a like driving a wagon compared to the Impala. The Buick is a good car, but it looks like you have to live in a retirement village to own it. The Lexus was seriously considered, but it would have been over 10K more, and I dont think it is worth it. The Impala definitely has a more comfortablbe seat, and 200 hp is plenty unless you are drag racing. The Edmonds review almost kept me from considering the Impala - dont listen.

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  Great Car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By EMCCARTY - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Great mileage - 31 to 31 mpg on highway @ 70 mph. Excellent Styling. Very comfortable. No repairs except rotors and that was at GM expense. Weak front rotors, replace once by GM and now are warped again.

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  Awesome Impala LS - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kubes - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Impala used with 35k. Its been awesome since I owned it, no problems whatsoever. It currently has 51k and feels brand new. Great power, handling, comfort. Much higher quality and comfort than previous foreign vehicles. I cant recommend this vehicle enough!

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  Excellent - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By intercat - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I purchased it to celebrate my graduation from college (35 years after high school) and suriving breast cancer. Its beautiful, and it is everything I wanted it to be.

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  2008 Impala 2LT - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By trainguy - May 30 - 9:23 pm

  This is a lot of car for the money. Plenty of room for the entire family, easily holds 5 adults. We upgraded to leather interior. The trunk is absolutely huge. Very long list of standard frills on the 2LT is more what Id have expected if I had purchased a luxury model. Highway ride is smooth and quiet. A pleasure to drive. Avg fuel is 24mpg, mostly highway. Plenty of pep with the 3.9 engine. Biggest issue was finding one to buy, area dealers had none in stock, had to have it shipped in but still got a great deal.