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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  Good all around trip vehicle. - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By d.Mulca - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Will cruise all day at 70-75 mph and still give you gas milage in the high 20s.

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  Great Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Raym0016 - August 4 - 6:50 pm

  I have had this car for 2 weeks and every time I drive it I like it more and more. The hadling in this Impala is much better than the previous and the 3.9L engine really gets this car moving. The new engine is a great replacement for the venerable 3800! Styling is understated and the interior could have come out of a Cadillac DTS (like the radio and steering wheel). The LTZ is great entry level luxury for less than 28k! Nice job Chevy!

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  implala safety - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By good36 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Was in an accident yesterday. 60 miles an hour hit a mini van. We did hit the brakes and skidding about 60 feet. No injuries. Great safe car in my opinion!

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  Cant beat it for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Miss_X2b - August 1 - 2:03 am

  You cant beat this car for the money. Roomy, comfortable with a rather nice interior. The ride is smooth, car handles potholes very well. The car does tend to roll a bit in turns but I found that simply lowering my seat down reduces the effect.

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  Family Sedan in Style - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Munther Salim - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice car to drive with a feel of luxury The interior is well done this time at a reasonable cost. Fast and powerfull,yet, very good fuel economy and fuel tank size that allows me to travel from Detroit to Chicago and drive for a whole day on one fuel tank

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  OK Car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Goose1000 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Car Makes Dull Thump somewhere in the rear of the car. Car rolls backwards on a slight inclines. Had to replace Head Gaskets bad antifreeze leak. Had to replace Blower moter (twice) first to settings did not work.

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  Nail on Head - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Berky - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Im 25 years old and I have owned my Impala for about 4months. The only problem with it so far is the rear axle bearings are shot and I am about to get them fixed. Other than that it runs like a champ, drives like a champ, and looks like a champ. Lots of add ons are available from car lovers like us. This is one of my dream cars. I wanted one since the day they came into existence and it took me six years, but I got one. I dont think I would ever choose to get rid of this car. I plan to put a supercharger on it from NAISSO superstore in FL and up the horse by about 300hp. Thatll snap your head back heheh.

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  Why is edmunds so biased? - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By tony blate - July 20 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars I have owned, a great buy for the money. Ride and handling compares with cars many thousands more. I looked at everything from BMWs to Hondas to Nissans...best buy for the money. Get the bigger engine and leather seats..LS version Obvious Edmunds is pushing people away form this car but for what reason?

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  Truly a Super Sport - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By larrygre - July 19 - 2:00 am

  If there is such thing as a car that is too much fun, the 90s Impala SS is it. I bought my 96 used four years ago and I just plain never get tired of driving this car. Acceleration is fierce. Braking is excellent, the g=huge 12" discs doing their job admirably. The handling and overall vehicle dynamics are surprisingly good for such a large car. Four doors nonwithstanding, this is truly the heir to the legendary Impala SS cars of the 60s. Ill never part with mine - like I said, its too much fun!

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  Worth the look - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By nivloc1 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car now for 2 months and already has 8800 miles. Not a squeak to be heard. Car is solid and responsive. I drive 10 over posted highway speed and expect to be there when merging. With this car, thats not even an issue.... Performance is what you would expect in a more expensive sports car and not in a 4-dr sedan. Even looks better than most sports cars. I compared vehicles up to $60K and would choose this one again. Given my driving habits, gas mileage is a respectable 26mpg combined Highway/City. The interior design needs major touchups.