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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  Awesome - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By samuela - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My chevy impala is going to be three years old very soon (bought it new), Im yet to find a single problem with it. The gas milleage is terrific, acceleration is great, very spacious too and drives realy good.

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  2001 LS - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By blueeagle65 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with our 01 LS. Weve had it for two years and have had to do nothing other than routine maint. It gets much better mileage than we expected and we love the huge trunk.

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  Never Had a Day of Trouble - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rob Williams - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE this car. It rides extremely smooth, performance is second to none for a car this size anywhere in this price range, and it never fails to turn a few heads. I couldnt ask for anything more. Ive only had to change the oil and buy new tires.

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  2002 LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By jcm - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The car is solid and rides nice. Good for long distances. In quick turns, the back suspension feels like its tracking is off. Been plagued by minor electrical problems since purchase, windshield washer that would turn on with left signal use, remote entry system receiver failed, instrument cluster problems such as resetting while driving and broken tach. On third instrument cluster. So far, all covered under warranty. Just worried that these minor items are a hint at something major.

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  Great car I just love it - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By RICHARD R R JACOBS - March 22 - 2:53 pm

  I also had a 2008 Impala LT and this 2016 Impala is heads and tails better than the 2008 I really like the look of the LT and everything that comes with it if you are looking for a smart looking car buy one of these you will love it .Only gripe is the glove box is too small will not allow the manual to fit without a major trial and error I got a folder and keep all my important papers in trunk

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  KING OF THE STREETS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By kingvin - March 21 - 2:00 am

  LISTEN, IF YOU NEED A CAR THAT IS RELIABLE AND POWERFUL THEN GO TEST DRIVE THE IMPALA LS. I AM 27YRS. OLD AND THIS CAR BLOWS ME AWAY WHEN I START DRIVING. LOTS OF SAFETY FEATURES AND ROOM. GM DID THERE THING WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE PLANS TO GET THE SS MODEL WHEN IT COMES OUT.....

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  Im loving my Impala - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By dlichtenhan - March 20 - 6:36 pm

  I decided at my age I needed to have a bigger car with four doors and American made. I actually felt a little guilty with all my European and Japanese made cars. I love my Impala, I am so impressed with the build and finish and the ride surpasses my expectations. I get between 23 and 32 miles per gallon which I am happy about and also exceeded my expectations. Hurray for Chevrolet.

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  Best deal going on a new Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By tl_rich1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Great deal on a Mid/Large Sedan. Couldnt go wrong on a 2004 Impala (1SB package) with on five miles on it and an out the door price of $18,700 (included tax, tags, and title)

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  My SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By MarinesVixen - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I finally did it! I traded my 01 Impala LS in for a 04 Impala SS. All I can say is...WOW! I love it! I love it! I love it! It has that extra get up and go when you need it, and it loooks gooood! =) Like I said about my LS (and I do miss him), there is nothing more to life than a good man, good children and a fun car to drive. Semper Fi Chevy! MV

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  Weve Gone a Long Way - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By RC - March 17 - 5:15 pm

  Our 2000 Chevrolet Impala sedan police package served us well just over 201,000 miles. During its time a repair here and there for us began around the 160,000 mile mark. It still has a smooth ride with the original shocks and struts. Received many compliments about the exteriors solid look from people, and they being surprised when asked about the mileage. A one of a kind look and dependable!