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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  Subtle and Startling COmbined - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ZIPPADEEDUDAH - May 6 - 4:36 am

  When I took this car out for a test drive I nudged it a little bit and it seemed responsive. Later the salesman told me now I want you to stomp it when I say "OK". Damn, I am 65 years old and this sucker took off like a jack rabbit. He pointed out about the on the demand compression (4 cylinders vs. 8) and then I drove it some more. What at performer. While I will be rarely stomping it, it is good to know you have that awesome power just in case you dearly need it. For some reason my SS did not come with XM radio. I do not know what happened but the salesman told me it just was not in there. When I got home I did not notice it listed as having come with the car? Will have to make do.

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  Sporty Family Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By coachtwhite - May 4 - 12:03 am

  We have owned this car for a short time, but it has been all that we could have hoped for. It is a good looking and functional family car. Great power for the racer in you!

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  loan only not for keeps - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By chema - April 28 - 4:16 pm

  well i decided to test the car at dealer had a very good deal and the fact that i needed to loan to rebuilt my credit. what i like is the car is remote start great for winnter its fast and smooth ride ===== for long trips but seats are not comfortable enough. GAS! in city is poor im guessing 17mpg ? i just drove 125 miles and its already half tank yeah thats cause its a big engine with large trunk so i havent hit the high way much my saab with turbo 200 miles to half a tank in city or high way anyways i do like a car with lots of interior room trunk is large enough for luggages or groceries some like it for subwoofers radio not the best it has pioneer speakers? cant find that info anywhere...moving on you cant customize almost anything billet grills,headlights,tail lights,instrument cluster,rims. i do recommend the car to anyone

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  Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By dcitron - April 23 - 6:30 pm

  It has all the bells and whistles. A great car to have and drive. Only one in Greensboro NC. But it is a gas guzzler.14 to 15 mpg .

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  Back in America - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Johnny - April 21 - 7:16 am

  Selected an LT for a company car, having driven two personally owned Nissan Maximas the last several years. I drive for business use and put approximately 40000 miles a year on a car. I had a choice of two Dodge products, a Toyota Camry, and the Impala. Selected the Impala mainly for color choices and enjoyed a rented 06 while in Seattle. After one week and 1200 miles later, I have been pleasantly surprized by the quality and comfort of the car. Its not the sporty car Im used too, but not bad.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By D. Hintze - April 21 - 1:16 am

  This car has been my dream car for the last 3 yrs. I have been so happy with it. It handles like a dream, and is very easy to drive. I drove a Chevy S10 Blazer for 8 yrs. Gets great gas mileage. It is just a wonderful car. Now my husband is wondering how he is going to get me sleeping in the house again!

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  REVIEW OF 2004 CHEVY IMPALA SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By J NEFF - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the first new car that my wife and I have purchased in 17 years. Our last car was a 1987 Mercury Cougar. We enjoyed that vehicle very much also. I like the ride of the Impala, the seating is comfortable and the view of the dash instruments is good. The car seems to have sufficent power, althought we have not had it in the mountains yet. This is the first GM product that I have owned in many year so time will tell on my continued like or dislike. Currently I am happy with it.

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  Loving my Impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jazzy - April 10 - 8:06 am

  This is one comfy car - it corners well, handles well, is responsive, has both pep and good gas economy. TONS of room with a giant trunk. There is a bit of excess noise with the moon-roof opened, and no factory-made windscreen for it. Heater fan gets loud, and it is time to get a set-by-temperature feature instead of the slide bar to control heat.

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  One of the best safety ratings. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sithe - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it was inexpensive (compared to other cars in its class) and last years model has one of the highest safety ratings (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/SList2.cf m). I purchased this car for the same amount as a 2002. The outside noise is a little loud, but not excessively so. Cup holders in front seat cant be closed or hidden. Not sure how long cup holders will last.

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  SS Impala - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By jaken - April 5 - 8:16 am

  For an SS i find it still underpowered. I feel when you use the symbol SS it should stand for super sport. Chevy short changed themselves on this. With some modifications to increase power it rides a little better, but why do I have to do this for more performance. There are a lot of 4 bangers out there that have as much performance for thirty grand. But still not a bad car