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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  Try It! Youll Buy It - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bud - October 16 - 2:43 am

  I traded in a 99 STS. Im very happy with my new SS. Power, comfort is all there. I had torque steer B4 you learn to drive with it. Sideview mirrors are much more aero than the ones on the STS.Side curtins great saftey improvment. Engine very smooth and much quicker than the STS. Dont like the trim around the dash and the unfinished door jams,still a nice car.

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  310 Horses never felt soooo good - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Terry - October 15 - 4:36 pm

  I traded my 2002 LS because it was underpowered and this cars PERFECT. Its just what the boredom doctor ordered. The fun starts when you hit the accelerator. Gas mileage is about 18.2 but who cares. the exhiliration is worth 10mpg. Reminds me a little of my 67 GTO except it was rear wheel drive. Love the leather and XM but most impressive is the diagnostic center. All 4 tire pressures? Cant get much better than that. If youre looking for a sleeper, come drive this car, you wont regret it.

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  road noise - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By bnelsor - October 15 - 2:00 am

  My one huge complaint is the amount of road noise - it is unacceptable. We have been really happy with the car otherwise, lots of space, lots of power, very nice car.

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  2006 SS Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By jack - October 13 - 12:46 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 SS and I have to say that I have been impressed. This SS is a blast. This car is not a BMW or some make that costs 2 To 3 times as much. It is a very competitively priced car that will do 150+, gets 25+ MPG and will out accelerate just about anything in its class 0-60 MPH. If you want to pay 40- $60,000 for a foreign car that will do this then great, but for my money, this car is has big bang for the buck.

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  Impala 1996 - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By greenboy - October 13 - 2:00 am

  What a car! I own two 1996s, one black and one black cherry!

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  My Review - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ken - October 12 - 12:13 pm

  Overall a decent sedan. A good family car that has good interior features. In all fairness, I am a truck person but the high gas prices influenced me to buy a sedan.

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  Love my LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob - October 5 - 3:03 pm

  Just picked up my 2007 LTZ and so far have been extremely impressed. The car is tight and quiet with amazing acceleration! My only compliant is that for a vehicle of this price, I cannot believe that you cannot get climate control. Other then that I love the LTZ!

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  World Class Sedan - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By DC - October 5 - 2:00 am

  A well known consumer service rates this vehicle as a recommended one. Looking at the hard data, hard to argue as it has scores that surpass the best the Japanese have to offer. You will find sedans that equal this one, but whether one surpasses it is a matter of subjective opinion. Subjectively, we love this loaded Impala LS.

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  Performance and value - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By JohansenRJ - September 29 - 5:40 pm

  Great value and comfortable car. Smooth and powerful. Great exhaust note too. Not a soulless Japanese import, this vehicle has character. Cant get the V8 performance, OnStar, or fun factor on a Camry or Accord. The downside is the fuel economy (the ratings are a joke, 16 city, 24 highway is more realistic)

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  The perfect car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By todd stokes - September 29 - 4:00 pm

  The impala is the best car on the market. The impala has head room,leg room,lots of trunk room. I can get in and out of this car with ease no falling out on the ground to get out. It has a great ride easy handling lots of power. It is a great family car for someone also. For the money you can not go wrong with the impala.