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:
Showing 2011 through 2020 of 2,036.00-
Buy American now and be impressed - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
By jon - March 24 - 5:43 pmAt 35 miles per gallon on the highway, 24 mpg in the city on a large car with a v6, its acceptable. Also, this vehicle will run on ethanol-85 which will be the gas of the future. With OnStar communication included, this vehicle is far more practical and superior than any imported cars ranging 30 to 50k. By buying domestic cars, youll also help our economy and put our people back to work.
-
Great cart so far - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
By Bret - March 24 - 1:46 pmSo far no problems, car runs great. Getting about 25 MPG average which is a lot better than the truck I traded in.
-
Very Happy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By Donna - March 24 - 8:03 amWe havent owned the ca a month yet, but we are very happy with all aspects of it. We are very happy with the comfort of the car. We love the back seat. We got one that folds down and has small storage areas in it. The pull up seats are a real saver on the seats. The trunk is huge too. We love it and are very happy so far with our purchase. We got one that will run on E85.
-
Denises Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
By smileydw - March 24 - 2:00 amlove this car. . . .
-
Impala LS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
By ddumby - March 18 - 11:56 pmStill has new car feel 8 months later. Steering is sharp and ride is smooth. Extremely comfortable car to drive or ride in for long trips. Mid priced with a luxury feel.
-
Fold down rear seats - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By Frank Master - March 14 - 5:56 pmFun to drive. Needs more cup holders! Did not get fold down rear seats option. This could be a problem, seeing that there is no keyhole to access the trunk. If you have dead battery, you wont be able to get jumper cables out of trunk.
-
I love my new Impala! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By Diane - March 8 - 10:43 pmThis car handles very well, is comfortable to drive, gets great gas mileage (30 highway), and looks sharp. We own the LT2 in Glacier Blue Metallic w/sunroof, flip & fold seats, XM radio. You cant go wrong for the price.
-
Buy American - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
By Rob - March 5 - 5:36 pmThis car is a dream to drive. Though we have only had it for a few weeks, we already love this car. Much better equipped than any other in its class for the money. Would buy again.
-
Nice Job GM - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
By Mechilmatt - March 5 - 5:33 amFun car to drive. No complaints other than a very minor problem with the window stripping and a faulty gas cap.
-
I absolutely love this car to death. - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
By Jamie St Amand - February 27 - 11:57 amI absolutely love this car. For a 2004 and for when my husband and I purchased it in 2013 its an absolute value. We got it with about 145,000 miles on it. Weve had to do some minor repairs on it but thats about it. Great car overall. Corners well, drives great, runs great, and the supercharger tops it off! I can get from the beginning of a freeway entrance ramp at 0 and be at 100 by the end of it even on a short ramp. I love to drive this car and I want to get another one eventually. I highly recommend the impala cause they last through everything as long as you take great care of them.
