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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  Love it but hate it - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Love it, But hate it - March 26 - 7:40 am

  I really liked this car when I first got it. It had the looks and the and the styling of a good car. But looks can be deceiving. Since I had this car it had been in the shop more than 15 times and the remote keeps going out cause the modulators keep going out and I dont even want to get started about the problems. All Im gonna say its a bad car with good looks.

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  IMPALA SS - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By BEASTALLICA - March 26 - 2:00 am

  V8 engine 260 hp what should i say of more RAW POWER!!!!

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  Problems with knocking when turning left - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By lovetodrive - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I too have had the knocking sound/feel when turning left. This was at about 35000 miles. I believe the wording of the problem involved the intermediate steering shaft?? Also before that I had problems with the turn signals not working all the time. It took two trips to the dealer to fix that. If it were not for the mechanical problems, I would keep this car forever. I love the overall car. The ride and the handling is great. I am getting 27 mpg which is outstanding for the size of the engine.

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  charlies review - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By chasrd - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a quality car. Its good looking, affords reasonable mileage, rides and handles well. The price was very good, with my GM card refund and the $3000 cash back I got a fully loaded car at a very reasonable price. Ive had several Chevys over the years and have found them to be reliable sedans.

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  nice car bad brakes replaced - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By wingmajors757 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  great gas milage fun to drive and a pleasure to own.

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  I like this car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lisadams - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Over all I like this car. I think the outside trim along the doors should be the basic black instead of the same color of the car. When someone hits your door with their door, your paint chips on the trim. Who wants a brand new car with a chip in the door? It made me SICK. MPG was big thing for me, and it does do pretty good. Im a little disappointed the car doesnt hold its value. You buy it for 26K and in a year they are selling them for 17K. That alone is enough to make me wish I had bought European. Aside from repair costs I guess.

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  Wooooooooohooooooooo!!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Maria Morman - March 21 - 10:00 am

  When I spotted my new automobile, I fell in love with it. I love the Silver color, the body style and the interior.I cant believe the sitting space, very nice,lots of room. And the big trunk...wow. I really like the why it handles on the highway too. From a Malibu to a Impala......wow what a big difference When i left the dealership I told them that I was in 7 heaven and woooooooohooooooooo!! Maria Morman

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  Second Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By AKT - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought this 2004 because of the performance of our 2002 Impala, which we intend to keep for many more years! We drive between Arizona and Ohio several times per year. We could not be happier with the comfort, drive, and performance of both the 2002 and the 2004. The gas mileage is far above the listed expectations. Driving 2200 miles each way numerous times has afforded us the opportunity to determine the comfortability of the Impala. The fold down style of the rear seats allows us to haul whatever we need to transport. We have the versatility of a truck with the comfort of a beautiful, well-built automobile.

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  I really LIKE that car! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Giovanni - March 20 - 7:03 pm

  Brand new, jet black, base model, cloth seats, looks and drive great. Very good value, with a couple of options, its a commuter workhorse, but also turns some heads- real nice lines, 16 inch wheels give a lot of road feel, good ground clearances, low road noise, vision is good (fourth roof pillar hangs out there a bit). Huge trunk makes a good crumple zone in event of rear ender. 4 doors are manageable- in contrast with Monte Carlo vault doors. Great fuel economy with small six, lots of power, even with passengers, Engine breathes real well under moderate acceleration. Dash mounted key switch is handy, column shifter perfectly placed. OnStar, CD, 4 wheel disc brakes, MAN oh MAN I love this car!

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  Headbanging Impala - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By lionel weathers - March 18 - 1:26 pm

  I love the look I all ways wanted one when they first cam out.when they put the shifter on the floor in 96 four years later I got one and its been heaven only had 18,952 miles on it. Iam in a car club called Michigan Impala Super Sport Lover (MISSL)and Club Super Sport (CSS). This car will be pass down to my great great grand kids. Iam only 30 So I have a long time to play.