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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  The Impala is Back - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By SpW - October 25 - 2:16 pm

  The Impala is a great car. I really appreciate the size of the auto and the gas mileage. Its very sleek and seems to be solidly built.

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  Impala = SOLID FAMILY CAR - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Heathr1213 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I am a 33 yr old woman with a husband and 2 children ages 7yrs and 3yrs old. The Impala by far has been the best family car I have ever owned. The child safty features are top of the line. The space inside the car is very large. Boys will be boys and mine tend to disagree often and this car provides the space they need to be in there own space and not invade the others personal zone. :) Did I mention the trunk is huge! My last car was a Mazda 626 and I felt I never had enough interior room or trunk space, well I have been spoiled by my Impala..plain and simple!

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  outstanding!! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Alilclassy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  great car - Mine has all the options available except the sporty Corvette- inspired rearend which I hate the look of anyway. My first experience was renting one in January 2002 and ever since, Id had my eye on them. Smooth ride, excellent handling, plush comfort, reasonable price for the options I have. Highly recommend.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Eric - October 14 - 8:52 am

  So far I love this car. I had purchased a 2005 Chevy Malibu Classic in July but wasnt satisfied with the feel of the engine so I traded it in for a car I was more comfortable with driving. This is the third car I have owned and fifth one Ive drove and by far it is the best. The only thing wrong so far is when I first bought the car i couldnt fill my car with gas no matter how full or empty my tank was without it activating the automatic shutoff, but the dealership repaired that for free.

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  One of the best cars I have ever owned! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By priggly - October 10 - 5:28 am

  I have now owned my 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS for over three years and have no complaints whatsoever. The car is quiet, fast, comfortable and without problems of any kind. I have had the power steering hose replaced plus the battery, both under warranty, and otherwise, no problems. The car is very fun to drive with its 5.3 liter engine and 303 HP plus 323 lb.-ft. of torque. It will snap your neck back into the head rest in a hurry, that is for sure! The quality of the car is certain. All the switches and controls are solid and feel like they are in a car costing much more. The sound system is of high quality and sounds great regardless of the genre of music played. The XM is fabulous.

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  Impala! A Great Car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By nyclicker - October 9 - 10:00 am

  It a great performing car, fun to drive and loaded with many standard features. So far I have been getting 22mpg. Theres nothing I would change on this car.

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  Happy with my 2009 - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By James_C - October 7 - 7:18 pm

  Car rides better than my 2007 Impala. The stereo is better as well. Only complaint is (as someone else pointed out) the angle of the headrest is not as comfy as it could be. I drive very carefully and have been averaging 29-30 mpg city. Would recommend the car to anyone looking for a midsize sedan.

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  Great car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tom - October 7 - 3:40 am

  I just bought my new Impala LS. The base model has everything I need. Onstar side, impact airbags, Power windows, locks, 8way power drivers seat and a 211HP V6. It has great handling and pickup. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  OUTSTANDING CAR - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By robert - October 7 - 12:50 am

  O my gosh where to start it rides smooth looks clean love the body style chorm wheels, the only problem is the dang traction light and the check engine light keeps coming on when the weather change, kind confess other than that love it to death.

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  One of the best cars I have ever owned! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By priggly - October 5 - 2:18 am

  I have now owned my 2006 Impala SS for forty months and have to say that it is absolutely one of the very best cars that I have ever owned. It is blindingly fast, exceedingly comfortable, handles very well, quiet, solid, free of problems and generally of extreme quality. I have had very few problems with the car and which are limited to a bad battery which was replaced under warranty and a defective power steering hose/clamps, also done under warranty. The dealer service experience has also been unparalleled with polite, competent and thoroughly professional service each and every time I have taken the car in for service. I have been most impressed with the level of professionalism.