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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  GM got it right, then quit! - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By soccercoach99 - June 5 - 7:53 pm

  I have seven cars, including a Porsche Boxster, Jaguar XJ8, Honda S2000 and some winter AWD/4WD vehicles. Driving the SS is somehow very very satisfying, it lopes along, big, black, bad, and then, when called on, just puts you into the comfy seats and gets to really outrageous speeds in a blink. Im sure that more modern vehicles beat the numbers on acceleration, etc, but blasting around a freeway on ramp at 80 to 90 in a couple of heart beats with this beast is extremely fun!

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  Improves with time - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tom - June 5 - 12:04 pm

  Locale is west coast Canada. Bought ex-lease with 25,000 km for $16,000 CDN. Warranty trans replace, 6 mo. to track down engine misfire to sensor on crank. This is an excellent car once problems are solved (but make sure you have a warranty! Bretts in Chilliwack persisted in tracking down the problems). Comfortable interior--best seats for long trips to Oregon and California of any car weve owned huge trunk handles well for a car with such a soft ride (once I replaced Firestones with Michelin ZXs) engine does not use oil. I am giving this car to my son for a wedding present and well miss it, but I feel assured that he will be safe because its a big car with lots of metal!

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  Big questions - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By TEV - May 31 - 6:13 pm

  I have a question for other Impala owners. Do you hear a change in engine sound during wet weather? I also feel a loss of power in heavy rains? Am I nuts or does anyone else experience these problems?

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  Satisfied Customer - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Satisfied Driver - May 28 - 8:19 am

  I Love my Impala LT, this is my second Chevrolet and must say they are very wonderful calls. (NO RECALLS YET).The Impala LT is a great car to drive, very cozy I sometimes dont wanna get out.

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  Not disappointed - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By imran - May 26 - 12:00 pm

  I bought mine about a year ago with 34k with certified warranty and believe me I used it quiet a few times and ended up buying the major guard warranty and used that about three times already, Ive put 35k in one year always started up ran pretty well all along with good mpg no complaints there, had a few issues, crank seal leak, power steering pump and hose, control arm, coolant leak, but luckily everything was covered, so i definitely recommend buying all the warranty you can do not buy without warranty, Ill give it an 6 out of 10.

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  Wouldnt own anything else - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sean - May 24 - 6:46 pm

  This is the second Impala Ls I have owned. I bought my first one (2001) and it saved my life when I caught black ice and went spinning off the highway into a tree. I bought my second one (2003) with 130,000 miles and it is as solid as a rock. the engine runs smooth as silk, and I have never had to replace anything. I would be hesitant to buy anything else.

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  Week Long Rental - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By Josh - May 21 - 4:36 pm

  I was given the 2010 Chevy Impala Lt to drive while my 2008 Mazda 3 was in the shop. I came away missing my Mazda real bad. Gas Mileage during the week averaged 21.3 which is terrible because I drive mostly highway to work. The ride is pretty comfortable compared to my Mazda. The V6 engine is nice on the highway, but acceleration seems slow. Overall my Mazda is much more fun to drive.

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  I was told it had 1001 improvements - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By clint - May 19 - 2:12 pm

  Bought it new, it has 93,000+ miles, 3rd day the traction control light came on, it was a loose pvc connection at valve cover, not long after that the courtesy lights on the rear view mirror and trunk quit working, didnt care, the steering tilt lever falls out, didnt care about that either, the brakes havent been serviced yet, theyre still good, but theres a good vibration when braking especially from highway speeds, dont care about that, the transmission started to slip and clunk into gear about 10,000 miles ago, Im kind of worried about that, it goes away after it warms up, theres oil leaking from somewhere above the oil filter, it runs good though, I would say it needed more than 1001 improvements

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  Love love love my Chevy Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By julie - May 14 - 8:25 pm

  I bought my Chevy Impala SS new and I love it. I did have some problems right after I bought it with something in the steering column which I must admit was very frustrating but this car has started every day for the last 6 years without fail. It has definite power when called upon. This car is a great car and I plan on driving it for many years to come!

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  Engine Problems x3 in 6 months - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By nomoregm - May 12 - 8:12 pm

  Bought my 2007 Impala with 53,000 miles 6mo ago. Forth time having it serviced and only at 63,000. PCM failed after 4 months which hydrolocked my engine. Hydrolock caused fuel injectors to go and a bent piston. Had my car back for 24 hours after 2nd fix of engine problems and engine light is back on. GM unwilling to help any further. This was my first GM product and my LAST.. Owned a 1999 Dodge for 160,000 miles and no where near the problems I have experienced in just 10,000 miles with my Impala.