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:
Showing 1791 through 1800 of 2,036.00-
96 Impala SS, a future collectible - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
By dbuck - April 11 - 2:00 amThis car is a blast to drive and a real head turner as well. The drive train is extremely dependable if properly maintained. Fuel economy is commendable for a large car with this much performance capability. One draw back with respect to maintenance expense is the repalcement cost of tires and shock absorbers.
-
the only imaculate car alive!!!! - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
By james dorman - April 11 - 2:00 ami absolutly love this car since the first time i seen it. i have never geard any complaints about this car. the interiour is pefect, who could ask for a better look, and the performannce, every family man who once was astreet racers dream.
-
fun chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
By GTO man - April 11 - 2:00 amI do a lot of Turnpike driving and this car handles very well at high speeds ( 65 to 80 mph. Rides quiet, steers well and is responsive to both gas and brakes when needed. Good vision and no blind spots, mirrows do their job.
-
why bother to make an 04? - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
By Pluto5 - April 11 - 2:00 amThe only difference between the 03 and 04 LS appears to be the price, about $2K more after rebates and discounts. For the $2K GM could of at least added head airbags. Otherwise, they should just keep making the 03s.
-
My Favorite Car .. So far - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
By Ralph Hess - April 10 - 2:00 amI have owned/driven many fast cars. This is a cross between my fathers 1972 Olds 88 with a 454 engine and my brothers GTO. No matter what speed I am driving, you tap the gas, it goes faster(even with 5 big adults riding). Maintenance has been higher than I expected, replaced water pump, plug wires, AC coil, a few fuses.
-
An Excellent Car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
By Justin - April 9 - 11:13 pmI have really enjoyed this so far. The car has great performance, the engine responds quickly. I like that the car gets good gas mileage. I am averaging 30 mpg.
-
impressed - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
By jasbrat1 - April 6 - 2:00 amIMPRESSED WITH THE SMOOTH DRIVE, LARGE TRUNK GREAT FOR SHOPPING AND HAULING LARGE OPJECTS. GREAT ON COMFORT BEFORE WE BUY A CAR WE ALWAYS RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT FIRST AND LIKES THE SMOOTH RIDE.THANKS
-
See_the_world_today - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
By dlw - April 4 - 2:00 am45K miles across 15 states (so far) in all sorts of weather. The Impala has been a comfortable and reliable commuter and a wonderful road trip car. Its fun to drive and easy on gas (30+ mpg going coast to coast in the summer). A spacious interior and a cavernous trunk means there really is room for a family of four on vacation for a week. Other than a minor accident (or perhaps vandalism - the external mirror was ripped off) and an act of stupidity (dont drop a foil candy wrapper in the cigarette lighter) it has been just scheduled maintenance.
-
lots of problems - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
By basebooboo - April 2 - 2:00 amMy 2000 Chevy Impala LS has had nothing but problems . Engine cradle , stearing shaft bearing, brake rotors, side impact airbag.It all started at around 25000 miles. I have taken this car back to the dealer 9 times and it is still not performing the way it should. When riding on a road that is not quite perfect the front end feels loose and makes a slight popping noise. I thank myself for not buying this car because at the end of this lease I can walk away from a car that otherwise I would be stuck in. I dont have anything good to say about this car....
-
Finally a worthy Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
By Egressdan - April 1 - 10:00 amI reserched many new cars but the Impala SS had all the attributes I was looking for. High perfomance, fairly good gas mileage and all the right accessorys. The car has been a joy, I now have almost 2,000 miles on her and I look forward to my commute 1 hour one way instead of dreading it. The Impala is the limited addition so I cant wait to see it in the Indy 500 this May.
