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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  nice car,could be better - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob Spin - October 19 - 4:02 pm

  Had no problems so far with the vehicle at almost 35000 miles,comfortable heated front seats, large blind spots to rear, mirrors could be much larger as in former Pontiac Grand Prixs previously owned, much road noise, when sun roof is opened impossible to hear or talk above 30mph, noisy tires

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  05 impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By idkdude?!?! - October 14 - 2:22 pm

  I bought this impala about 5 months ago, its my first car. So far it has been a pretty good car, I have had minimal problems with it. I love how roomy and comfortable it is, I have had a full car with 6 ppl in it and we are all still comfortable. I have a dark blue impala with a spoiler and moon roof, performance wise I wish I had gotten the ss (I have the base with the 3.4 v6), the acceleration is decent. Handling is pretty good going 70-80 on the highway, I feel very safe in my impala. The only thing that I have noticed is that whenever I floor it, afterwords you can feel the transmission shifting whenever it changes gears, no idea what it is but it stops whenever I turn it off or on,

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  Not sure yet - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kathy Laeder - October 7 - 5:00 am

  I turned in my Trailblazer to buy this car. It has 881 miles on it and has already been in the shop twice for the check engine light. The first time it was misfiring and the second time for overheating (it is still there, they gave me a loaner). The gas mileage has been awful an average of 23.6 for 65% city and 35 % highway driving. My average speed was 26.2 mph for driving on the highway at 55-70 mph. What is that about. Not sure I want to keep it, this is the first car I have actually purchased in about 6 years.

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  bad for america - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Not again - October 6 - 6:22 am

  I have now own my 2007 ss impala with the following problems: two transmissions (both were bad from the shop), bad brakes, battery needs a mechanic to replace and tire monitoring system is not reliable. No wonder Americans buy foreign. No more GM cars for me.

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  Pre Purhcase Review - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By macattak1 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Yet to purchase, however, I have noticed much on the numerous Imaplas I have looked at both new and used. Bad 1- Not painted anywhere you normally cant see. Gas cover, trunk and hood. Silly and CHEAP. View the Primer with every tank?! 2- Interior colors. Cream dash color too "pimp daddy" looking. 3- Honda Accord LX and EX at $21k and $24k v/s base and LS at $24 and $28k? OK. 1- Is the 3.4 as good as the 3.8 2- Offers 6 seating but only on 3.4. Good- 1- Great MPG on both. 2- Safty rating. 3- Fits 3 car seats in back. 4- Power 5- Limited # of options compared to Toyotas $19k base trying to wear $11k more in options!

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  2004 Impala LS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By royallouis - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Love the Chevy Impala ls ,other than the boring front grill.Handling is surprising for big sedan.Looks good and reliable.May be a little room for improvement but otherwise am delighted

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  Quiet and Comfortable - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By BB - September 22 - 8:36 pm

  This is not a performance sedan but is quite comfortable and smooth on the road. There is a slight amount of delay in acceleration when starting to push the pedal. This car has plenty of pep but the styling is good but not great. Not a flashy car but most buyers want a performer that gets good mileage and this car does that well. If you want a big car with comfort and economy this is your ride!

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  Great Car! - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By BB - September 22 - 8:54 am

  Got the LT with luxury pkg. Love the smooth ride and handling. The interior looks great.Drove 600 mile trip the first week and go over 30mpg. The trunk space is awesome,esp. with the folddown rear seats. Can handle 4 golf bags. The Bose sound system is amazing,esp with the XM music. OnStar with the turn-by-turn option is wonderful,eliminates the need for GPS. Would recommend getting the upgrade package as it eliminates 90% of the complaints mentioned in the other reviews.

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  loosing value fast - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By chiapa - September 21 - 12:41 pm

  Nice car but it does not stand to its name, perfect rental car but no to keep it for a long time, got 32 mpg on high way with plenty of power. Will trade soon for something better before Im to far upside down on value.

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  GONE! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By happyitsgone - September 13 - 1:53 pm

  The car had a nice feel like a older full sized car. The quality was horrible i have never had a car that required more repairs and was on a downhill slide then that car. Fuel regulator, wheel studs, water pump, transmission, etc... The resale value was horrible, just recently got rid of it and purchased a nissan.