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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  Quality - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By jh1-1 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  An incredibly spacious interior as well as a very classy design for its price group. Handling is balanced and precise. A pretty sporty feel when driving for a sedan.

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  REturning to Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Scott L - May 17 - 10:00 am

  After having two Cadillac Cateras I returned to a Chevy Impala. The Impala offers almost as many features as the Catera fro significantly less money. Although the Cateras were verfy nice, the Impala offers more value for the dollar. The handling is better & it uses regular gasoline. I would have purchased a CTS but the Cadillac Dealers were not dealing in my area. Very happy with the Impala so far.

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  Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Richard Stromberg - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Execellent to drive and quality is very good.

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  This car is awesome - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tina - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Impala has to be one one the coolest cars ever. It handles smoother than I had ever thought possible and it performs to standard and beyond everytime I get behind the wheel. Not only is it fun to drive, but has sooooo many features, not to mention its stylish, classy look.

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  2003 Impala LS 3.8 liter Review - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Douglas M. De Barry - May 17 - 10:00 am

  What a great ride. Roll up the windows and the quiet surrounds you. Or better yet, turn up the GREAT sound system and tweak it to your liking. Ive averaged 24.8 MPG so far, and a lot of that is stop and go Saint Paul- Minneapolis driving with the A/C on. The leather package is worth the extra cost. Firm yet cushy too. The power drivers seat lets you stretch out if your a "big" person like me (6-1, 235). Lots of leg room, and comfort for those in the back seat too.

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  Best Car Ever - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Pete - May 16 - 1:43 am

  I am thrilled with the new Impala. A way better car than the Ford 500, and performance, fuel efficiency, and interior space are beyond the Camry and Accord. Interior styling fit and finish are awesome and a hugh improvement over prior Impalas and most of the competition. The plant that built it in Canada has the highest qulaity of any auto plant on earth according to JD Power, so I expect a trouble free ownership.

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  35000 in one year and still going - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By angimp21 - May 11 - 7:53 pm

  I bought this car preowened after totaling my 05 impala and like the 05 not a dissapointment. The car origanaly had 25,000 miles when I bought it and in a year have put a little more than 35,000 more and have had no major mechanical problems just normal wear and tear. The only problem that I am having is that the the front tires bushings have too much play and are wearing out my tires real fast. At about 65k now the cars engine is still quiet runs smooth. No major complaints except the obvious much needed cup holders and in increase of quality like the seats fabric but that is minor stuff. The bigger issues are in the front suspension from the cheap brakes to the faulty bushings

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  Very Satisfied - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rolando - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I Enjoy the ride and the comfort, I am very pleased. Would recommend strongly.

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  Good value - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By miker - May 10 - 2:36 am

  The 08 impala lt drives great. I stepped down owning a Mercedes-Benz C-class for 8 years. The Impala is very quiet, smooth shifting and I like the styling and space. Mileage is excellent and it uses regular gas. I am used to that other motorists look at you while driving a Mercedes-Benz, same thing happens with the new Impala. Love that car.

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  Best SS Ever - 1994 Chevrolet Impala
  By Svimburg - May 7 - 1:57 pm

  After ten years, my 94 Impala SS is still fun to drive and looks good. There is plenty of room for my family of five and all of our stuff fits easily into the Soprano-sized trunk. The acceleration is exciting and the roar of the iron block V-8 never fails to put a smile on my face. I was surprised to see on Edmunds that my car has retained 50% of its value since I bought 10 years ago! The car is very comfortable to drive around town or on a long road trip. Gas mileage is good. I get high teens in town and low 20s on the highway where I cruise at 70. I get the same mpg on a 2003 Honda Odyssey van that has a V-6 and 5 speed automatic.