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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  2007 Impala LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff Newman - February 17 - 3:45 pm

  Bought used. Already have had new tires, alignment, brakes, steering shaft, battery, and now the alternator is squealing, just past the warranty expiration date. The rear end bushings squeak, and the seat heaters refuse to work when you sit down in them.

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  Impala vs Honda & Toyota? No comparison. - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ron Tranmer - February 10 - 10:35 pm

  Ive read complaints about the poor vision in the rear view mirrors. On every car I own I buy the little round blind spo" mirrors at Walmart for about 2 bucks each, and put them on the outside corner of each mirror. I then have excellent side mirror vision. Another complaint Ive read is about poor visibility through the rear window. Especially with a spoiler. Cmon... I can see everything I need to see through my rear window. (I have a spioler) I havent had the car too long but I love it. Read the consumer reviews on the higher rated Honda Accord and Toyota Camery, and youll find a much higher percent of complaints than that of Impala owners. Go figure...

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  1st 165k were troublefree - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Eric - February 9 - 7:36 pm

  Bought new as a company car, drove the 1st 165k no trouble except for 1 check engine for bad gas. Bought the car from my employer at ~80k still driving it daily at 248k. It does eat front rotors you get one turn, then replace em. Im on the 3rd set on front. Most of what has gone wrong was mostly due to my failure to do maintenance, and due to operator abuse like overcranking the steering wheel or driving over a cinder brick on the interstate while clipping along at 80 mph (Yeah, I did that not recommended). Problems coming fast now at 248k, but Im not amazed. Time to get another Impala. Advice - Change transaxle fluid every 30,000 miles if you want max life on the trans

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  Good Traveling Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Henry757 - February 9 - 11:21 am

  This car is pretty nice. I have the SS super charged. Its a lot better on gas mileage than I expected. It didnt even take a half a tank of gas to get from where I live to my familys house, like it normally does on the Toyota Camry I had before I traded it for this car. It seems I got a good deal trading in that old Toyota Camry for this Chevy!

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  Its not a Corvette, but - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jim - February 4 - 2:23 pm

  Ive driven the SS for 4 months now and Im actually impressed. Being a Corvette owner as well, not many cars excite me. The Impala is actually not a total bore to drive. The shifts are crisp and at the right rpm. Actually encourages you to show some muscle to 80%+ cars on the road that this vehicle will blow away. When it comes to hauling children or family this is the car. Something you cannot do in a Corvette. The only thing that worries me a little bit is the active fuel management which shuts down to a 4cyl when all 8 arent needed. Cant get Cadillacs 8-6-4 out of my head

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Billl - January 27 - 8:40 pm

  It was between the Impala and the Malibu. I picked the Impala because it was bigger and advertised mileage was almost as good. My driving is 90% highway and the best mileage I have gotten after 5000 miles is 24.5 but usually getting around 23, the dealer had the nerve to put a 30mpg sticker on the car. I miss my 2000 Monte Carlo SS that regularly got 27-30 mpg. Feature wise the car is good although they cheaped out on the radio - sounds terrible no matter how I adjust it and I miss the auto darkening rearview mirror on my Monte. The heat/ac controls are terrible, every time I put my hand near it they move - to small and soft to the touch. OnStar is hard to use and people cant hear me.

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  Gas mileage not as advertised - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By 90headednorth - January 27 - 12:16 am

  I have enjoyed my new SS since purchasing it in mid November 05. Pretty much as advertised with only one exception. My only issues is the gas mileage. When buying a V8 one should expect that gas mileage will be less than a 6 cyl auto, but when the manufacturer states 18-28 MPG, you would expect to average inside that range. To date Im averaging about 17.5 per tank in town and 21 or so highway. This represents mileage without A/C or a lead foot at this time. GM would be wise to revise their advertising as I suspect this car will be more in the 16-20 MPG range once I quit babying it.

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  This is not a family sedan - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By atmandjLS01 - January 25 - 11:13 pm

  I just got this car 4 months ago and already I had to spend $600 replacing the oil pan gasket. Also, the owner before me had to replace a couple parts like the steering rack, as well, which cost him around 2 grand, parts+labor. It drives great, has plenty of power for freeway driving although electrical problems bring it down, like intermittent times where the turning signals dont work. For all its problems, it is still worth buying.

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  Back Ache - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By JL - January 21 - 1:00 pm

  Althrough Ive had this car for only a short time, less than three weeks, I did drive a 2008 Impala for a year (company car). Because of the pleasant experience with the 08 I decided to buy an 09 when I had to return the company car. However I find the 2009 to be extremely uncomfortable as compared with the 2008, specifically the lumbar. It doesnt deflate all the way as it should, and it really really hurts my back (and others who have driven my car). This seems to be the way it is on all 2009s. (No problem with the 2008s.) Ive been told "this is the way it is" and nothing can be done. This flaw should be corrected but I suspect it will not be because its not a safety issue.

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  Not Reliable - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Anne - January 20 - 12:21 pm

  Fun car to drive, but not very reliable. At 46,000 miles the water pump went out, at 71,000 miles the tranmission started leaking, at 110,000 the power steering pump went out. I have ongoing problems with the tire pressure monitors. The remote fob doesnt work unless you are within approximately 5 feet of the car, which makes the remote start virtually worthless. I also own a 2002 Impala LS with 250,000+ miles on it, that I have had no problems with so at least I have something reliable to drive I will never again purchase a GM automobile due to these issues, I will be purchasing a Toyota Camry soon.