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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  60,000 Miles later!!! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Anthony - November 9 - 10:54 pm

  I have never had so much fun with a car. The SS is a blast to drive and its sad the 09 year was the last one. I just turned 60k miles already and had the rotors cut once, and a bad fuel evaporator canister needed to be changed. I still have the original tires on the car!I only wish the import buyers would have driven an SS before purchasing a car. The Imp has a ton of room and a huge trunk too! I have avged @ 20 mpgs between city and highway driving. Buy a used one today and it is the steal of the century since resale isnt to strong. If Chevy would have really promoted the car it would have survived. Find one and have some fun!!!

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  Too Many Problems - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By AndreaP - November 7 - 4:25 pm

  Ride & handling are very good. Very comfortable, even on very long trips. Interior is very roomy, even for rear seat passengers. Tons of space in the trunk. However, it does not hold the road well in wet or snowy conditions. Even after meticulous maintenance, there have been too many mechanical problems. The cosmetic issues I have had are not due to abuse or over-use. My experience has been that this is a very poorly built automobile, and as a result has been unusually expensive to maintain. I would not consider purchasing another one. Items replaced include a new computer, catalytic converter, rear exterior door handles, wiring, trim items, etc. and several problems still exist.

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  A Good ride with some quirks - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By NatG83 - November 4 - 4:57 pm

  I had the 3.8 LS with Leather interior, full loaded. Purchased the car used. Motor was strong, good acceleration. ride was too soft, and would bottom out with 4 adults in car. Interior parts broke easily, and there were some unsightly gaps in the panels. The car was terrible in the snow. The traction control only made matters worse. The Leather seats were way too soft. They worked well around town, but left the legs numb on long trips. When I traded the car in, the transmission felt to be slipping with only 70,000 miles on the car. The exterior was nice, but the headlight seals went on the car.

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  Disappointed in Chevy - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank - November 4 - 8:50 am

  This car has had to be back to the dealer 7 times for emissions related codes that cause a check-engine light within the first 17 months of ownership. It happened 4 times in the first year, but I didnt file a lemon law claim in time (it had to be done within the first 12 months) and now Chevy wont buy it back and I have changed to a different dealer for the last couple of repairs.

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  Good Value for the money! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mark L - November 4 - 3:23 am

  This is a pretty good compromise between performance and comfort, especially if you catch it at the 0% financing as I did!Taken a few road trips, not bad overall. Came from 05 GTO 6 speed so the performance is not bad considering. I recommend it to those in need of a compromise car.

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  LTZ-Best car for the dollar - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By JWT in Indianapolis - October 31 - 8:14 pm

  My 2008 LTZ is the best car I have ever owned(2 Cadillacs, 2 Porsches, 3 Toyotas, 1 Ford, 1 Buick, 1 BMW). It is well equipped, fun to drive, built with quality, and good looking. It gets about 26-30 mpg on the highway depending on speed driven. If I keep it at 65mph or less I get close to 30 mpg. I get 20-22 back and forth to work (to/from downtown Indianapolis). I really like the look of the 18 inch tires.

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  Better Than Expected - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By craig - October 31 - 2:01 am

  I traded in my 04 Grand Prix for a new 09 LTZ. I love it! Its got a lot more interior room & the trunk is HUGE. I have to lay down to get anything just behind the back seat. The headroom is great in front & back. Im not as blinded at night now as the Impala sits higher. The acceleration w/ the 3.9 liter is great! I have nearly V8 performance & am getting V6 mileage. Im averaging 20 mpg & thats w/ lots of city miles. The features w/ the radio are much better than in my old car. I can see why the police are starting to buy LTZs.

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  Roomy and Fuel Efficient - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Buckeye_Traveller - October 30 - 4:55 pm

  We have had our Impala for 3 years. I really like the large interior and trunk, with folding back seats that allow lots of cargo. We have been averaging 33 mpg on the freeway, using cruise control. We average about 25 city driving. I also really like the dash computer that tells mileage and tire pressure (PSI) on each tire. The only problems that I have had with the car are interior seating. The headrest has come apart on the driver side twice. The rear seats were replaced under warranty due to seams coming apart. The Goodyear tires that it came with wore out around 36,000 miles. Other than that, I really like this car and recommend it.

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  Horrible - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Never Again - October 29 - 11:21 am

  I bought this car in 2004 new with maybe 500-1000 miles on it. They had to replace the dashboard, carpet, starter and thermostat while it was still under warranty. Now that it is not and I own it, it is falling apart. I have just replaced the thermostat and now they are saying it may need a new radiator.

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  Terrible company car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Traveler - October 28 - 12:51 am

  I have had 3 Impalas as company cars in the past 6 years and have had multiple problems with each one. The steering locked up and left me stranded twice with my 03. My 05 and 07 have both been in the shop multiple times for various reasons. The trim on the driver side door has peeled of on both. All of these problems happened with 50,000 miles or less. One of my biggest complaints is the heater. My last 2 Impalas would not blow hot air when the car was idling. I cant believe all of them are like this but after having 2 new ones that both operate this way I wonder. For a free car I cant complain, but I would NEVER buy one of these for myself.