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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  what a sweet ride - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By big willy - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This is really one fine ride. Very quick and agile for a car of this size. I picked up the Indy speedway edition on a model close out got a great price. The car is excellent! The only complaints I have are The torque steer under hard acceleration really bad, the SS badges are the same color as the car and its really to quiet for anything that says SS on it.

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  bad brakes - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By cfaller - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Very poor front brakes, they go out of round every 20,000 miles. Need better quality material in the brakes, same problem on my 2000 Malibu.

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  FAMILY CAR - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By FAMILYGUYB - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a nice family car. The interior is nice and I especially enjoy the high end stereo system. The car has decent pickup and passing power. The only problem being a thud when the driver window goes up in extra cold (below 40) weather. The best part was, with incentives, I was able to purchase the car for $17,000.

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  Good deal if you dont pay sticker price - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Terry - October 30 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased a new 2004 Chevy Impala base model. We were orginally going to buy a new Honda Accord, however we couldnt pass up the good bargain we got on the Impala. Its sticker price was 21000 dollars, however GM took 3500 dollars off and also we received another discount of 2250 dollars off the 3500. So it ended up that we only paid 14800 for this brand new impala, which we couldnt have gotten a Honda Accord for that. The Impala is a fairly good car. It gets good gas mileage for a large car and is roomy inside. Also has a big trunk! However, I do question the quality of some of the Impalas features. I do feel GM, and all car makers, for that matter, need to improve on quality!

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  Annoying But I Love It Anyway - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Andrew O. - October 8 - 1:34 pm

  Weak transmission- slams into first- feels like you have been rear ended. Great engine- sounds good- lots of power- excellent acceleration. Door speakers cheap- tinny- failed and were replaced. Terrible blind spots from drivers seat due to very wide A pillars- dangerous!. Stabilotrac very finicky- frequent messages that is not working but then seems to correct itself. Frequent evap. emissions trouble and expensive to fix. In spite of all this, I get a kick out of driving this car because it has a great engine. Rest of car I would describe as so-so. This is the last year of the Impala V-8s so the car commands a premium price when selling or trading, they still sell for $2000 more than the 6 cyl. models.

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  GOOD CAR ALL AROUND - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By BIGACTION - October 7 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE VEHICLE THAT IS A NICE EVERYDAY SPACIOUS CAR.

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  2002 Impala - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By gold in illinois - October 6 - 2:00 am

  The car is great to drive, very responsive and with very good acceleration. Have had issues with the brake rotors and transmission that both had to be replaced under warrenty. Rotors at 15000 miles transmission at 37000. Would recommend extended warrenty.

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  Exxxxcellent! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By allcars - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Our 02 LS has been a great car for us. We especially enjoy driving it on our frequent weekend road trips ... it is comfortable, economical and the 3800 V6 offers more than adequate power for the highway. The best upgrade weve made was the addition of XM Satellite Radio ... really helps make long drives more enjoyable. Our sleek black Impala looks sharp, too, with its LS Sport Appearance Package. It still draws admiring comments from friends and acquaintances. The luxury touches -- heated leather seats in front, the self-dimming rearview mirror and the compass, to name a few -- are much appreciated. Our Impala just turned 25,000 miles and has been quite reliable.

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  If I Had it to do over, would I? - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tim Kennedy - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new. Have had my share of warped rotors. Also problem with steering shaft. Also the security light came on one day. The next day the car would not start. After about 15 minutes it finally started. Ended up being the ignition switch. Had it replaced for a hefty $500.00. Then after that the bypass tube cracked and all of the anti freeze leaked out. That was close to $300.00. I am seriously thinking about buying a Hyundai. The quality has really improved in the last several years. Come on America, build a quality car for a change. Oh not to mention that all of the top surfaces had to be repainted at least 5 times.

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  Still love it after 10 years - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By mohammo - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought our SS off the showroom floor in 94. Wish We would have waited a year to get the floor shifter offered in the 96 model. When new, we were regularly smoking the 5.0 Mustangs and impressing local law enforcement. Lots of fun to beat up ponies with a grocery-getter. Frequently asked if its for sale...maybe...if my wife convinces me to upgrade to a C6 Vette.