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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  crss car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By tyler04 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  good car looks good an runs great pefer ss but to much $money but i love it.

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  High Mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By paulstoy - August 7 - 2:18 pm

  Great car, over 90,000 miles now, only problems are brakes (front)warp out, front spoiler drags from every driveway. Great mileage, have gotten 35 on highway driving using cruise control. A little road noise now as the mileage builds, but not bad. Be sure to get leather seats, the last one had cloth.

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  Great Ride, Great Mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sully - July 29 - 6:33 pm

  Traded from 98 Taurus and immediately enjoyed the spacious interior. Rode from Boston to Englewood,NJ & back on one tank of gas getting 32mpg! Handling is sweet and I was surprised at the tight turning radius. The 3.4V6 seems to have all the pep I need, especially with gas prices the way they are.

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  Good value - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By majorpaynepoo - July 23 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased my Impala not knowing what to expect with front wheel drive and the Impala name on the same car. My car has the 3900 v6 and man it will fly. I love the space it affords me since Im 63" and 240 pounds, with the seat all the way back I can barely reach the pedals. I also have a Deville Concour and Im happier with the Impala than I ever was with the Caddy. I am happy with the redesign of the Impala also I think it looks elegant as well as sporty with the dual exhaust and deep sounding mufflers. Happy, yes only wish there were more exterior locks on this. There is not even a place to put a key in the trunk or passenger door. Design? I dunno....

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  BEATS CAMRY, ACCORD AND ALTIMA BY A LONG SHOT - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By AO Schoenitz - June 24 - 12:45 am

  We owned a 2008 Chevy Impala LS that was by far the best vehicle I have ever come across in terms of reliability. We drove this vehicle for 224,000 miles and only experienced 2 out of the norm repairs over the course of 5 years. Both repairs were under $500 each which translates to minimal costs for upkeep of this vehicle. The miles per gallon for the size vehicle is most impressive during the early years of the cars life, 33+. The handling during Winter Weather is excellent as well. The car has some weight that it holds the road well. Power is nice and in abundance. The trunk is large. Their are only (2) gripes. One is that every vehicle should have 60/40 seats. The LS model did not have this option. The other issue is more for aesthetics in that the lower portion of the dashboard uses cheaper plastic that simply does not have to look and feel like it was a material decided by some bean counter accountant. For such a strong and reliable vehicle, why not complete the circle and make an interior you can cherish. Bought with 15,000 miles.

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By mizzoutiger18 - May 26 - 2:30 pm

  This is the first car Ive ever bought and I love it. Its such a smooth ride and it gets great gas mileage.

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  nice car but a rattle-trap interior - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By kenny6071 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I really like the car except for the constant rattle in the glove box door and the unusually high road noise. You may not feel every bump in the road but you sure can hear it. The car has been this way ever since I bought it. It is great to be able to fit 2 shopping carts of food in the trunk, and another cart full in the back seat area! The stereo is nice but needs better sounding rear speakers. 24K miles later, it is showing its age as well as feeling its age. The car doesnt feel as robust as it was when new. So far no major mechanical problems!

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  Half-way there - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Big T - May 2 - 5:07 pm

  This is a nice ride which has a lot going for it. The 280lb-ft of torque is above average. The car is big, roomy, comfortable, and has a huge frickin trunk. Interior and Exterior styling is OK. (In my opinion the 2006 has a better interior, but worse exterior.) An SS needs to be a V8 rear wheel drive. The 2006 get us SS fans half way there.

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  2004 Impala SS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By RepeatChevyDriver - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Having been tempted to purchase a new Impala SS in 1996 but not doing so and observing the cult following the model has had since 1996, it was intriguing to hear that a 2004 version was being built. The current SS will never have the same aura as the 94-96 rigs because of its FWD V6 configuration, but it is still a marked improvement over the base and LS models. The 2004 Impala SS is also a great bargain in comparison to other similarly equipped vehicles. It feels great to drive and has a lot of available acceleration at any speed. I may seriously consider trading it in, though, if the rumors are true and a RWD V8 Impala is on the way.

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  Impala LS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Len - April 24 - 6:16 pm

  Chevy engineers did a fine job on this design, however, a few more changes would make customer rating better. I find it difficult to determine where the rear of the vehicle is when backing up. I love the handling and performance of the Impala LS and find it to be a reliable automobile.