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:

• 

  Pretty Happy - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By strawboss - October 30 - 4:29 pm

  I did my research on the vehicle before I bought it. Gas mileage I thought was pretty good for a small block V-8. I average about 20-21 miles gallon. Had relatively small problems out of it so far, door lock and mirror switch went bad, typical electrical. Handling is stiff, acceleration is great. Opted for the no bose gonna switch out system for aftermarket. Pretty happy with vehicle so far

• 

  Fun Car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Glen - October 28 - 9:06 pm

  Bought an 08 Impala SS a few weeks ago, really enjoying it. Nice big car, comfortable ride, lots of power, I think it looks great. Quibble are lousy interior lighting (almost impossible to read a map in the front seat at night with the small lights in the rear view mirror), and odd cup holders seats a bit flat. Easier to get into than my 06 Grand Prix GT, and easier on fuel too. Its your grandads Impala until you stuff your foot into it.

• 

  Very Disappointed in the Fuel Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Joyce - October 7 - 6:00 pm

  I have owned 3 Suburbans and still have two of them. The choice to go to a car for fuel mileage brought me to the Impala. It was still a good sized car that was suppose to get 27 mpg and had pretty good safety rating. The mileage has been a huge disappointment. I tell everyone that asks that Chevy states they have all these cars that get 30 mpg but dont believe it. Our local dealer first blamed by tire pressure (it was 1 lb low). Then all they can say is the test were done in a wind tunnel and not in real conditions. I have wrote Chevy and no response. Thats customer service. Not sure I will every by Chevy again.

• 

  Hey, yall wanted to see a review right? - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By sandrock - October 6 - 2:16 pm

  Picked up the 08 SS a few days ago, and I have to say its pretty good. Everyone mentions the torque steer, and everyone that has mentioned it is right. This car will surprise you if you are not careful. The seats are firm, but do not "hug" you like a sport seat should, but then again, this car is meant to cruise, not for SCCA solo-D. Highway ride is excellent. AFM system turns on and off real stealth-like...and the fuel economy numbers for highway are stellar for this type of engine.

• 

  Cant beat this car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By robert - October 4 - 3:53 pm

  For the size for the money you cant beat this car import or domestic. Under $20k for ls model. I get 33 mpg highway in a full size. I did my homework and this a better deal than Toyota Camry, Honda Accord. This car is a plain Jane inside and out but that is what makes it a great car

• 

  Poor Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ANGELA VARGAS - October 4 - 7:03 am

  Love the way the vehicle drives. The gas mileage is bad. We cant get the mileage it says its supposed to.

• 

  Great all around car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kevin R - October 1 - 11:22 am

  Love the fuel economy, and quality of leather seats. Only thing I dont like is the front seats are not real comfortable on long trips. Need more lumbar support. Only thing replaced in 100,000 miles are the front wheel bearings.

• 

  Oil consuption - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By jim - September 23 - 3:35 pm

  I was just on the web checking to see if any others had a oil problem. Was surprised to find many of the same problems Ive had. The car goes through 1 to 2 quarts of oil between changes. Braking is not as good as it should be. The dealership has replaced the tire monitor for the right front tire, and the entire computer at least 5 times now. That became so frustrating that the first thing I do when I get in now is hit the button to get rid of the message. Other small misc problem too small to list. Really a shame because I love to drive this car

• 

  Poor Mileage - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Craig L. - September 20 - 7:39 pm

  I traded in my 03 Impala with 3.8 liter engine for this supposedly more fuel efficient model. The old Impala got 30 mpg on the hiway and averaged around 24. This new engine is getting 18.5 mpg on my commute and if babied on the hi-way will get 26 mpg. Also, if you decelerate and then want to accelerate quickly, there is about a 1 second hesitation before the throttle will do much. Really heart stopping in heavy rush hour traffic. Disappointed that this smaller car, with an engine that shuts off half of the cylinders to save fuel, turns in worse performance and way worse fuel economy than the old 3.8 liter engine. Also, OnStar should be an option only. Why pay for it if you dont want

• 

  Reliable but falling apart - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeanne - September 17 - 3:15 pm

  I thought I was buying a good car, but it is built poorly. I have air leaking in my door, the leather on the seat is defective and the side molding is falling off. I should say falling off, because the dealer fixed the molding but destroyed the paint on the door. Ill buy foreign from now on!