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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  My 2nd one of this model - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kevin - September 27 - 12:39 am

  This is my 2nd Impala. So far Ive had to pay to have the transmission fixed ($1,100.00 - Take it apart) and (3,250.21) to have it fixed. There is a thumping/popping sound when you turn the wheel. That is due to a "shaft thing". Thats another $279.99 to fix. There is also a clattering sound when you are in 2nd gear and speed up. Dont know what thats about. The transmission slips and has a hard time changing gears. I dont know why both my Impalas gave me so many problems. I mean my last one was only 1 1/2 years old and the dealer said its showing wear and tear on the engine and transmission. Come on! Its not even that old. Other than that it starts immediately and rides smooth. I dont even drive my cars rough. Ive had my Caliber longer than my Impala lasted. My Caliber is 5 months old. When my Impala was 5 months problems started.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By jrydel - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Nice car. Ride is a little harsh. Good handling and great gas mileage. Fun to drive, but is not all it should be. See suggested improvements. A little pricey for the SS compared to other makes such as Nissan Maxima, etc.

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  2005 Impala Base Model - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kristen - September 14 - 8:54 am

  This car has been great. Not really had much for expenses other than routine maintenance. Lack of options on the base model, but still a resonabley good buy.

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  Would buy another one - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Far North - September 13 - 9:27 am

  Purchased this car in 2005 with about 100,000. Have 133,000 on it now. Havent any major problems. Gets great gas mileage for a large sedan and the motor runs smooth. Lots of room for a tall guy. Only complaints are some funky electrical problems. The turn signals work intermittently and the power window switches had to be replaced.

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  Not happy - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff R - August 27 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased the Impala because of its reputation and comfort. Im disappointed. The first 1.5 years were okay except for an annoying jerking when cold and first accelerate. Service could not determine cause after 3 visits. Last two times in for an oil change I was told the front wheel bearings are going bad and intake gasket has a leak - over $2000 in repairs. I lease to avioid maintenance problems. I will take my loss and opt for early out to get rid of this lemon. No more Impalas for me.

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  SSled - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By SSled - August 23 - 5:00 pm

  This car fits me to a tee at my age and comfort expectations anymore. Ive owned several pre-70s Chevy muscle cars and each had their high points. This modern muscle may not get the looks of a 70 Chevelle or 66 Nova but neither had air Conditioning or 4 wheel disc brakes or comfy leather seating or power this and that. Thats not to say it doesnt get noticed, Im impressed how many thumbs up I get actually. Mine is a 4000 mile original that gets driven very rarely but when it does I enjoy it immensly. Its not the quickest or fastest car out there but its got plenty of power and gets decent gas mileage for a 4200lb LT1 V8. Overall the car is perfect.

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  My tranny - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By walkhud - August 1 - 12:54 pm

  Bought the car at 188,000km. It had a new transmission 1 year before we purchased it so we thought we were safe despite the mileage. Transmission went within 1,000km. They said there was a problem with a heater that warms the transmission fluid and that killed 2 transmissions ($2500 CDN to fix). New battery ($200). Oil in our coolant led to a new radiator ($800 CDN to fix). Now we have oil in our coolant again 2 months later...well wait and see now. By the way, weve only driven 5,000km! Thats $0.70/km not counting car payments/insurance/gas.

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  Nice car poor service -design flaws? - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By hksunshine - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Have LS. Fun Car to drive, great pickup and good milage. Buying experience painless. Service is an issue. Contes service departments response to issues : It bottoms out going up or down ramps even at slowest speeds (5mph) ..told thats normal! If I stop and immediately start Impalas engine turns several times and theres a delay in dash lights coming on, told they didnt find anything wrong! Occasional hesitation under acceleration, they couldnt find anything wrong! Trunk popped with keyfob doesnt open all the way and hard to close..you guessed it.."normal". Moisture inside right headlamp, replaced headlamp and..still moisture.Too bad..nice car otherwise.

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  OK so far - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Marty - July 30 - 2:03 am

  I have the base model with no options. The standard list of equipnment is impresive, far more than Toyota Camry and for a lot less money. This car is worth a look if you are in the market for a large sedan.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Don - July 27 - 6:20 pm

  This is a decent car for the money. It has its quirks as most cars do, but its a good value. It rides and handles smoothly. I only gave the car a seven for build quality as after only six months the car began dripping transmission fluid. A trip to the dealer let us know the transmission casing needed to be replaced. The car was at the dealer for a week although they did provide a loaner. Other then that its holding up well.