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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  comfort and power under $30000 - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By summer - January 27 - 10:00 am

  My Impala has lots of get-up and rides very comfortably. My husband is a bigger man so is not comfortable in many cars during our long road trips. The Impala is extremely spacious and has 2 thermostats (one for each of us) so there are few arguements over the temperature. This is a great, reliable car especially for its class.

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  Quiet and smooth - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By john anderson - January 25 - 2:26 pm

  Im very pleased with how smooth and quiet this car is. I got over 21 mpg city and 27 hwy despite miles of stop and go work zones. I think OnStar is a great feature. I love the security it gives me, and XM radio is just great. I got belted with a hard rain and no leaks and no brake fade. I feel if everyone drove an Impala, they wouldnt buy anything else .I am amazed at how quiet and smooth the motor and transmission are. You cant hear it during normal driving. I also think its the best looking car.

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  Excellent 04 Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By chvgrl - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I dont typically keep vehicles very long, an average of 6 months to a year. But this is one that Im going to have a hard time getting rid of. I bought it while on vacation 2500 miles from home. The Metallic Blue caught my eye, and then next thing I know Im a new owner. Driving home, I got over 32 MPG, with the 3.8L. Cant ask for more than that!!! It was such a joy to drive that I almost forgot about the rest of my vacation and just went on a road trip. Now after 3 months of ownership, I still enjoy the vehicle as if it was brand new.

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  Dont drive this car in the snow! - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By James - January 11 - 6:33 pm

  Impala is so bad in snowy weather. Will need winter tires ( added expense ) if you live in the Midwest. Car slips all over the roads. GM shouldnt put high performance tires on this car. BEWARE All impalas leave dealer with low profile tires!! Winter tires help but not by much. Front tires are too far forward on such a large car. Makes it harder for the car to pull its weight around. Very fast car though. Looks terrific. Fuel Pump failed twice. Left me stranded twice. Paint has chipped away at the front end leaving an unsightly black mark the size of my fist. GM Dealership didnt want to pay for paint repair under warranty. BEWARE Car has VERY cheap paint. Way too many cost cutting measures by GM. GM hasnt changed a bit over the years! Next time Im getting a Honda Accord.

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  Good Replacement Choice - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By BobH - January 5 - 2:50 pm

  I never rate anything a 10! Only had this car for 7 weeks - 1600 miles but so far am well pleased. Fully loaded. Imperial blue/gray interior. 20 - 22 mpg with very little highway driving. Leased 3yr/36000mi. Selected for style and features to replace a 99 300M. Great trunk space for 4 golf bags. Quiet riding. Suspension seems a little rough on minor road bumps and seems to hesitate a bit when going from 3cyl to 6 cyl mode in city driving but overall driving is a pleasure. Im a large sedan type of a guy and this was a good choice especially with the lease incentive and rate and my GM Mastercard rebate.

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  Best Sports Sedan Currently Available - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By priggly - January 3 - 2:36 pm

  The 2006 Chevy Impala SS is simply the best sports sedan currently available on the market. It combines the best features of a sporty ride and a long distance highway cruiser. It has a quiet cabin with extremely little road and essentially no wind noise. The engine power is exhilarating. The throaty exhaust note is just prominent enough to sound good without being overly intrusive. The car handles extremely well and yet is not overly harsh or rough riding. The BOSE audio system and XM radio are awesome. The engine shifts seamlessly, imperceptibly between 4 and 8 cylinders. The 4-speed automatic transmission is extremely smooth with seamless shifts and is a superb match for the motor.

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  Great Value - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jimmy O - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for one year and put 30K miles on it. I am getting 27 mpg (mostly highway driving). The car is loaded with options and is a great value. The ride is smooth and the power is sufficient. My only problem is that I lose radio reception when the rear defogger is on. If you are looking for a sporty family car with more bang for your buck, you need to consider the Impala LS.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Anne - December 24 - 11:43 am

  This is my second Impala. While disappointed with the gas mileage (21 Hwy), it is fun to drive. Great pickup and steering. I upgraded to a sunroof, and the digital dash is easy to read and access. Its comfortable for me at 55" as well as my 6 ft husband. Lots of room inside and a huge trunk. A really fun car to drive.

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  Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By tintigab - December 23 - 10:00 am

  A great looking car with a well-made interior. No squeaks or rattles of any kind. Ride and handling are wonderful. Steering is tight and responsive. Plenty of power on the highway, but could use more low-end torque. (I am used to driving a truck, so this may be why I feel this way.) I am very satisfied with this car.

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  Finally a real sport sedan from Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By RNis - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The Impala SS has the best build quality I have ever seen on a Chevy (and I have owned several in the last 15 years): No rattles,squeaks or wind noise. Excellent acceleration which will fool many drivers of more expensive luxury sedans(BMWs).No body roll in corners and excellent handling for front wheel drive. Its not a V8 or rear drive but very competent.