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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  Dont Buy Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By dont buy impala - September 16 - 3:55 pm

  Security Light comes on and car wont start for 10 min. Started once a month now 2 times a day. Talked to Chevy but no solution and no hope for a recall. Looked on-line for solution and found many people with same problem. They only have temp solution for $800 or more. This problem is a safety issue and needs to be recalled. Are you listening Chevy?

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  Dont buy this car(Pro Mechanic) - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By tommygee - June 13 - 7:22 am

  This car is my worst nightmare. My friends said I downgraded from my 2000 buich century. In city, im loosing 8 mpg-on hwy-12-16 mpg. The steering is for a weightlifter--very difficult, hard. The high seats on passenger side& inside trim at rear, make blind spots, you cant see the cars coming on the right side. You ask--what about mirror? guess what, its so small, you can miss seeing traffic. Seats are very cheaply made, w/hardly any padding for comfort. And guess what---no glove box lock, or light to see, figure that. I was appealed by this car, by its looks, not as a car & dont want anyone to do this stupid action. If you take it home for 2 days---I promise you professionally--you will give it back.

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  WORST CAR EVER - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By NickBell13 - February 4 - 1:37 am

  I bought a 2004 chevy impala with 95,000 for $3,600 within 4 months of owning the car I had to put $1,700 into it to fix it. Worst decision of my life!!!

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  "Found On Road Dead" was meant for Chevy, not Ford - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sierra - January 27 - 5:23 am

  I have a 2004 Chevrolet Impala with just over 100,000 miles. This was a 1 owner car at purchase & I am the second owner. In the beginning this car I felt like I was getting a great deal and a great car all in one. WRONG! If I could give this 0 stars all across the board, I would. Ive owned this car less than a year, and am on my SECOND transmission. Thats just the start. This year is notorious for a hard shift & a whole lot of jerking when shifting. Ive taken the car to multiple shops only to be told theres nothing to fix that problem. Anytime I take off, the car wants to do a burn out after first hesitating to go. As I reach 1st 2nd and 3rd gear, you can expect a kick from the transmission EVERY SINGLE TIME. As I said, 2nd transmission, still does the jerk & hard shift just as the 1st one did. This is a very common issue & one that shouldve been recalled and taken care of. The body isnt too bad until it starts rusting all over the place all of the sudden, rust here, there, and everywhere all within a month. Went from a great body to a rust bucket quickly. If thats not enough already, each time I put gas in the car doesnt want to start (also a common issue). Dont let me forget that when I push the TRUNK button, the ALARM sounds & the DOORS LOCK. Window motors have gone out 3 times all within the 1 yeah of ownership. Chevrolet has done nothing about any of these problems not only for me but for mostly anyone that has had this model & year. To say the least, Id buy a bicycle before I would EVER own another Chevrolet. Theyve lost a customer for life on this one.

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  Uncomfortable - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By AJ - October 13 - 2:39 am

  This is one of the least comfortable cars that I have ever driven. There are multiple ergonomic problems. First, the headrests ridiculously far forward. They push your head and neck forward putting strain on your neck. Half an hour behind the wheel and you will have a headache for the rest of the day. Next, the center console is too tall and too far forward and is not adjustable. With your hands on the steering wheel and 9 and 3, it is impossible to turn right without going through a series of elbow contortions. This is unsafe. If an emergency right turn were necessary it might not be possible. Third, the view in the rear view mirror is restricted to a small sliver. The rear parcel shelf is so high that it is barely possible to see the roof of the car following. The interior materials are cheap, but this is a rental car, so that is to be expected. However, a $30,000 car should at least have a leather wrapped steering wheel, not one made of foam rubber.

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  Lemon - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jh1969 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 impala has given me nothing but trouble. Thank god for extended warranties. Too many problems to list

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  Garbage - 2011 Chevrolet Impala
  By Me - June 30 - 7:34 pm

  Youll be getting rotors every 6 months. Definitely not designed for a hilly state. This big cars has 190 horsepower. Thats a joke. Transmission went out at 45k but it was under warranty. Thats my selling point. Its in excellent condition with a new transmission. This car is for senior citizens.

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  Dont Buy - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By AmericanCarsStinks - May 13 - 3:03 am

  This is my company car and all I have to say is this GM car is junk. Fortunately for me, I didnt have to pay a penny for this car. I have nothing good to say about it and a lot to complain about. My biggest complaint is the uncountable number of design "flaws". For example, when you open the trunk on a rainy or snowy day, water or snow spills into the trunk compartment! The car also has poor handling, cheap materials and a build quality that leaves much to be desired. Spend your money on a Toyota, Honda or Nissan.

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  Poor Quality and Service - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Masters - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but problems, thank goodness for extended warranty. Im looking forward to the day that I sell this car.

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  Monthly problems! - 2011 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jm - June 25 - 12:58 am

  @28,000miles, brake problems,power windows replace and every 8,000miles replace front rotors and pads. @50,000mi.transmission replace. @70.000 power steering pump replace. Constance road noise thru bottom of rear doors. Popping noise when turn right on gravel roads. Price too high for this car.