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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  used car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By dsmith9118 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive ,sharp looking . good gas mileage around town

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  It is what it is, and its good for that - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank - April 18 - 3:36 am

  It kills me that some people want or expect a Corvette out of this car. The Impala is a great car for its class. The engine is responsive but not overpowering, the exterior design is very nice, and the interior isnt bad, but could use some improvement. I have not attempted to blaze through s-turns at 130MPH, but I imagine that it wont do so well. So what? Its a full-size, 4-door sedan, not a Porsche. The sound system is good. Its pretty quiet compared to a Maxima or Taurus, although its no Caddy in that department. Overall, its a great value for its size and class!

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  Reliable Car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Carmine - April 18 - 2:00 am

  The Chevy Impala has been a great car. It handles extremely well in the snow,and it holds the raod very well. It will seat up to 6 people. It has a large trunk adn is a great all around car.

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  2 YEARS LATER - NO COMPLAINTS - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By G_WILSON - April 17 - 2:00 am

  NEARLY 22000 MILES - HAS SERVED US WELL OTHER THAT A POWER STEERING PUMP LEAK WHEN NEW THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ANY WARRANTY RELATED REPAIR/PROBLEM(S). CAR REALLY DOES GET 32-33 MILES TO GALLON ON THE ROAD . . . IM PLEASED. . . AND IT CAME AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE TOO . . .

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  sweet car - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By shane G - April 14 - 2:00 am

  the best car eer built

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  Poor Performance Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By kj123abc - April 13 - 2:00 am

  When my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child, we decided to purchase an Impala LS for reliability. What a poor choice we made. It had to be towed for problems twice within the first six months, and it has been nothing but trouble ever since. Both the coolant system and the electronic system had multiple problems. Chevrolet has not stood behind the product at all. This is my first and last Chevrolet.

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  Awsome car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Craig Euritt - April 11 - 8:40 pm

  Very nice design, unreal gas mileage on the 3.9 32+ on the highway, Nice sturdy seats that are the most comfortable I have ever set in. This car is a winner. highly recomend

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  going back 2 foreign - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By mr. marbles - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my 2000 Impala for 3 years now and Im less than satisfied. Ive had continuous problems with the Coolant-leaks and sensor related. In cold weather it often barely starts & sounds like its 10 yrs old instead of 3. Interior is cheap looking. It seems there is always a warning light coming on. Paid 7K less for my wifes Civic which ran for 8 years without any problems. GM has lost me. Im going back to Honda with my next car.

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  Sweet Ride! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By hanley - April 4 - 1:06 pm

  I love my Victory Red Impala. The ride is super, with awesome acceleration, and loads of room for the youngins. We test drove all the the imports, and came back to good old Chevy.

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  Impala - One ups itself - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By SS in Ohio - April 3 - 8:46 am

  After owning a 2003 Impala, I stepped up and bought into the new SS body style and design. I can say from the test drive I was hooked. The styling, performance and overal experience was better than I could have imagined. My 2003 was pleasing over the three years I owned it. This 2006 already has the comfortable feel of a well used ball glove. Power, handling, and styling this car has it all. Within the first week, I cant count the number of people that have come over to take a look and the car. Every one has made comments to the styling of the SS. Once again I am sold.