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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  Get your rotors checked - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chevy fan? - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car looks,drives and performs great. However, the trips for warrenty work are killing me. The brake rotors are just one item. The brake pedel was pulsating starting at 30K and all 4 rotors were replaced at 34K. there is a technical bullitin out that the rotors are covered under the bumper to bumper warrenty. Dont let them talk you into "turning" them. At 19K miles the air conditioning required repair. First new GM product Ive owned, see the additional items for warrenty, makes me want to go out and get another one. Lets see, steering shaft, broken motor mount, cracked gage glass, faulty trunk light switch.

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  cant go wrong - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By luv it - May 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Impala for the size and value and I think we got it right. I cant tell you how many cars we looked at before we bought it. It drives and looks great. I know there seemed to be a difference in the ride of the base model and the ls model. The ls you just cant complain. I have 2 sons who play sports so I appreciate the trunk room.I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Best Car at the Best Price - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By James Bolt - April 30 - 1:50 pm

  When my car unexpectedly died last month, I was thrown into the car market. I typically take a long time to decide, but this time, I needed a car. Immediately, I found the best car for the best price. The Impala has the highest Consumer Reports rating for a non-luxury sedan. It beats all Camrys and Accords, everybody. Then, in the month of June, GM offered 20% cash back on Impalas. 20%!!! The Impala I bought is loaded: V6 engine, Navigation, Leather Seats, Sunroof, Adaptive Cruise Control, 20" Wheels. Sticker was $41,720. After all the discounts, I paid $30.750 !!! Thank you GM!

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  awesome car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Connie S. - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Comfort on long trips A++++! We love our Impala for its style, speed and performance. It took me a while to get used to the quick acceleration at traffic signals! Wow! The heated seats are WONDERFUL in the winter. The only thing I find a bother is the emergency brake pedal. My foot hits it when entering and exiting m

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  THE BEST OF THE BEST - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By CHASEDIAMONTE@AOL.CO - April 27 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT CAR I STUDIED IT FOR 0NE YEAR BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. WHAT I LIKED WAS THE SAFETY FEATURES ON IT. THE RIDE IS JUST AS SMOOTH AS THE LARGER AND HIGHER PRICED LUXURY SEDANS, WITHOUT THE BIG PRICE. ON THE ROAD ITS PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR, I WOULD RECCOMEND IT TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO WOULD LIKE THE COMFORT AND THE SAFETY. I GIVE THIS CAR A 10.

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  2000 Impala - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cstaples - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. It is fun to drive and I feel very safe behind the wheel. It handles well in all types of weather. The gas mileage is decent in the city. The trunk room is incredible.

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  Engine Cradle/Transmission Problems - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mike Austin - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This car ran well at first. However,creaking and rattling noises started in the front of the car, noted in steering wheel. Dealer installed cradle shims (replaced twice). Transmission went at 100,000 miles (torque converter and 4th gear). Was told by servicing company the transmisison was new for 2000, and has reliability problems. Other 2000 Impalas were taken to the same service shop due to transmission. Also, rotors warp and need to be replaced often. I also had a problem with charcoal canister and emission system. I also had a problem with headliner sagging near sunroof. It is a shame that GM produced a car with this many mechanical problems.

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  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By KAYBEE - April 23 - 12:33 am

  I previously owned an 03 Impala and the 07 is a much better car. It has much more power and gets great mileage. The interior is great except for the faux wood trim. The exterior has nice lines and it is a sharp looking car. The flex fuel feature is neat, but E85 has mileage limitations. The traction control is improved and you dont notice when it engages like the 03. The rear seats fold down which is nice, the 03 that I owned did not have this feature. As soon as I took delivery, we drove from Chicago to DC. I had 4 adults and a child and everyone was quite comfortable. I love this car.

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  Poor Quality and Service - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Masters - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but problems, thank goodness for extended warranty. Im looking forward to the day that I sell this car.

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  Excellent Value - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By friendofricks - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Just over 3 yrs, 24k+ miles. Agree with all the positives from the other reviewers share only a few of the negatives: slight vibration in steering column, dealer repaired under warranty, needing only lubricant. Notice slight shake in wheel when braking lightly at higher speed (rotor issue noted by others?) hesitation once in a blue moon when lightly accelerating. Tranny went on a friends Impala at 32k, but replaced under warranty. Mine is flawless so far. This is a good, comfortable, attractive, fun car, and perhaps the best overall value for $. Domestic nay- sayers should give it a good honest look.