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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  Wow! What a Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By JBHERNANDEZ - February 26 - 10:10 pm

  This was my first Impala, and man am I impressed! It has everything you can want in a car, but it also has it under the hood. On a recent trip over the weekend, we drove from LA to San Diego, went sight seeing, and drove back on 1 tank of gas. Our average was 26.75 MPG. For any of you naysayers, who owned one and it had its issues. Name me one other car that doesnt have that problem. Made in America, and drives like a dream. Chevy has a winner here! If you are thinking of buying one, I would suggest the 3LT, it offers everything you would see in a luxury car for a affordable price.

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  2007 Impala LT - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By NLJJS36 - February 24 - 5:16 pm

  Coming from a 2005 Toyota Camry SE I wasnt sure what to buy. Went to Honda and Toyota dealership then went to Chevrolet. For the money Chevy put the other dealers to shame. The price on the 2007 Impala was about $3,900 less with much feathers. This car is also great to drive.

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  Be Thankful for what you buy - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sandy_B - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1990 Chevy Lumina,that had ALOT of miles. My parents had purchased a loaded Impala,I loved it!! Well I am glad to report that I have one. Its a month old. I read alot of reviews on this,to have a car, one must put money into one. I LOVE my Impala. It has great gas mileage,roomy,and handles very well. I have four children and we sit very well in the Impala. People say it should have this and have that well you get what you pay for.I personally after being able to afford a good car after so many years of hard work am not going to complain. Unless you are a teenager wanting to go around with the radio wide open I think the stereo is just fine.

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  GO CHEVY--Awesome Car - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Danny_G - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Chevy has always been my choice in cars--WHY?!?! They are awesome cars to own. The Impala is the best car I have ever owned and I love it. It is fully loaded and a joy to own. Very resonably priced and great options.

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  Impala SS 2006 - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave M - February 9 - 2:40 pm

  We have 9,500 miles on our car and absolutely love it. On my last mpg run of 114 miles on the interstate from Billings to Colstrip I got 30 mpg. I wouldnt trade this car for anything else.

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  Big, Bold, & Beautiful - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mike 95 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1995 Impala SS as a present to myself. As a young man I owned a 1965 Impala SS and when I saw the 1995, I new that I should have another. It is a great car to drive. The 2 ton behemoth handles the road and speeds ike no other car. I cruise to car shows, cruise ins, and just everywhere in style. It has won many trophys so judges and peers know it is a great car, too. I have had no problems with my Imp. I love it.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By yukonpower - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my implala 2 weeks ago and put over 3000 miles on it. I must say that I enjoy to drive it more then my GMC Yukon...Car seems very solid, responsive and absorbs bumps very well.. Plenty of room for 5 adults..Great gas milage, and planty of safety features..

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  I have the car of my dreams! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By hotcd31 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I owned the Chev Malibu prior to purchasing the Impala. Im almost 6 feet and my daughter is 61 and we needed more room for comfort. The Impala is roomy and so much fun to drive. I look forward to taking many road trips this summer. I do not regret purchasing this car.

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  Impala SS - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tzadok Gable - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Best American Four door out there and a great muscle car

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  96 SS with a ProCharger Supercharger - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jim Hellmuth - January 30 - 2:00 am

  An Art Carr trans, Hotchkis Sway bars, gas shocks, Police Spring Set and a Supercharger with a new MSD spark System and all the necessities such as a Hypertech chip systems and an additional gas pump did it for me. Tuned down to 5 lbs of boost and i am still making 350hp at the tires. It is spooky fast and fun to drive now. Cool thing is that it can handle the power. Incredibly fun car.