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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  NO 04 THIS IS A 74 - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By JOEYNKRISSY - July 20 - 12:36 am

  THIS IS A CLASSIC 74 IMPALA SS CAST IRON TANK WITH A 4BBL 350 4BOLT MAIN BETTER THAN WHAT WE HAVE NOW A GREAT AMERICAN MADE ICON AND WILL MOVE AT CLOSE TO 140 MPH DUE TO THE SIZE AND FOR A CAR SUCH AS THIS WHO CARES ABOUT GASS AND FOR THOSE WHO WORRY ABOUT SMOG THIS CLASSIC EMITS HARDLY ANY BUT IN REGARDS TO THE NEW IMPALA THEY ARE REALLY NICE AND FUN TO DRIVE GOD BLESS THE U.S. AND BUY AMERICAN

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  Lot of car for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By ladyscot - July 18 - 12:10 am

  We believe the Impala is a good car at a good price. We considered Saturn, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord but the Impala just seems like more car for less money than any of those. It is too early to judge long term quality and gas mileage is not what others have reported but we are happy with our purchase so far. Seems as solid as the Cadillac we traded and has much more room inside. Only gripe so far are the seats which are not padded enough. Nowhere near as comfortable as either the CTS or our 2005 Impala.

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  Junk - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By alan - June 30 - 8:45 am

  I bought this car because of the low gas mileage for this size car. It is a comfortable 6 passenger car. But you never know when you may have to walk. The 3.4 has defective intake gaskets which I have replaced. The signal light blinkers are defective. The brake rotors are defective. I have another problem with engine misfire now. This car is the most unreliable car I have ever owned.

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  2008 Impala LT - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Manny Barriger - May 27 - 2:06 am

  The vehicle was purchased in February of 2008. I like the looks of the all black, with the cherry wood dash. My transportation has been predominately in the city, which gives me about 24-24 mpg. I have taken the car on one trip across the state of Wisconsin from Milwaukee to LaCrosse. The ride was good, and the vehicle got up to 32 mpg on the trip. It may have gotten better, but we had it fully loaded with 3 people and about 450 lbs worth of stuff. That is what I find neat about this car, its full size and the ability to get mileage that competes with the small compact foreign cars. The other thing I like is the oil life indicator, I get about 5,000 miles between oil changes.

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  2006 New Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By robertsilas2 - May 22 - 1:03 am

  I wanted the biggest car I could get with lots of room and comfort for the lowest possible price. Thats what I got. Good acceleration and passing power. But the engine seems to lug when turning the corner from a stop. Whats up with that?

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  Powerwindow Squeals /trim is coming off - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lila - May 19 - 3:23 am

  Great car. But it has been to dealer twice for them to repair screeching driver window. The last time was 2 days ago. Window is still squealing. The trim is coming off on driver side where the doors meet. Both doors have peeling trim? What the heck? The car has 5000 miles on it? Love the car but becoming very disappointed in my new car.

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  Some Problems - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Don - May 11 - 6:26 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. We have had some problems with the engine/SS/fuel injectors. The car is still under warranty. The car begins to sputter driving over 40 mph when you hit the gas peddle. Also, the power steering seems to be going out. Something loose in the column and getting harder to turn when driving slower. Chevy dealers cant seem to find the problem.

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  Impala a decent car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Woggy - April 28 - 9:50 am

  While it isnt the Impala of the 60s the 2004 Impala is still a pretty decent car. Solid build structure (withstood a concrete truck backing into front end very well). Fuel economy is not excellent but good for a car this size. No major component breakdowns yet. Just quite a few more minor annoyances. Brake part frequent servicing,a number of worrying, but so far harmless, noises of varying types. Comfortable to drive, reasonable quite ride, good handling. Has been a 7.5 out of 10 on overall satisfaction. Lots of trunk space, especially with fold down rear seats. Standard stereo not outstanding but more than adequate. Exterior finish good to very good. Horn stinks, intend to replace it.

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  Great Family Sedan, Cheap Mechanics - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By PATRICK - April 17 - 9:50 am

  Bought this Impala new. Now has 81,000 miles. Best family sedan out. Have 3 children and all fit comfortably in backseat with plenty of luggage space. Great gas mileage and comfortable for long trips. Adequate acceleration, braking and handling. Mechanically, apparently cost accountants undercut engineering, hurting Chevys reputation. Twice had to have steering shaft repacked with lube since steering column felt "loose". At 80,000 miles intake gasket gave out leaking antifreeze, costing $700 to repair. My 1st car was a 65 Corvair with 44,000 miles. Gaskets leaked oil. Replaced them with better quality and car lasted 100,000 more miles with no leaks when I sold it. When will Chevy learn?

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  Smooth rider - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Drew - April 12 - 4:26 pm

  This car is very smooth and quiet. There is no center console so you have room to spread out although the backseats arent as spacious as you might think. My first tank fillups have given me mileages of 21, 22, 19, 29, and 30 with the last two being all highway and the first 3 mixed. Overall Im very pleased with my purchase but would not buy one brand new because they lose their value very quickly compared to Honda or Toyota. Handling is not very good and the car tends to drift but that is the trade off for a super soft ride.