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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  2002 Impala LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By mdunton - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Im not a car nut or an expert-but I love this car! It handles nicely, is exceptionally quiet, the leather interior is beautiful and I absolutely love my sunroof. I havent had a single problem in 11,000 miles and I doubt that I will have any problems for 111,000 miles! Cant beat this car for the money!! Space, luxury, and affordability--and our dealer was super helpful and patient

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  Totaled the car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By me the man - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I totaled My car at about 65mph and walked away with very minor injuries. Thats how well this car is built. GREAT CAR it saved my life!

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  2001 Chevy Impala LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Vince2000 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Chevy did their homework and Im very happy to say that the Impala LS is a fantastic car to own and drive. The gas mileage is FANTASTIC.

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  SS FUN - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By EMO - July 12 - 10:00 am

  On delivery-no scratches, wax on car, hand dirt in interior (poor prep), car jumps (low end torque), rides good on highway and turns are fun, 27.3 mpg on first tank (premium only), lots of looks, everyone speeds up when they see you, wheels are easy to clean (even the back of the wheels). This is a fun car that looks, rides, and runs like a champ-your reviewer can have all the Japanese refinement he wants- Ill take the FUN!

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  First Sport Appearance Package - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By C AFranz - July 12 - 2:00 am

  We bought it with every option from dealers inventory. We much prefer th rear appearance with the Silver sport appearance package The steering wheel controls are nice, the hands free cell phone great and the seat controls very functional. I could use lower mounted cup holders in the doors and of course, more HP. The highway mileage is outstanding with one trip at 33 mpg using cruise control.

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  chevy Impala - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By bayuvar - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance but the subcarriage had to be replaced under warranty. Some problem with the steering [??} makes a noise but was told by dealer not to worry. Now Chevy has some retrofit kit and it has been installed still some noise though.

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  Great for BIG people - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By dtairtime - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds reviewers must be little people. They feel the Subaru, Ford and VW are better cars in this price range. They might be, but Im 63" and those cars are too small. I am happy with my purchase (I bought it in Jan. of 2000) and have not had any problems that the dealer didnt go out of their way to correct - all little things. The trunk is HUGE, the car can accommidate 5 full-size people and my only complaint is the use of way too much hard cheap plastic in the interior.

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  Why did GM stop making the Impala SS?!! - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By portert0224 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and plan on buying another for my wife and one for each of my five kids! If you want a fun, fast, roomy 4-door modern muscle car, this is your car! My 96 SS ran a 14.67 quarter mile when it was stock. I added a cold air intake and K&N filter and it ran a 14.53 quarter mile. This SS will outrun any stock 5.0 or 4.6 Mustang. It is very reliable. It still has the stock battery that came with the car and it has had only two mechanical problems--the driver side window came off track and the wiper switch malfunctioned, all occuring after 80,000 miles! It gets 21-24 mpg depending on my lead foot. Awesome car!

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  UAW Labor at its best! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By porrsher - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Got the Impala as Fleet with 52 miles on it, 98562 miles later the car is still as fun as day one. The steering started to make a clunk sound after 30k but a lil grease fixed it, the air vents are hard to position so that it does not blow right into the drivers face. Fuel economy is something i love, at 30 mpg it gets awesome mileage. the car doesnt make a single squeak or noise. It was a lil noisy on the road noise with the tires that come with the car from the factory, after putting Aquatreds with lower road noise it is alot quieter. This is trully Canadian UAW labor at its best! Love to drive the car.

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  Great looking big sedan with many extras - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By duraflex - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Great road car with time-tested 3.8 V6. Actual highway mileage up to 32 MPG !!! Intuititively designed, user friendly features. Feels big and safe to drive. Especially comfortable for long drives. Good fit and finish. Best bang for the buck in a sedan for under $30,000.