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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  08 Impala LT 3.5 Liter - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By JW - December 13 - 9:14 pm

  Factory Goodyears on this car were a joke. I bought the car at 14,000 miles and drove the car to 18,000 miles and had to replace the Goodyears. (Why does Goodyear keep getting OEM Contracts with the big three ?) I have Michelins on now and they are wearing excellently. The car is smooth. The V- 6 could use a little more umph for my taste but not bad. The mileage is excellent. I average 30 to 32 miles per gallon in the Impala. I had 2 Ford Focuses and didnt do much better than that. This car has a huge trunk and feels great on the highway.The remote start that is standard, and the stereo system for stock is very nice. Over all I am pleased and would buy again. Buy used for the best deal !!

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  THE MONEY PIT!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Erica - December 5 - 4:26 pm

  I have had issues with the security sensor going hay wire, I have installed 2 water pumps in the past 2 yrs, breaks are an annual thing because they are being warped somehow, my battery keeps dying due to some kind of short that has not been found so I had to purchase a battery charger and charge my battery every 2 weeks to make sure I can crank the car and now my transmission is slipping and slamming when I reverse. This car rides smooth however between my annual expenses I have had more bad days then good with this car. Once I get the transmission fixed I am getting rid of this car unless I can get rid of it before then.

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Clydeprang - November 17 - 3:53 am

  Outstanding performance for v-6; Suspension (optional sport) does a great job on twisty roads. Comfort features (heated seats, etc are very nice touch); we have been very pleased with this vehicle in town and on one 5000 mile trip. Gas mileage is an amazing 30mpg - even at 70mph plus. Little too much road noise on some roads, but that is not hard to live with.

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  Good car with lots of space - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Laura - November 14 - 11:34 am

  Ive been impressed with the performance, handling, and comfort a good-sized car which made it easy for me to switch from my small SUV back to a car again. Strengths-I really like the driver’s seat, I can move the seat up (so I don’t feel so low to the ground) and the significant back support (which I love). Trunk space is amazing-a great car for families. I like my dark gray interior and the info provided by the Driver Info Center (tire pressure, oil life, etc). Weaknesses-the dual climate control dials move too easily(you end up changing them more than you wanted to). I wouldnt say its "fun" to drive, but its reliable. I havent had this, but someone else had a fuel sensor go bad.

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  Original Owner 2001-2009 - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Arizonan - November 12 - 9:42 pm

  Owned car from 2001 to current (2009). Been a good car. Comfortable for long trips, reliable, attractive enough. Decent gas mileage per age of car now. Currently over 105,000 miles. Normal repairs and regular oil changes, and car has continued to be a good car. Large enough for family comfort too.

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  Dont Buy - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dargiewicz - November 12 - 9:17 pm

  The front tires need replaced after 8000 miles. The drivers door is noisy as wind goes by. Rear door lock sticks. This is my wifes car - she is not happy - My mother has owned Impalas for many years, she bought a 2009 Impala and is ready to go buy a Ford. My family of nine has owned GMs from the mid 70s - I own a 2001 GMC truck and have owned many GM vehicles (great truck but after Impala I may go to Ford truck)Always wanted a 3500 but may go 350

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  Reliability - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Eric - November 10 - 2:24 am

  Power steering hose came off and replaced, water pump went out at only 60,000. Left front wheel bearing going out. Rust behind the trunk metal trim line. Front brakes and rotors replaced at 54,000. Possibly a head gasket needs to be replaced in another 10,000 miles. To be short you get what you pay for. Im sure an 08 or 09 model is reliable though. Dont purchase a 2006 3.5L. If you have extra cash and like to perform your own work on your vehicle you would love this model.

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  Too Many Problems - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By AndreaP - November 7 - 4:25 pm

  Ride & handling are very good. Very comfortable, even on very long trips. Interior is very roomy, even for rear seat passengers. Tons of space in the trunk. However, it does not hold the road well in wet or snowy conditions. Even after meticulous maintenance, there have been too many mechanical problems. The cosmetic issues I have had are not due to abuse or over-use. My experience has been that this is a very poorly built automobile, and as a result has been unusually expensive to maintain. I would not consider purchasing another one. Items replaced include a new computer, catalytic converter, rear exterior door handles, wiring, trim items, etc. and several problems still exist.

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  A Good ride with some quirks - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By NatG83 - November 4 - 4:57 pm

  I had the 3.8 LS with Leather interior, full loaded. Purchased the car used. Motor was strong, good acceleration. ride was too soft, and would bottom out with 4 adults in car. Interior parts broke easily, and there were some unsightly gaps in the panels. The car was terrible in the snow. The traction control only made matters worse. The Leather seats were way too soft. They worked well around town, but left the legs numb on long trips. When I traded the car in, the transmission felt to be slipping with only 70,000 miles on the car. The exterior was nice, but the headlight seals went on the car.

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  Good Value for the money! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark L - November 4 - 3:23 am

  This is a pretty good compromise between performance and comfort, especially if you catch it at the 0% financing as I did!Taken a few road trips, not bad overall. Came from 05 GTO 6 speed so the performance is not bad considering. I recommend it to those in need of a compromise car.