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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  The Bed Rock of GM Value - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By MikeDeas - April 29 - 7:01 pm

  I was not initially impressed with this Impalas styling as I thought it was a bit conservative but inoffensive. But a closer look at the contents, prior experience with its 3.8L V-6 (older design) and a test drive converted me out of my 2000 Chrysler LHS which while roomier, and less prone to wind gusts, used 89 octane fuel (vice the 87 octane for this Chevy) and more of it. The Impala LS was also more tightly assembled and to date, Ive had not one problem. GMs current profitability problems certainly werent caused by this Chevy!

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  Still Love our 02 Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By mesaba - April 20 - 3:16 pm

  Still a wonderful family vehicle after three years. No problems whatsoever, lots of room for two adults, a toddler and an infant. Trunk is massive and holds stroller and luggage for a weekend trip to the cabin. We broke it in well and regularly see 32 mpg on the highway using our own calculations (not the computer which shows 34 mpg). For the price it cant be beat. The engine and handling is more than sporty enough for a mid 30s family of four. No BMW but still very nice.

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  Whats Up With GM? - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chevy is Slipping - April 13 - 4:40 am

  This car is pretty good: it handles well, is pretty good on gas and is quite comfortable. It’s one major drawback is what they perceive to be a marketing plus: OnStar. It is unreliable, an annoyance, and definitely not worth the money. With so many other equally acceptable alternatives out there (unfortunately for the domestic manufacturers, most of them are foreign made) it is a shame that we are effectively forced by GM to look elsewhere if we are to be able to get a car we really want. What really stinks is that most of the rental cars are not equipped with OnStar but the general public is not offered this same level of courtesy.

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  Impala LS Sport - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By SaabDriver - March 4 - 8:54 pm

  This is a great car. It comes with the LS sport package(Corvette tail lights, carbon-fibre interior trim, little Impala logos on the door panels on the inside, shiny exaust tip, 16" sporty 5 spoke wheels and lower front fascia extensions. The interior is really big, even though I like small cars better.

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  Gaylord, Mi. - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - February 22 - 6:03 pm

  Very comfortable car, love the OnStar and the hands free telephone. Handling seems to be good. Not real impressed with the 3500 V-6. Mileage is not what I was expecting, around 26. First heavy snow we had was 12 inchs, the car never missed a beat driving through it ! All in all I would buy another.

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  I like it - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By sysletem - February 12 - 2:33 pm

  This is my first Impala. I drive over 45,000 miles per year . I wanted better gas mileage over my previous vehicle. I dont quite know if this is the vehicle either . But Im really impressed with everything else , the ride, power, interior . I have the black SS with completly tinted windows WOW. At 3500 miles I believe I can honestly say I get 24mpg on the highway and 18 in town . At this point Im glad I made this purchase.

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  Average Owners Review - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Hello - February 8 - 5:59 pm

  Just bought this Chevy 2 weeks ago. I deem it the best value you can get at the price I paid -$12,000 with 15500 miles as a former rental. It feels like a big comfy couch inside, like the 90 Lumina. Dummy gauges are abundant because of their "message center" that tells you just about everything you need to know. Big trunk, big bench seat, great stuff. Consumer Reports called the interior "borderline offensive" because of all the plastic, but I say theres nothing better looking and smelling than Armor-All on plastic pieces. If you are entirely utilitarian like me, get this nice family car. The only minus I have is that you need to step on the gas pedal a second before you really want to go

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  Fabtastic - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By crowell33 - February 3 - 4:53 am

  I was originally looking at a Dodge Magnum RT, but was very surprised when I drove this car! For $10,000 less than a comparable Magnum, I got a 300hp V8, good looks and a lot of room. This car hauls and the glorious exhaust note never fails to satisfy me. Better gas mileage than I anticipated. I would like to see some stiffer springs/shocks to tighten up the body roll, but all in all, this is one terrfic value.

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  Great value car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Larry Caffee - January 30 - 2:06 pm

  Have gotten 32 mpg, live in a rual area. Car rides and drives great, love the 16 inch wheels, I do get road noise on certain highways, but I can live with that. Its a great value for the buck, will buy another. Have owned Chevys before.

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  Outside looks great, but that interior.. - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By berne1 - January 23 - 5:25 pm

  The Impala SS is an interesting one. On one hand, the exterior changes make this look sporty and aggressive, much better than the base and LS models. The interior needs some of those changes. Decent power, but not what I expected from the supercharged engine. Gas mileage is great for a car this size, and it is very roomy. This is a very well built and solid car. I thought the interior could use several improvements.