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 My Car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Judy - March 26 - 3:13 am

  This car not only has comfort, but it has luxury too. A smooth ride and all the extras make this a great car for the money. I cant say enough good about it!

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  Satasfied Impala Owner - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By kwjake - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I especially love the quiet, comfortable ride. I realize that the "experts" prefer the 3.8L engine, however, after trading in my piece of junk, unreliable Sable, the 3.4l seems pretty responsive.

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  comfort and style - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bigaction - March 12 - 2:00 am

  There is nothing more to say than just a great all around vehicle. I am really enjoying it . Great mileage and a soft ride like cruising on a cloud. You have to love it.

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  2002 IMPALA - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By JAMES CALDWELL - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I am driving my second Impala. they are lease cars,and I use it in my work.The firsd one had 75000 miles on it,and this one has 18000.I took delivery in Janurary.I had no trouble with either of the cars.They have performed with out any serious breakdowns.If I could upgrade,I would get the LS for the extra power.My only complaint is it took a few weeks for the power seat to get comfortable.

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  the truth is - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Colman Bieber - March 6 - 5:49 pm

  Great car, rides like a caddy, good looks and lines, quiet, great features especially in safety

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  Almost drives itself. - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By steve johnson - February 19 - 12:29 pm

  I got all options and it almost requires a co-pilot to learn and operate all functions. Technology is off the charts. Plug in a USB drive loaded with music and the sound is amazing. Say "play Sounds of Silence"... the song plays. Say " play Leon Bedbone" .... all Redbone songs que-up and begin playing. Say call Joe... car asks "cell or home?" Then dials your choice from your cell phone, no monthly charge. The 8 inch navigation also works without subscription. Set cruise control, car slows as you approach car in front of you and resumes as he speeds up, keeping you at a chosen distance without touching controls. Car in front slams on breaks.... Impala breaks automatically. Warning lights on side view mirror if someone in the blind spot. Lane departure warning. The list goes on and on. The only negative I found is: 1.) no aux input for radio anymore but I guess everything is Bluetooth now. 2.) No SD card slot. but for $10 you can but a USB drive with a SD card slot and there are at least 2 USB ports. I would also say the ride noise level is a touch higher than say a Lexus or Mercedes but with the radio on and an extra $10,000 in my pocket to absorb sound, I dont hear a thing. The fuel economy is better than EPA rating and the 305 HP v-6 gets to 60 mph in about 6 seconds!!!

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  2002 Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Murray - February 13 - 10:56 pm

  Great car!

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  The best ride - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Heath Stanhope - February 11 - 12:26 pm

  I also own a minivan, and this car is just as comfortable a ride as the minivan. The trunk is larger than any car Ive ever owned, yet the body is designed such that you dont feel as though youre driving grandmas car. Its more like a sports car.

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  Value Packed Performance - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Aaron - January 27 - 1:36 pm

  This car is exceptionally well designed and built for the money. Biggest praise goes to the performance as the car will actually break the drive tire loose when cruising at over 30 mph if the accelerator is pressed hard. The active fuel management is a great innovation and definitely improves fuel economy when the car is not driven hard. For anyone out there who is dissapointed in this system just lay off the accelerator a bit and it will perform its intended function quite well. Ive driven this car for just over 2,000 miles now and the ride and handling are superb, steering feel and response is best of any vehicle Ive ever owned, brakes are balanced with great stopping power and pedal feel.

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  Way to go Chevy! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Safetyman - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Car is driven for business and personal use, miles pile on quickly. I spend 40+ hours a week in the car, and Ive enjoyed every minute & mile. Best Chevy Ive owned or been in since my dads 66 Impala. No comparison to the Chevys of the 80s or early 90s.