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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  DBatmobile - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By dyoung1 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is comfortable, though a bit noisy, with most controls easy to use and reach. Leather seats provide good support with adjustable lumbar and they are toasty in the winter with the seat heaters. The car has a very smooth powertrain with excellent low end grunt and pleanty of passing power with the 3.8L engine. It gets excellent gas mileage at about 30-31 on trips. The handling dynamics are so-so, it requires attention to track, especially on the twisty roads. It holds all our stuff for those long vacations, but is still easy to park. The only problem in 10k miles was a leak in the gas tank filler neck that required replacement of the tank - under warranty.

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  Gm has better lawyers than cars - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jim Magin - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went at low milage. Arnold Cheverolet put in salesmans car used transmission and gave me a bill saying they fixed mine. Still NG Remote door locks never worked Compass / temp doesnt work Rattles and squeeks

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  Good safe family car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By just_another_driver - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife in January because of its safety rating and that she could easily fit her friends for their frequent outings. It fulfilled all this. The ladies loved their days in it and in the end, the safety rating held up. The car was totaled after just four months. Though the front of the car was taken completely off, there was no damage at all from the windshield wipers back. I just bought her another Impala.

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  1996 ImpalaSS - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By James Beck - September 16 - 2:00 am

  A great car with intiminating looks and surprising jump off the line. Lt1 350 underhood 260hp from the factory with much room to grow with simple preformance upgrades. A head turner at ever light. Im in love with my SS and you will be too.

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  We love our SS - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By STM - September 14 - 1:40 am

  Weve taken the SS on road trips that include interstate and winding mountain roads. The V8 responds immediately and brings back memories of the old Chevy muscle cars. Fuel mileage is a little disappointing, but its hard not to get on the accelerator when you have the chance.

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  love my impala - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By mz - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I am a realtor and drive alot of miles with customers. This is a nice automobile to drive in winter with icy, snow packed roads. It holds the road well, imparting a feeling of safety for passengers. It is comfortable easy to get in and out of. I really like my Impala and am thinking of buying the 2003 model. My only complaint is the road noise.

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  IMPALA 2000 - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jshort - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Plenty of room, Great reide and 32MPG>, What more do you want with no problems!!

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  2000 LS - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By PMcG - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall very good. Upgraded tires (Continental CH-95s) made a significant difference. Have had occasional problems with hesitation while accelerating (improved some after servicing), the radio has become tempermental (reception), and had to have a cracked subframe replaced. A perfectly adequate performer for my needs.

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  Road Warrior - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sales Guy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I drive for a living to call on many accounts throughout Michigan. I drive in all weather conditions. I have been delighted with the IMPALA. I wanted a car with a comfortable ride, lots of trunk space, engine power and relability. I have only one problem and that is the steering was making a crunching sound. I have had that repaired. All is well. Sometimes the breaks "grab" and make a "jerking" motion. But most of the time there is no problem. I have ordered another one.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lowell Patterson - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I traded a Bonneville with all the gadgets for this car. The Impala has plenty of speed, torque, and great handling ability. I enjoy the interior comforts of the car, the color combinations, and the simulated wood trim that adds a classy dash to the dash. I love the computer-related adjustments I can make to adjust various features on the radio, etc.