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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  Nothing Compared - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By retlem - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 2003 Nissan Altima to get this one because my payments were too high. This car feels like Im driving a boat. I miss the custom leather interior in the Altima and the very stylish ride. Also the gas in this car goes down twice as fast than the Altima.

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  1995 IMPALA SS - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By Michael Barrett - June 25 - 2:00 am

  My 95 SS is my every day car with 127K miles. Ive helped its performance and handling with SLP headers ADR cat back 2.5 inch pipes (loud) Bilstien shocks cold air intake MS6A electronic ignition 275-40 ZR tires 160 thermostat and beefier wires. Horse power is up from the original 260 to near 300. Ill soon be upgrading the 3.08 rear end to 3.42. I LOVE driving my 95 Impala SS. Its one of the better things Chevy did, and one of the dumber things they did when they dropped the Caprice therefore eliminating the 94-96 Impala SS.

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  1995 Impala - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By dhyde1 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I havent had many problems with my SS. I did have to change the water pump at 63,425 miles. I keep getting a whole in my drivers seat on the left side of seat. I changed the seat once I dont think im going to fix it again. I had to fix my brakes twice and the belt once thats it. Its a nice car.

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  Monthly problems! - 2011 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jm - June 25 - 12:58 am

  @28,000miles, brake problems,power windows replace and every 8,000miles replace front rotors and pads. @50,000mi.transmission replace. @70.000 power steering pump replace. Constance road noise thru bottom of rear doors. Popping noise when turn right on gravel roads. Price too high for this car.

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  EDIES SWEETIE - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By EDIE - June 20 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR REMINDS OF THE CORSICA THAT I PREVIOUSLY OWNED. I LIKE THE SIZE OF THE CAR. IT HANDLES THE ROAD VERY WELL. I DRIVE THE INTERSTATE EVERYDAY. WHEN GETTING ON THE ROAD, IT PICKS UP VERY WELL, EVEN THOUGH IT IS A V6. I REALLY LIKE MY CAR. I AM THINKING ABOUT TRADING IT IN FOR A NEWER MODEL. THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE THE LS MODEL.

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  Worst car ever - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Driver1 - June 17 - 7:43 pm

  This is a terrible car. The looks are beautiful, but looks can be deceiving. Several rattles throughout car and horrible wind noise through windows. The back panel vibrates when the back speakers are on and it sounds like blown speakers. I drive about 1000 miles per month (95% highway) and the best I can do at a constant 60 to 65 mph is 22 mpg. Had the car in for warranty problems twice now and Ive only had it for 5 days. In that 5 days, have put 1400 miles on it and have decided to trade it off on a Nissan or Toyota. Have had a new GM car every 2 yrs and have watched GMs quality consistently decline. Its time for change. GM is history.

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  Big time hassle - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Shelley - June 16 - 3:53 am

  This car has been in the shop non-stop since I bought it.First the fuel sensor, then a brake recall, now the dash is acting up-It has been in the shop 6 times for electronic problems. Engine cooling for temp outside of 40 degrees, it was 70. Turn signals broke, dash says no seatbelts on - everyone has belts on. Air bag says off when adult passenger in seat-or was it off-who the heck knows. I love the way this car handles and its comfort, but I am fed up. Data recorder was installed-said replace ignition switch, they did, 8 days later, same problems. Only 8000 miles and in the shop over 6 times-I had planned to keep this car until it dropped, but that has changed.

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  Good Car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By TJBJN - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The car has been not totally what I expected! Steering problems persist. The intermediate shaft was replaced once and now with 25000 miles it needs to be replaced again. Also the transmission was replaced after 15000 miles! If this car is so fun to drive why so many complaints regarding the steering? GM really needs to take a close look at the steering design. Probably will never buy a GM again.

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  best car ever - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By ronalddk - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Best car and best car for the money. Has all the bells and whistles of cars costing $10,000 more. Fun, fun, fun to drive. Interior is a little drab and the cruise light on the dash can be distracting at night, but this is the car. Have a ball.

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  paid 15000 not 21000 - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gleemontague - June 11 - 2:00 am

  The discounts available on these cars bring the actual price down to the economy car level. I would not have bought this car for 21000. At 15 you are talking about one of the least expensive 6 passenger cars in the world. The 3.4 litre motor is not over stressed in the configuration provided here. interior is very good for large people who have long legs. And the available bench seat brings me back to the good old days. Some of those old fashioned features are still good today. I also like the trunk design. I work in an auto plant and have repaired many trunk mechanisms. This is an amazingly simple hinge that works well.