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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  Is what it is - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By John - June 3 - 1:56 pm

  Low resale value even tho great car

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  Hang On - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jed - June 2 - 2:20 pm

  Wow is all I can say. When you drop the hammer on this thing it really goes! I love how quiet it is at crusing speed. Yes its thirsty but my Focus was at best 26 MPG and this car is way up on the fun factor. The hands free phone is an added bonus stereo rocks even though Im a Sirus subscriber. So far so good! I do think Ill lower it a bit.

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  my review - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By speeddemon9557 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  i just got this car yesterday and i love it i take really good car of it and keep it very clean on the outside and inside and the ride is very smooth and good acceleration

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  Good for the price - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Misc - May 30 - 3:00 pm

  This is a car you can enjoy not only driving but playing with as well. Plenty of features and solid performance. Manufacturing quality is much lower compared to competitors, specially on trim and metal sheet finish. "You get what you pay for" Hope that Impala will not have any major mechanical failure.

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  Driving Make Fun Again - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By GPA - May 25 - 10:53 pm

  In 2006 I sold my restored 1963 split window Vette. I thought that I would never again get the fun rides I used to get from the 63, wrong. I bought a nSS in January and I am thrilled with the ride. It sure stops better than the 63, the handling is not quite as good. Just this morning OnStar unlocked it for me. I recommend this car to any one who remembers the great cars of the sixties. I am getting between 23 and 25 mpg. I am happy with my 25th new Chevy. This is the same engine that I have gotten over 300000 miles out of in my pickup trucks.

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  Decent vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Steve - May 21 - 3:06 am

  Bought this vehicle used. Have had not issues with it. Rides good, gas mileage not the best. Engine has good pick up.

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  Solid Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By James - May 20 - 8:50 pm

  The fully-loaded LTZ is a beautiful automobile. The ride is smooth and very quiet. This was high on my list of requirements and the car came through. The sound system is very good and the seats are comfortable. The computer in this car manages just about everything imaginable. (Even the starter. I used the remote start and turned the key too far when I got in. However the computer stopped the starter from kicking in. Good forward thinking, Chevy.)

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  2002 LS Black with Sport App. Pack. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Heavy D - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Had 2 Honda Accords since 92. One was V6. Wanted to use GM Supplier program. I did extensive research on the GM cars. Compared Regal LS/GS, Grand Prix GT, Intrigue and Impala base/LS. I am pretty happy with my choice after 10k miles. The stereo/sound system is the best Ive ever had. The homelink was a must. This cars ride/handling/suspension is very sporty for its size, A+. Safety ratings are a key selling point for this family man. We fit the two car seats in the back with room to spare. Dual climate control is nice, and the trunk is roomy. I also like the taillight covers. The rear spoiler with the raised butt takes a little getting used to.

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  Get what you want - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob Rieber - May 8 - 6:46 pm

  Not everythings included be sure you get what you want- the car floats across the highway the ride is very smooth- getting in and out of the drivers seat could be very difficult for people taller than 6-foot

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  A Dream Car - Impala Sedan 3.8 L V-6 - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By gwydionoak - May 6 - 10:00 am

  My car is technically an Impala sedan, (I didnt want to spend the extra money for the LS trim) but it has all of the safety, performance, and comfort features of the LS - 3.8L engine (a must), ABS, Trac control, Information center,etc, as well as Onstar and XM radio. I have never figured out why Edmunds gave this car a bad review. It is a SUPERB road car...solid acceleration, braking, and handling, very comfortable ride, great fuel economy for its size. It is everything that is good about American cars with none of the bad. Ill be keeping this car for a long time.