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:

• 

  A Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By James - November 26 - 3:10 am

  I traded in a 1997 Camaro Z28, so Im no stranger to having a lot of ponies under the hood and wasnt expecting to be impressed by the acceleration of this car, but I was pleasantly surprised. It doesnt handle quite as well as the Camaro (as one would expect being a sedan), but it rides great. I think it might would outrun the Camaro in a drag race. Vast quantities of room (including a huge trunk) combined with many great features (including tire pressure monitor) leave you feeling like youre in a vehicle that costed a lot more than this one does. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants the practicality of a sedan with the heart of a sports car.

• 

  My Blessing - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By adst2nv - November 24 - 5:20 pm

  I titled this My Blessing because thats exactly how I look at it. I was looking for a pre-owned Impala (2006) but my salesman worked out a deal for me on a 2007 demo with 5700 miles on it. So far, I love my car! Its a cherry red color, very sporty yet sophisticated at the same time.

• 

  I Enjoy it - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By D. Paluch - November 16 - 5:33 pm

  I am 63" tall. The Impala is the only auto of this size with a console that lets me drive without having my right knee continually pressing uncomfortably against the shift console. The Impala is quick,agile,and brakes well. I agree the interior ergonomics are not as well done as in my wifes Accord, but for long trips and comfort for a larger individual it cant be beat.

• 

  A stealthy low-key sleeper - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By lonewolf_75 - November 6 - 2:50 am

  Ive had this car for a couple weeks now and absolutely love it. I went with the black on black color scheme, and recently had the windows tinted for a more stealthy look. The instrument panel and exhaust note remind me of my old 91 Camaro (305 V8), and with a proper launch this car is even faster. I would prefer RWD, but I am still very impressed with how well my new Impala accelerates, rides, and handles. The exterior styling is pretty low-key, with the exception of the rear spoiler which is in my view a bit much.

• 

  best car on the maket - 2017 Chevrolet Impala
  By james vaughan - November 1 - 6:40 pm

  this is the best car I have car I have ever owned,driven.safety features are off the map.the performance is tops=the 305hp will really move.it has instant power.My 73 gto couldnt hang with this veh. the interior is really sharp

• 

  Pretty good car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lon - October 31 - 1:50 pm

  This is the sixth Impala weve purchased in six years. Everything works great except that we seem to be able only get around 23.5 mpg on the highway with the 3.9 engine. Past Impalas had the 3.8 engine and were much more fuel efficent.

• 

  Impala LS - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Johnny Angel - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I love it! Great American car.

• 

  Good, fun transportation - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By John Schmidt - October 25 - 7:46 pm

  Our 2005 Impala is a replacement for an older Cadillac that was recently totalled. The Impala is a very nice car in all aspects. We appreciate the build quality, handling and monochromatic look of the great dark graphite metallic color. The car provides plenty of room, and we like the sporty appearance. We are pleased with our car and our dealer.

• 

  Impala LS for 57" and over - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By sportrjt - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for four days. Drove 220 miles and my right knee and leg hurted all night. This car is not designed for people 57" and over. The driver seat does not go back far enough. You have to turn totally around to open the console. The console is too far back. Although the car is a sports car of like, it rides kind of rough and wobbly. The driver will continuously bump their knee and scoff the bottom of the drivers door when getting out the car. Y

• 

  Good Value from a Cheapskate - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Marvin Shrager - October 10 - 1:00 pm

  Looked at Camry and Avalon, but bought the Impala. Avalon is, in my opinion, overpriced at a 50% price premium. Chevy had a bench seat/no console option, which I favored. Nice sized truck, good power to pass on 2 lane roads, very good fuel mileage for the size of car, good comfort. Overall, very happy with car.