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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  GREAT BUY!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By DAVID CORTES - March 14 - 10:00 am

  BIG CAR BUT FUN TO DRIVE...

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  Disappointed - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Marlene - March 14 - 4:46 am

  Having owned the 2000 Impala I was excited about the new body style of the 2006. While I enjoy the comfort of the car and the drive performance, I have experienced nothing but problems with the ABS/Traction Control System. I have been back and forth to the dealership at least five times and they have replaced the electronic braking module and the rear wheel harness attempting to remedy the problem. To no avail the problem is still occuring intermittently. I love my car, but I hate the problems that I am experiencing. Looks like I will have to trade it in sooner rather than later. Looks like GM is going to lose a valuable customer.

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  Disappointing Gas Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark Ricca - March 8 - 1:00 am

  A fine looking car inside and out. The small block V8 engine is quick and powerful. The engine does not deliver anywhere near the EPA estimated and GM advertised gas mileage, even when driven ultra-conservatively on long trips.

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  #1 Value & Features - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By ko - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle 3 weks ago from a Chevy dealer as a lease return that originally went on the road less than 12 months ago. At 34% depreciation from new with 2 years factory warranty left, how can they sell them new? The car has greatly exceeded my expectations. Virtually no body flex, very comfortable highway ride and great fuel economy. This car is actually turning out better than the Accord or Camry I previously test-drove and thought I wanted. Highly recommended.

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  #1 Value & Features - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By KO - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle 3 weks ago from a Chevy dealer as a lease return that originally went on the road less than 12 months ago. At 34% depreciation from new with 2 years factory warranty left, how can they sell them new? The car has greatly exceeded my expectations. Virtually no body flex, very comfortable highway ride and great fuel economy. This car is actually turning out better than the Accord or Camry I previously test-drove and thought I wanted. Highly recommended.

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  Its not your Fathers Impala. - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Phillip Dark Hourse - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent noise free ride, good torque & fuel economy. Excellent style & interion space, roomy trunk. Engine is easy to service as there is room to spare for changing serpentine belt & oil filter.

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  ok car - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By bull - March 3 - 2:00 am

  good body, paint,handels road very good very good pick up, gas use poor. nice looking car but very overpriced for what you get.

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  Impala Woes - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By derek8155 - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice car but suffers from quality problems. I had to replace all 4 rotors 5 times in 100,000 miles due to warping. I also had numerous problems with the steering and shaking. The two things you dont want problems with are steering and braking. GM had no real solution to these problems so I am getting rid of it and buying a Camry.Its unfortunate as this was my first American car I have ever purchased in 30 years and probably my last!!!

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  Four Door Corvette - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By candymanfb - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has a powerful engine - capable of passing in an instant. Comfort for 5. I have no idea what GM was thinking when they stopped making this car. Maybe they wanted it to be worth something - unlike Chryslers PT CRUISER.

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  Fun Chevy - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By carbguy - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had a number of Chevys but this is for sure the best one I have ever had. The LS is a great family car and a great joy to drive. It has plenty of room and gets good gas mileage. Keep up the good work GM.