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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  Very good for the money - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cheap Lux Freek - May 26 - 2:00 am

  the back end is very high makes it hard to back up and park (Sporty look) so thats a good thing and a bad thing. The steering is too heavy, keeps my wife off the driver seat )thats also good and bad! glove box made for a pack of gum. Come-On Chevy its a full size car.!!

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  hate to love it - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By lbfletch73 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I loved the Impala. Fell in love with the new model when it was released in October of 1999. I was so excited when I purchased my used 2000 model. I have not had anything but problems with it since. If the message center doesnt drive you crazy (which it will) the un- ending repairs will. I have talked with other dealership service areas and they have said theyve seen Impalas with consistent problems. I loved my car, right into bankruptcy. Buyer beware.

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  Dont Buy - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By AmericanCarsStinks - May 13 - 3:03 am

  This is my company car and all I have to say is this GM car is junk. Fortunately for me, I didnt have to pay a penny for this car. I have nothing good to say about it and a lot to complain about. My biggest complaint is the uncountable number of design "flaws". For example, when you open the trunk on a rainy or snowy day, water or snow spills into the trunk compartment! The car also has poor handling, cheap materials and a build quality that leaves much to be desired. Spend your money on a Toyota, Honda or Nissan.

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  Love it! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Susy - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Impala. Hey everyone, this is 2003 now, dont compare it to and old version of the Impala. It rocks and looks good too! Lots of room, but sharp looking and drives well for me. I dont even feel the tranny top out it is so smooth.

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  Good Experience Turns Sour - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Fiji111 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  My car performed great until around 17,000 miles. Heater core cracked and soaked my passenger carpet with coolant. A number of rattles have developed. Bad odor coming from vents required the dealership to install a special blower fan (aparently there is a GM bulletin on this issue so it is not unique to me). Ride is bouncy. Road/tire notice is too extensive for a vehicle in this price range.

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  Great Car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Hotwheels - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Best car on the road for the price. I have had other makes (camery) the Impala is far superior, I test drove the Impala because I was board one day. The next day I traded in my camery and never looked back. The Impala is Roomy, great mileage, many features, nice seats, great looks.

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Becky5687 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Impala after reading so many glowing reviews on Edmunds and have NOT been dissapointed. We own the LS Sport package and love it.

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  Needs some tweaking, but could be awesome! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By teresab - May 6 - 1:30 pm

  Expected better mileage on the highway. Window sticker shows 27, not even getting 20 as of right now. Engine wants to stall at stop lights with air on max. Water gets inside door frame when washing car, have to dry out inside of door frame. Sometimes theres lifter or valve rattling. Too much power for a front wheel drive vehicle, can get away on you if not careful.

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  Good car - but do I want another? - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Daddyio - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2000 in June 1999. Weve put 77,000 miles on with just the minimum normal upkeep. 1 annoying thing - the front window would "ping" like a pebble hit it when the tempurature inside was cooler than out. Weird and annoying!! I just totalled it and my husband wants to replace with new one - same color, etc. They dont seem to have changed in 4 years, except for being $4,000 more. I want to change, but maybe just for change sake. Any comments??

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  About Time! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By C RAT - May 1 - 7:30 pm

  I have always been a Chevy fan. After Chevy dropped the Camaro I was disappointed like millions of others. I hope the brain behind that move got canned. They have now returned with a true performer. Chevy started the muscle car era with the 55 Chevy. They have now built a car that others will follow and try to catch just like the 55. This car is a bargain for what you get! Im very pleased!