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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  Dont Buy Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By dont buy impala - September 16 - 3:55 pm

  Security Light comes on and car wont start for 10 min. Started once a month now 2 times a day. Talked to Chevy but no solution and no hope for a recall. Looked on-line for solution and found many people with same problem. They only have temp solution for $800 or more. This problem is a safety issue and needs to be recalled. Are you listening Chevy?

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  Good ride but you will pay for it $$$$ - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By GregS - September 15 - 2:31 pm

  To be fair i bought it used and was an x security car. Anyway had the head gasket, lifters, tie rods, and the air stopped working. I do have 184,000 so that part is good. Key lock problem a huge pain but can be reset by leaving the key in on position for 11 minutes exactly as it resets! Stinks if you are in a hurry because it happens at the worst times!

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  Real Sleeper - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Clark - September 13 - 2:46 pm

  Excellent fit, finish, and materials. Performance and economy are nicely balanced; 3500 miles and already exceeding 30 mpg averages in highway driving. Variable valve timing gives power and economy. Handling is not on par with my 83 VW GTI, but it wasnt stock, either. Interior comfortably accomodates my teenage daughters and all their accoutrements. Bucket seats are significantly improved from previous years versions. Fold down rear set is a convenient touch--and the seating doesnt suffer in comfort.

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  GONE! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By happyitsgone - September 13 - 1:53 pm

  The car had a nice feel like a older full sized car. The quality was horrible i have never had a car that required more repairs and was on a downhill slide then that car. Fuel regulator, wheel studs, water pump, transmission, etc... The resale value was horrible, just recently got rid of it and purchased a nissan.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - September 8 - 12:32 pm

  My Wife and I were first very excited to get a newer Impala ours is an 06, the fact that I was not given the vehicle history up front should have warned me off. our first problem was the trans. we lost 2nd gear, then the rotors warped at 39000 miles, then the truck started rusting out and also the passenger side front door panel started to rust. After I finally received a copy of the cars history before I bought it I was shocked there were 3 pages of repairs on the car. I am still having trouble with 1st gear shifting hard and sometimes being sluggish to shift at all, and as far as gas mileage this car has never done better than 17 mpg period.

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  The Way to Go - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob Riehm - September 7 - 3:53 pm

  Just turned in my 2007 Impala SS. It was a fantastic car. Took on a few cross country long trips and clocked 27mpg on the hwy. The car always performed perfectly and had real power when I needed it. My new 2008 from the dealer (demo with 6,000 mi.) is similar to the old one. Not much change, and the 2010 are virtually the same so..... I went for the deal. I will continue to buy this venue of car (American all the way) before spending thousands more on a foreign hottie which really cant compare to the American Impala SS. The price is right and the feel is right, both in the car itself and the American pride.... "step on it !!!!"

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  Problems - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Riverhouse2 - September 7 - 11:40 am

  I bought the car with 63000 miles and within 3 days of owning it I had it in the shop twice because it would not start. At 89000 miles the transmission acted up so had to have that fixed. At 140000 now the reduced engine light is on and you loose speed. Reading other reviews on this model seems Alot of people are having the same thing. In fact the dealer told me with the transmission issue "Oh these cars are known for that." Frustrated that GM will not do anything about it.

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  Its not a Hemi - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mr Hurst Olds - September 2 - 3:44 pm

  I loved my 06 300C. It was one of my best cars,but gas won"t stay 2 bucks a gal. I looked at mostly GM cars and always liked the Impala,the SS would be great but I wanted better mileage. I read some of Edmunds reviews and I thought that some were critical of the interior. I believe that was because of buying the lower model. I am very happy with the leather seats and the way they sit. I have 18 inch wheels and the handling pkg {both std on LTZ} and car handles as good as my 300. It does have a little stiffer ride but you cant have both ways. The 3.9 V-6 has plenty of power for all my driving and the first tank of gas{mostly city with some hwy driving avg 23.5

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  "Good Car not Great car" - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Scott - August 30 - 7:56 pm

  I bought my 08 Impala Lt 3.5 V6 used with nearly 26,000 miles on it. It was in pristine shape. It runs good ONLY execpt for my excessive tire alignment problems that the factory warranty wont cover. Yea the bumper to bumper the covers "almost" everything. Other than those minor problems and the lagging power of the V6 i think it was a great buy.

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  DISAPPOINTED!!! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By DISAPPOINTED!! - August 29 - 9:11 pm

  I just LOVED my Impala and thought I couldnt have been more satisfied with a car like I had been with this one! However, I have noticed in the past month or so that the door molding is tearing out of the door, the trim between the front and back doors is getting spots sorta like the paint is fading off and NOW - TODAY - IT HAD TO BE TOWED IN TO THE SERVICE SHOP! I have less than 35,000 miles on my car, the battery is fine but there is problem with the electrical system. Also, I get disgusted with the tire sensors too!!!!!