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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  Mothers Red Jewel - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By jsifferman - July 6 - 5:46 am

  Smooth and quiet. City 19 mpg, Suburban 23 mpg, Cruise 65 on the interstate 30.5 mpg. All the goodies except the skylight. 18 inch wheels. No wind noises, smooth shifts, Wanted to buy an American made Malibu, but couldnt get under the steering wheel. Canadian Impala was next best offer. Lots of room inside. Power and heated driver and passenger seats. Remote start, OnStar and XM. 2 tone leather seats. For a 50th anniversity car, the trim could have been upgraded, but for a Chevrolet it rocks.

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  review - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By c m brady - July 5 - 10:00 am

  excellent in ach category

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  Very pleased - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cameron - July 5 - 8:00 am

  Have had this car for 10 months now and very pleased; this is the vehicle that GM should have been producing for years. Get the ABS/traction control option. My 40-mile drive to work is largely on rural highways and if I set the cruise at 55 mph it will flirt with (and often exceed) 40 mpg on a mild day. Attarctive styling and color; no prblems. Excellent value for the money. My friends have been very impressed.

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  New Impala is HOT - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ken - July 4 - 11:50 am

  This 2006 SS Impala is just what I was looking for. It has plenty of power and gets reasonable gas mileage with the DOD system about 18 MPG in city driving. The head room is perfect for the tall person and leg room is great. The trunk is big enough for four sets of golf clubs. If you want power and a full size car this one is mucher hotter then the Cadilac STS for a lot less money.

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  Very Generic Feeling - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Pablo - July 4 - 2:00 am

  In short, this car just came off feeling like a very generic economy sedan. The HP and Torque numbers look good on paper, but on the road the 3.4L engine was quite anemic. The steering had a huge dead spot in the middle on straightaways at highway speeds; keeping it on-center took a lot of work. Also, the sound system has really poor separation and muddy bass. I know some might disagree with this, but even with less HP (and for about $2,100 less in price), I really prefer the Dodge Stratus for styling, comfort and handling.

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  First month in low-mileage pre-owned 2016 Impala - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By T Joseph Young - July 3 - 11:51 am

  Excellent vehicle overall. Attractive exterior design, strong engine paired with solid 6-speed transmission, decent fuel mileage on regular fuel, comfortable leather heated seats, lots of leg and head room, accessible controls. Major pluses: excellent interior room--I am 67" tall and have great head and leg room; the suite of safety features are noteworthy including backup camera, lane departure warning, cross traffic alert and front traffic safety alert when following too close. Minus: low profile tires are noisy (Goodyear R/S P245 45R19). Hope new tires will reduce noise when purchased in future. Eight months, 24,000 miles, several long trips, very pleased. Hwy mileage averaged 32 MPG on regular gas on recent 1,700 mile drive. Very comfortable on long drives--responsive drive train, long wheel base creates smooth ride, large trunk and backseat provides excellent storage, safety features were useful and appreciated. I upgraded my overall rating to a "Five".

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  Impala LS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By WJT - June 30 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars Ive owned. LS needs to have H-rated performance tires to really handle properly - add those and even driving straight is improved. Build/finish quality is very good. Design layout

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  Take a Closer Look at Impala! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Happy In Mass - June 28 - 10:00 am

  My first thought of the Impala in 2000 was Dull. I test drove one a year ago, and changed my mind. My second look at the styling. Differant! Then came the fuel economy. Wow 30mpg. highway, and 20mpg around town! Then I took a ride. Powerful 200hp V-6. Tight handling, and quiet cabin! And all the creatures of a much more expensive car. I had a chance to ride in the back seat this week, a 30 minute ride.I was very impressed. I have had Town Cars, Crown Vics, and Grand Marquiss. Just as nice a ride, and just as much room, and the rear theater seating was nice. I am 61" plenty of leg room. Over 18 Cubic feet of trunk space, (I cant reach the back seat)

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  Good solid value - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark - June 28 - 5:33 am

  The Impala LTZ is a solid value with good performance with the 3.9 V6, which comes from its older brother the rock solid 3.8. Styling is nice inside and out, but I would think for the price Chevy would offer climate control, a coin holder and better outside mirrors. I opted for the LTZ over the SS, due in part to the tires are cheaper to replace, the V6 runs good enough for any need I will ever have.

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  Supercar - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul Cooney - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Never had a problem with it other than the back window going out of track. (cold weather)