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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  What a bargain! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ziggerman - November 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought a loaded LS for $22k and have put over 16,000 miles on it without any problems. Loads of power from the 3.8l, lots of interior room, great A/C, very good driver info center, great stereo for its class. The looks will really grow on you, especially when compared to the bland Camry, Accord and Maxima. This car actually has personality. With GMs incentives, you can get a terrific family sedan that is fun to drive for $22k! Forget Edmundss opinion on this car, they are incredibly biased against it. Check it out for yourself.

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  impala ls review - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By m singleton - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand the auto industry ?? why they downgrade the vehicle, I test drove a honda accord, toyota camry, and a Ford Taurus before purchasing our Chevy Impala LS. The Impala was a quieter car than all the above, has lots of power and is nicely equipped. Its interior is large spacious and not gaudy like some vehicles Handling is not vague and sloppy as so auto experts describe in the fact its the camry and taurus that handle this way. I think again the auto industry is doing something wrong when evaluating this vehicle ( are they really driving them or just reading a data sheet and forming an option)

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  MY first cr - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Scarface Junior - November 17 - 2:00 am

  i got the car fo $17,000 cash. Now i have added about $13,000 on my wheels, system ad power to the engine. i could not ask for a better car thanthe impala ss

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  ¿ Best Car Ever ? - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By "mikey" - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ohhh man!! This car is the best in the world. There has never ben any problems with it. I got it from my cousin as a birthday gift. The car is fast, it is nice and roomy, it turns heads, and best of all we took it down to a drag strip and our 4 door family sedan beat a 5.0. This was the best feeling.

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  Id buy it again - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lugwrench - November 10 - 10:00 am

  the key to this car is it does allthings fairly well. It has adistinctly American feeling as far as room and comfort is concerned. Anyone considering a family car should give it a good test drive

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  Another Impala LTZ For Me - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By markgigharbor53 - November 9 - 8:50 pm

  This is my second Impala LTZ in two years. I traded my 06 for this 08. Great car for the money. The car is wonderfully equipped, as was my 06. I drive for business so I put on a lot of miles. The only complaint I have with the 08 is the lower fuel mileage vs the 06. I am only averaging around 23.5 hwy. (28-30 with same engine/options on the 06) Check eng. light finally came on Sunday with 10k miles. Took to dealer who said it was a throttle body unit. I hope it will solve the FM issue. If you have an 08 with disappointing mileage then have them check it out. Overall you will not be disappointed with an 08 Impala LTZ!

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  Good family car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By nutsovernascar - October 27 - 11:40 am

  The car provides a great ride and has good horsepower. It is the perfect family car with plenty of trunk space. It is a well built car with a very solid ride and a comfotable interior.

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  Best of the bests - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Daman Verma - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought 2000,2001,2002,2004 and 2004 impalas. I keep the cars upto 32000 miles and then trade in with a new one. Currently, I have 2004 SS and LS. 2002 was in an accident and car was rolled over 2 times over the hill and 17 years old driver walked away without any scratch on the body. Best ride and money worth car is the Impala car.

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  So far so good - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By mark - October 25 - 2:30 am

  Traded our 05 Equinox early as we were very disappointed with quality, problems considerng it was a forty thousad dollar vehicle. Tried the Impala. So far were happy. Nine thousand kilometers and no problems yet. Had lots of snow in Canada this winter, was worried about not having all wheel dive, but the car was great with traction control. Handles great,and smooth on the highway. More than enough power with 3.9 v6. Mileage a little embelished on sticker but so are all the other car makers.

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  Great Car-But! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By CLMcC - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I do love my 2000 Impala (19000 miles) but I am concerned about the intermediate steering shaft. I had a knocking/banging noise when driving the car, it was constant. I just took it in to have it repaired today. I hope my dealership will fix it properly. I have noticed other complaints about this problem also (that is why the But!). Really can not complain about anything else but GM should notice this problem.