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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  Versatile Flex Fuel Sedan - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By psreid - December 21 - 5:06 am

  Very good car! Ethanol (E85) compatible with good miles per gallon. Spacious and quiet interior make this a joy to drive. Traction control and excellent crash safety ratings makes this a good all around car! Sleek and stylish exterior puts the competition to shame!

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  Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Keith Hunter - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This is an all-around competent, comforatble and fun to drive vehicle. I love the sporty, conserative look and feel of this car. Power everything, spacious interior and torquey engine is a thrill. Huge on inside, mid-size on outside makes city or highway travel fun and comfortable in all american style!

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  Good Value - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By watsonk - December 16 - 8:03 am

  I have been driving this new 2008 Impala LS for one week. There are a lot of improvements over my old 2001 Impala; mainly in the computer area, not mechanically. Overall, this car has good value. The LS has power window, lock, seat, and steering; cruise control; keyless entry and trunk release; OnStar; and XM radio. All these in the low end LS model! I just hope that the lower intake manifold gasket will last longer this time. Try to make a spare key (to open driver side door) in Home Depot, no luck! Home Depot does not carry this new style of keys.

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  2007 Impala LT - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By VR - December 11 - 6:03 pm

  Although I have only driven 200 miles in my new vehicle, I am very pleased with its quiet and smooth ride. The vehicle has ample power for highway driving and merging. I am also pleased with the vehicles handling and responsiveness.

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  brandons 04 impala indy ss - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By uptown - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Impala SS is a superb performance sedan.The vehicle is strapped with 240 horsepower, 280 foot pounds of torque and a motor trend tested 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and 14.7 in the quarter mile at 92 m.p.h. bone stock.The SS also comes with many standard features as well as great options such as sunroof,driver information center,200 watt-6 speaker premium sound system,heated seats,xm radio,on star and indy commerative package.This Impala SS is a steal at a base price under 28,000 and just over 32000 for a fully loaded one with the indy package.

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  great - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By buk - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I like the overall design and performance.

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  Great New Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul Scott - December 3 - 1:10 am

  Drivers young and old will love this new Impala. From the throaty rumble of the dual exhaust to the excellent quality sound and comfortable ride this car has something for everyone. It has been a pleasure to drive and own. Friends and family love it too. I have lots of friends asking to take it for a drive or go for a ride. The price was great the only thing I would like to see added is a DVD Navigation System, cooled leather seats, and a little more thigh support from the front seats. This is a great all around car.

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  So Far Impressed - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff McMinn - December 2 - 7:33 am

  Great power--surprised me when I had to use it. 21mpg w/ a/c, 26-30 w/o. A little too much noise for me interior at 60+mph, but then depends on roadway-- why whine, huh?, but great traction, room for 3 in backseat, but a little cramped for 6 ft tall people--trunk not squared at backseat junction. Never used OnStar so far, so dunno if I need it yet. Controls well positioned, easy to operate. Have about 8K miles on it so far with only oil change and tire rotation--no other problems. When I go to dealership, always look in repair lot to 07 Impalas, very little there and customers I talk to are pleased w. their Impalas. When I reach 15K miles will write another review.

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  2004 Indy SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By madman2 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  One Badass ride!! Ive only drive 2500 mile so far, but fell in love with this car. Im not going to sell it, being a limited edition. I eat Pontiacs for lunch!

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  EXCELLENT DRIVING MACHINE - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By JEFF1 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds say this car is disappointing. Not true, I own V8 power cars before and this car out perform most of them and I only has the 3.4 V6. This car is better than Ford, Chrysler, Toyata, Honda, Nissan and Acura. I haven lost a race against them yet. The only thing about the Chevrolet Impala 3.4V6 its a little slow in the first gear bur after that it will kick your ass. Stop giving the consumers bad information.