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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  Great car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brand - August 31 - 2:50 am

  Ive just purchased my second Impala (keeping the first one). These are great cars for the money and stand up to fleet-type use. I would strongly recommend an Impala for any value oriented shopper looking for a solid, well-built, roomy, quick, large sedan.

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  Comfort - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By romaxix - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Solid ride, very good in NE Winters, great MGP

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  Love the power! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dana Phillips - August 29 - 5:53 pm

  The 2006 Impala has quick pick up and power that makes it fun to drive. We love to drive it and the kids friends think its a cool car.

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  Love my Impala but nervous about its reliability! - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cortez - August 24 - 8:10 am

  Bought my 2016 Chevy Impala in June. I fell in love with its bold and sporty looks. I like big cars and the Impala is nice an roomy. Great V6 Engine with solid performance and I get great gas mileage. I had a Chevy Malibu LT prior and I wish the Impala LT had ambient lighting in the dashboard like my Malibu did. Overall I love my car but... After just under 4 months my left brake/ turn signal light went out. Never had that happen in a brand new car. Periodically my park brake light comes on when I get in a start my car. I know that I didnt hit the button. My radio has turned off by itself, never froze or anything just shut off. Twice my interior lights didnt come on when I hit my keyfob to unlock my doors and even after I opened the door to get in the car. My sunshade stops on its own when I hit the button to close it. As much as I love my new car all these little bugs makes me nervous that I will have long term or other major issues down the road.

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  Best buy for the money - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rich - August 12 - 2:33 am

  This car drives like a luxury automobile for less than half the price. The standard features of the LTZ model (e.g. side air bags, plush leather seating, premium stereo system, etc.)make this car a real bargain. These features were all optional and expensive on all the foriegn cars that I looked at. The ride and mileage were extra bonuses. I receive 26.5 mpg at an average speed of less than 38 mph. I would encourage everyone looking for a new car to take the time and compare the price and ride with any other model in its class. The controls are very easy to use and program.

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  End of the line! - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ed Purmann - August 10 - 2:48 pm

  This is my third Impala in a row, 2000, 2007 and this 2014 and Ive liked each one a bit less so this will be my last. Love the styling, interior comfort and drivability but the car was recalled twice the first year although they were minor repairs, but the fuel line ruptured within the first six months, and a wheel bearing went at less then 50,000 miles. Its not very good in snow with a lot of wheel spinning on very slight inclines and am now getting a hum from the rear that is pretty annoying. Just doesnt seem as well built as the other two.

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  Get Up And Fly - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By jonathangrassi - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased as a work vehicle but has proved to be much more. I enjoy driving among the curteous Atlanta drivers showing off my collision avoidence radar. In truth though its a fun ride performs well is easy on the fuel and above all for the little time I have driven it reliable. The best advice I can give is check out your dealer, price is not everything, service is and those hidden costs. Do your homework first. I bought mine via shiopping on line and had the dealers falling all over each other for the sale.

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  2003 Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Nicholas - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Nice performing & styling, Superbr job well done. The suspension is awful, you can feel every expansion joint in the road. throttle pedal too soft. The contour of the seat was designed for a 54" hunch back, very poor for a person 6 1" with good posture. Soften the suspension and flatten the seats and it would be a very comfortable vehicle.

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  2003 Impala - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Adeline - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I really like this vehicle. It is much easier to get out of than previously owned vehicles. The one thing I am disappointed in is the gas milage. I thought it would do better especially on trips.

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  Stepped up to the LS - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By tm2323 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving the Impala base model for the past year as a company car. My company is yanking the company car plan and is now paying us for mileage. I loved the size and space of the base model. So, I went out today and bought a 2003 LS (1sc) fully loaded. Cant wait to get it home. Looking forward to the extra power of the 3.8 and the upgraded sound system, along with heated seats this winter.