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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  So far so good - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By so far so good - October 17 - 6:16 pm

  So far so good. The vehicle is a sporty looking fun to drive car. It handles very well. Very roomy with a very stylish instrument panel. I like the conversion from metric and english. changes the speedo and the readings between metric and english. Heating system is fast and powerful. Dual zone is nice. The trunk space is incredibly large. I wish that the side view mirrors were a bit larger and closer to the windows.The car handles remarkable well.

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  So long Ford, I have my "Mustang" now! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By R. J. M. - October 16 - 5:33 am

  I ordered a Mustang GT back in Aug. 05, December came and the dealership still could not tell me when it would be built. Wanted a car with "power", drove the SS and that was it! Ive never looked back, what Mustang? This car is a beast. Im 65" and have plenty of room (big selling feature). The power is great, this thing is a lead sled but the V8 moves it effortlessly. Its a straight line car, wontt be taking turns at 100 mph. If you want a car that combines power, some sport, good ride, vast amount of room (up front & in the trunk, back seat a tad tight), and luxury car amenities, then this is a car to look at. I just hope it proves to be reliable, no problems so far!

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  Not as good as 2000LS - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cam - October 2 - 6:30 am

  Had a 2000LS (Great car) and so I bought a 2007 LTZ. The 2007 car is smaller and the back seat has little leg room, leather seats are not comfortable, back seat sholder belts are ratchet type and close to smallest size and wont relase without releasing the belt(everybody that uses these complains there too tight) Im getting 16 to 19.5 MPG which includes 25% highway driving and 3 cylinder engine mode( Im an easy driver and this is much worse then the 2000) The outside mirrors are smaller and have a bad blind spot,(beyond me why they dont incorporate a small wide angle mirror into the rearview and why the insurance companies dont promote this). Make sure the car serves your needs!

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  Work to be done - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By patrick sullivan - September 27 - 1:13 am

  Overall not bad. I really cant get past the blind spots. Drive is nice. The plastic on the inside needs to go.

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  Value - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gene from Mass - September 25 - 9:20 pm

  I have to admit I bought this Impala sedan 7 months ago. Ive enjoyed it so much I bought an Impala LS fully loaded in March 2002. When I take a look at all Impala has to offer for the price, I just dont see how you can go wrong.

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  Performance of dream. - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By jmatta - September 25 - 3:06 pm

  I am very please with the performance on my Impala SS.The power on take off is so inviting and tempting, (I may say) to break the traffics law giving you that Jekyl and Hyde personality battle. I have to admit it feel so good to turn it loose once in awhile and I am just glad I had not been caught up with yet.It does not end there,at cruising speed the transformation comes back,you could only heplessly wacht once again how you end up giving in to temptation so just go ahead enjoy the rush!

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  Looks are deceiving - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rana - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy a vehicle on looks only. Yes it may be a sharp looking vehicle but what is really underneath it all? A load full of problems. I have a 2001 Impala with more problems than one person can handle. Realiable huh! Realiable to get you stranded on the side of the road! Beware and do more homework than I did!

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  Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By nlasanta - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Truly like the car. Windshield wipers dont seem to fit. Change oil light came on after 2400 miles.

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  The Best Car to Drive - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cam - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Tired of feeling cramped in those long car rides? Try the Chevy Impala. The handling of this vehicle is more like a mid sized car then a full sized car. But the spacious interior and the smooth ride is just like a luxury vehicle.

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  I love my car! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By ska - September 7 - 9:16 am

  Got this car in November 2006 and I love everything about it. Not a gas saver, although it does have flex-fuel management, but thats okay because I love it and I love driving it.