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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  A quality car that is worth the $$ - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By ChargerLT21 - April 22 - 10:25 pm

  I love this car. It is very reliable and it sounds great too. I love cruising with the sunroof open, and the heated leather seats are great in the winter months. As far as gas goes, it is respectable. A quality car all around. It looks good from the outside as well.

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  Gave up an C5 for this, few regrets! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By C5Convert - April 18 - 6:50 am

  I traded in a 2000 Corvette for this car and I am very pleased. I have had far fewer regrets about giving up the C5 because of the Impalas goodness. The Short Block V-8 sounds great and the car is extremely fast. It handles very well for a family sedan, and though it is not a Corvette, it is still a lot of fun to drive and is far easier to live with day-to- day without giving up all of the "fun factor". Pay attention to this one, if you want practical and sporty! I have a hard time remembering that it is a front drive car- very neutral compared to some other front drivers Ive had, unless I really floor it hard from 0 mph. Build quality is excellent-no defects. Great Job Chevy!

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  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dale - April 15 - 6:48 pm

  I love my impala. Ride is great. Very quiet. Excellent gas mileage. Going to Boston on time kept a steady speed of 62, and very light on gas and averaged 39 miles to the gallon. Average back and forth to work, which is 40% city 60% highway average 25.2 my daughter cobalt only averages 27.5 in same type of driving.

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  Love my Impala! - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By MBegg - April 13 - 9:03 am

  I just bought my Impala after having bought 4 Nissans over the years. I happen to drive one through our company fleet program. After, being laid off and recently re-employed I test drove another impala. You cannot beat the value, price and look. My experience at the dealership was excellent as well. No pressure! FYI, I used Edmunds before I went and paid below what everyone else is paying....Edmunds prepared me very well!!

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  great car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By john mccall - April 7 - 1:00 pm

  We turned in a Cadillac DTS and got the Impala. It has as large a trunk as the caddy and the rear seats fold as well. The seats could be improved and the a/c controls are silly but the ride and comfort approach the best. Looked at all the rivals and this was the beat for the money. Have had GM products for thirty years and the reliability has been tremendous. For the money this is the best buy.

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  Cry HAVOC....... - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Nitehawk - April 7 - 12:31 pm

  .....and let loose the dogs of war. Purchased used, certified, 17k, still under warranty. Beautiful jewel tintcoat. Traded in my 06 Cobalt SS. Needed something a little roomier. Ive never owned a 4 dr sedan, so was hesitant. Didnt want a dowdy land barge. Impala SS fits the bill. Dangerously fast and powerful. Im lovin it. Drive 200 miles round trip to work each week, and its 50% city, 50% highway - 21.1 mpg.....not bad. But its the Raw Power, itll make you smile, and then some. Go test drive one, its a life altering experience....go buy, now. Youll never look back.

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  Great car - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ken - April 7 - 9:29 am

  So far I am highly impressed with this car. Its very smooth and quiet, handles nicely for this size car. I took a trip with 75% highway and 25% city driving and got over 32mph. Local driving has been around 26 mph.

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  Not bad for a Police Car. - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ImpalaPP - April 6 - 7:03 pm

  I had been searching for a new Impala for almost an entire summer when I came across this car. It is a police package impala(never used),3k miles, with all the police goodies (3.9L, trans, oil, and power steering coolers, HD brakes etc.) I love this car, its comfortable, handles, stops on a dime, and moves on the highway. My only real complaint is rather poor gas mileage(22mpg@70), and that the exhaust system is already starting to rust after one winter. Other than that its an all around quality car that should last me forever.

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  Great Car!!! - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Greg - April 3 - 1:04 am

  Just traded in my 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. The Impala is great, lots of power, and loads of room. You can fit a small family in the trunk!

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  2008 Impala LTZ vs my Montes - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Victoria - April 2 - 9:39 am

  My round trip daily commute to work is 120 miles. I have found the Impala to be stylish and comfortable and affordable. Would like better fuel economy. By changing brands of gasoline, I have increased gas mileage from 21 to 24/25 mpg hwy. I have owned 2 Monte Carlos, 2001 LS and 2006 LT and miss them both. 119,000 and 88,000 respectively. The Impala LTZ and SS are as close as you will come to the soon to be extinct Monte Carlos. The OnStar feature was a selling point for me and the Impala LTZ is priced right--good buy.