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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  Think twice before you buy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jennifer - September 17 - 2:00 am

  2 years ago we purchased a 2006 Chevy Impala. This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever purchased. The car has mechanical malfunctions all the time, some the repair shop could not even figure out. I had to have sensors and other parts replaced well before the time that they should wear out. The paint job is shoddy too. My husband takes very good care of our cars. This Impala has the pin-striping coming off with each wax job. We only use extremely good car care products, like Mothers car wax. I feel the paint job is inferior and not the wax. Not happy I will be paying for this waste of money vehicle for the next 3 years. I have even tried to turn it in as a trade on a different brand

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  No more chevys for me - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By jjc_babs - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2005 Impala used in 2006, with 20,000 miles. Since than I have had to replace the water heater, radiator, cost of 1300.00. Dealer did not volunteer any additional information about this issue. Since than my speedometer and RPM gauge cluster went out another 600.00. not to mention my traction issue that was another 700.00. Oh, and when they say they checked your fluids I think they just look at them because at my last oil change 2 months ago they never said I was low on anything. I found my coolant to be low.And I dont understand how they overlooked an interior light other than the miniscule lights built in the mirror I will never buy a Chevy again.

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  Will never buy another impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kim - July 31 - 11:22 am

  I brought this car new and for the first year it was ok. My water pump went out and of course I had to pay three hundred to get it replaced. The car is very cheap made. The cd player doesnt work right. They put all the room in the trunk when they should have put it in the back seat area. The gas mileage is a joke. Why put on paper it gets 31 mpg when they know it doesnt. The only car I ever owned that I hated more was a ford tempo. Dont waste your time or money on this car. Chevrolet really dropped the ball on this car.

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  Cant afford it anymore. - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Broke - June 20 - 12:45 pm

  In the 2 years I owned this car, I had to put in over $4300 in repairs. Power window regulators, Intake manifold gasket, struts, strut mounts, struts again, brakes twice, steering box/rack. Both rear door handles (exterior) broke off, one by my daughter. Not my best car ownership experience. GM man for 25 years. I give up, so now I drive a Nissan.

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  Dont ever buy impala ss again - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By kittycat23 - April 30 - 4:44 am

  i bought 2006 ss impala nothing but problems my check engine light came on twice sensor went, the wheel bearings front two replace, radio went out on it quiet playing my cds all under 40,000 miles then my tires went less the 2000 miles i put on. bought 1200 a set went out, water pump went out at 42,000 my tie rod went at 50,000, remote starter broke, poor handling during the winter, the radiator croaked at 52,000, the transmission leaked twice the hose of it broke not under warranty, cost 250 dollars never ever buy a gm product again

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  Horrible Car - Shame on you GM - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Stephanie - April 23 - 7:33 am

  I bought my 2007 Chevy Impala with 30,000 miles on it I thought I had a great car. Turns out it is NOT a good car. Several things going wrong now and I am at 60,000 miles. My outside trim is falling off, have to add oil before 3000 miles with no explanation, my traction control comes on in warm, dry weather and causes the car to slow down with warning lights saying "reduced engine power" and now the check engine light is on constantly. So far leaving the traction control off is working so I can at least drive it. The radio is junk, the heater only works while driving, not while idling so warming the car up is not an option. Thats great news in MI. I am done with GM vehicles and I WAS a fan.

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  stuck with an impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By stuck with an impals - April 9 - 8:23 pm

  I traded in my Dodge caravan for an 05 impala. This is the most uncomfortable car. The cushion pad on right of seat is higher than left, making me sit crooked. If I scoot to left to even out, steering wheel and pedals too far to right, hurting my hip and leg. If legs are comfy to pedals, arms are stretched to wheel, and vice versa. Have to choose sore legs or arms. I cannot find a comfy position for driving this car. I have tried to trade this in for anything at several dealers, but they cant do it. My hip and legs are so so sore when I get out of this car from driving. Am I stuck with a car I hate driving. I want my van back.

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  When does it end - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Disgruntled - March 25 - 9:04 am

  The Impala is not fit because it has too many problems. It is good on gas and the ride is alright on the highway for long trips but. Not recognizing the key therefore the car wont start and having to the wait for the computer to shut down 12-15 mins is not right. Approx $1100 to fix, then intake manifold gasket leaking which the coolant can eventually leak into the eng $1000, brakes never seem to be good, fix at dealer with minimal cost but eventually did a whole new brake job, muffler pipe has a crack, lower control arm bushings left and right needs to be replaced, now head gasket dealer $2200, private shop $1400 and eng rebuilt at priv shop $2400. I only have $155k when does it end.

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  Dont Waste Your Money - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By CLH - February 12 - 8:20 am

  I bought my car new off the lot. It was great at first. The 1st year the entire steering column had to be replaced - it locked up and I could not move it. Once I hit 100,000 - I had to replace the intake gasket, head gasket, bearings, window motor, and fuel pump. I also had to replace the brakes numerous times. Interior design not good - kept finding screws inside the car on the floor. Even my mechanic said that the 3.4 liter engine was not good & all his customers with this car had the same problems.

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  Transmission/Shaft Problem - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kee-Ki - January 14 - 3:59 pm

  Beware! I bought my car back in October 2004 brand new. I have replace steering shaft, all radiator components, brakes, and now my transmission is bad. This car was well kept up, when I fix one thing something else breaks down