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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  The Best - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By maindolfan - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great performing and a great looking vehicle. The best of both worlds. I love this car !!!

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  LOVE IT!! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Crystal Brown - July 27 - 11:39 pm

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  Constant problem - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Joe Szymborski - July 22 - 11:01 am

  Theres and issue with the secondary injectors and the pump. The emissions warrenty good until 150000 miles should cover it but they use a loophole to get out of fixing it this is a 800$ fix that happens once a year! Beautiful car but not worth the headache. Ill never buy Chevy again.

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  WORTHLESS - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By jferri6 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been intimately involved with automobiles for over 20 years and have never owned a vehicle that was as worthless as this one. it is my experience that there is 20%markup in ANY vehicle and over the first year it depreciates 20% so with this in mind my $25000 impala can be bought for 20K and would be worth approx 16k after the first year, well what a surprise it was to me to learn that this vehicle was only worth 12 grand at best after only the first year????? please dont be a fool like me , save your misery , or steal it.

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  impala ss - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By CCHHUUUKK - July 19 - 10:00 am

  get about 19 miles per gal in a suburban/city environment---28 miles to the gal. hwy.

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  GM has finally done it! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Don - July 18 - 12:40 pm

  Smooth quiet ride. Exceptional fuel milage. I test drove the Toyota Camry and Buick LaCrosse. Both nice cars, but Impala beats them both hands down. Thank you GM for finally producing a car a that can compete in every way shape and form with the Toyota Camry. Keep it up and youll have a customer for life. We all knew you could do it, and you have with the all newly designed 06 Impala.

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  It was okay - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jacob Standridge - July 16 - 5:47 pm

  Great looking car, very large. Dont buy unless youre okay with having an extensive and frequent repair schedule. Cheap quality interior makes for annoying road noise and a lot of rattling/vibrations. Within the last year Ive spent nearly $3000 fixing oil leaks, faulty door lock actuators and extensive maintenance.

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  2006 Chevy Impala LS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kevin - July 8 - 9:20 pm

  Driving My Impala is a real treat. I bought is for myself and cant keep my wife out of it now. Her car is a 2004 Venture Van. The style( a real head turner!) is great. My kids all want one and they are picky. The indash computer is awesome, like the instant mpg feature and oil life. It rides and drives like a real champ. Have driven a Limited edition Camry and wouldnt trade it for my Impala LS!

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  Texas Chevrolet - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jerry Robertson - July 7 - 6:05 am

  Many safety features. Daylight vs dark for the previous model. Soft touch materials. More than adequate power. Very roomy and comfortable with great A/C and high level of technology compared to other cars in the same price range.

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  Stupid ! Move - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gene C. - July 6 - 9:16 am

  Shop around other makes. Didnt come equip,with auto start,rear view camera, and safety warning systems that other cars are coming out with. So shop for better safety features, that are available on other brands. General Motors, has become very tight on giving customers a complete package. You have purchase all the items at extra cost to you. So make sure you take the time to look carefully at what your buying. This car doesnt keep its value. It drops almost five thousand dollars when you leave the dealership. I just checked it out on the car dealers site, and Im very disappointed with this purchase I made, I feel stupid. Be careful not to be rushed by the car salesman,if they do it to you. Then say thank you for your time and leave. Never go too late at night,because you will be rushed. GOOD luck.