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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  Great car - value and comfort - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By TCD - September 4 - 10:54 pm

  Ive always been a Toyota guy (celicas and camry) but this car changed my mind. As soon as I drove it, I loved it. The front bench seat is so comfy and roomy. No bucket seats that usually restrict my legs and you feel closer to the passenger with no divider (I guess that only matters if you like the passenger). The ride is smooth - soft without being too "floaty" like the big chevy boats of the past. I love the steering on this car, very responsive. The 3.4 base engine has enough power when you need it and gets surprisingly good mileage for a big car. You can see how safe the car is when you look under the hood. Major bracing and crumple features. I got the black with spoiler and sunroof

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  Base Model plus $4,000 Rebate = Bargain - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By LS4ME - September 4 - 5:44 pm

  You get a lot with the base "LS" model Has: cruise, tilt, air, tire monitor, onstar with built in phone service 1 year free, XM CD radio, electric seat 3.5 V6, remote door & trunk, electric windows, traction control, 17" tires. Wanted to go for a Hyundai Sonata but after test drive of the Sonata found it to be a dog off the line until about 20 mph, interior was nosier compared to the Impala and its trunk was very small. Can get 33 mpg at 65 mph with a v6.

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  Love The Car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Marvin - September 4 - 2:12 pm

  I leased the Impala and we love it. Extremely smooth ride. Prior to this Chevy we owner a 2005 Buick LaCross. One of the worst cars we have ever owned. The Chevy was everything we wanted in a car. We will probably lease the 2011 Impala in a few days.

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  Stylish and Underrated - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By John G - September 3 - 8:16 pm

  I traded a 2008 Prius, thats right, Toyota Prius for this car. The Prius had 32K miles, this car had 24K miles. The Impala now has 55K. This car has been a joy to own with a few issues. I commute a total of 60 miles per day and drive around 550 per week. I average a very fine 23.5 mpg overall. The care runs extremely well and is smooth. I would buy again, but there are a few troubling issues. The car uses a quart of oil every 1800 miles. The dealership is looking into this to see if they can find the issue. Cylinder deactivation works very well. Car handles ok and rides well. Seats are very comfortable for me, but my wife complains about the passenger seat. The leather is awesome.

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  LS & $4000 rebate = Best Value - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By LS4ME - September 2 - 4:03 pm

  The base model comes with almost everything you want. V6, power seat, cruise, air, 17" tires, power windows, tire pressure monitor, remote locks, onstar, XM etc. Average 30-33 on HWY at 65 mph Rides quieter and better than a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Sonata 4 cyl has great top end but is a dog off the line until approx 20 mph Malibu does not have a 6 cyl, take that!

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  Love my Impala! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Nicole H. - September 1 - 1:19 pm

  I researched a lot before purchasing the impala, comparing to Dodge Intrepid and Nissan Maxima. Loved the impala because was midsized car and could fit 6 people comfortably. Including an adult male in backseat comfortably. Also a great price with great mileage per gallon. Perfect car for starting family and working a distance from home.

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  Great Performance - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By scottxwinston - August 29 - 3:18 am

  Love this car! It Rides smoother than my Grandmothers 2002 Cadillac Deville. Its very roomy and fun to drive. I feel very safe in this car. It also gets better gas mileage than previous 4 cyl car did. My Impala has almost 170,000 miles on it and its still running great. The 3400 V6 engine is like a tank!

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  My new ride - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By uh60guy - August 16 - 10:02 am

  Impala is the best kept secret in General Motors. Practically nothing is spent in advertising for this car yet it continues to be a best seller. In a time when cars seem to be shrinking and full size cars are turned into European style "sport sedans" Impala still offers a level of comfort and style not available elsewhere. New GM cars like the Buick Lacrosse, though a fine vehicle, has an interior that seems inspired by jet fighter cockpits. A tall driver has no place to put his right knee. The CTS, another fine vehicle, when equipped with a sun roof does not offer enough head room. Impala still has plenty of room for a full-sized person while still offering style and performance.

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  Great car - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By funbus - August 15 - 8:54 pm

  Got the LT model, couldnt be happier. Its a nice family sedan, nice sound system and quiet smooth ride. What else could you ask for. Getting about 26 mpg in mixed driving.

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  2010 LTZ - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By Norman & Ann Marie - August 15 - 10:10 am

  Great car, esp. for the price. LTZ version worth the extra expense. Car looks like more expensive Lexus, etc.. OnStar very useful, but could use a map screen. OnStar saved us when we were locked out of car. Car is unfairly and negatively reviewed by Consumer Reports, perhaps on basis of cheaper LS or LT versions.