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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  100% Pure Love! - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By levwop - May 22 - 1:09 pm

  I love this car it is so much fun to drive, it is an eye catcher! Have not done anything major to it besides oil changes etc the normal. The get up and go in this is amazing! When i found out they are not coming back with Impala SS in 2014, Very upset with Chevy on this! I will keep this car as a collector now bc they are not made anymoe 2009 was the last year this car was produced..

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  Drive to Reno - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By camille37 - May 19 - 1:40 pm

  On break in drive to Reno car handled perfectly. On return trip ran into rain and moisture could be felt coming thru the air vents.

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  Whistle type air leak - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By lura - May 2 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased a 2010 Impala in Oct. 2012 with less then 19,000 miles on it. When I am driving down the road with the window down and air button circulating air from outside there is a whistle from the passenger side. If you turn the fan on it stops. If you have the button circulating the air inside the car there is no whistle with the window down and fan off. I have been told now that all the Impalas do this. Really? I dont believe this is true. Why would you manufacture a car that when you drive it you cant enjoy due to whistle. I am fed up with the run around from the dealership. I had a 2004 Impala and my friend has 2009 Impala and they dont have the whistle

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  Great daily driver - 2013 Chevrolet Impala
  By perlanera - April 30 - 7:16 pm

  After reading the review of the 2013 Impala on Edmunds one would foolish to buy this car, but dont be fooled its a great large vehicle. Large for todays scene, but not that large. 18 cu trunk and with the back seat folded down its able to carry a lot of cargo. The 3.6 twin overhead cam V-6 pulls like a modern V-8 with a firm ride. I bought the LTZ and it reminds me of my 1996 Cadillac Eldorado, except the Eldorado did not have a sunroof or heated seats. Gar mileage is good, not great, averaging 21 mpg in traffic and 28 mpg on the highway with regular gas - most high power v-6s require high test gas, not this one with direct injection (no turbo). $4000 rebate, you cant beat it !

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  Great car however - 2012 Chevrolet Impala
  By hollandia - April 2 - 4:01 pm

  Decided to purchase the Impala from my local Chevy and Buick dealer. The car had 15,000 miles when purchased. The car was first put into service in Hawaii as a rental . When I turned the radio off I could hear a whistel or buzz from 2100 to about 3000 RPM. Turns out there is a service bulliten on the 3.6 for buzzing, humming or whisteling from 2000 to 4000 RPM, bulletin PIP4956A. This covers the replacement of the intake manifold. Just picked the car and and no more noise. All work was performed under warranty. I really do like the car and who can complain about 300+ HP on tap.

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  Could not ask for better value - 2012 Chevrolet Impala
  By savantrep - March 10 - 11:58 am

  I recently purchased my first LTZ- a 2012 model after searching high and low for that perfect mix of performance, comfort and style. This car has it all. The 302hp engine is awesome as well as the ample room (Im a tall guy).

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  Excellent LTZ - 2012 Chevrolet Impala
  By kmw8770 - February 7 - 8:42 pm

  Own a 2012 Impala LTZ loaded with every option. Solid build structure, very roomy, many features and great value. The fact that the 2012s & 13s have GMs new direct injected V6 engine and a six-speed auto make them that much better then the 11s. 302hp and on a trip back from southern PA to upstate NY averaged 30 mpg! Love the Bluetooth for phone, Bose sound system, XM satellite radio, heated seats etc. Love the car and plan on keeping it for a while, or at least until I can afford a 2014+ Impala LTZ.

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  The best car I have ever owned so far, - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By marqukitea - December 18 - 4:13 pm

  I bought my 2005 Impala, 2011, Its a good car But the gas miles suck, Its a good family car cause I have 3kids, The car was 10,000 But it had low miles to that why I got it. Im almost done payin for it Only owe abot 32hun So thats good I would buy another Impala, But now im lookin for an Truck by GM, So I have my eye on an Chevy Treverse, Good luck to me.

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  Great car! - 2011 Chevrolet Impala
  By chachel_02 - December 6 - 11:21 am

  I bought my 2011 Impala used in the beginning of 2012. I got the LTZ which has all the features you could want in a car. It drives great, gas mileage is good, its comfortable for long trips. While the Camaro is still my dream car I feel that the Impala is more practical and comfortable. Back seat has a lot of space for passengers as well. Great trunk space too!

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  Me likey the Impala SS - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By impalasswally - November 15 - 4:13 pm

  I like my Impala SS! Not incredibly sexy from certain angles, and the interior style is hideous, but for the $$, an incredible buy. V-8 power, better gas milage than my wifes V-6 Traverse (thanks to 4-cyl shut-off ... which you never notice). 0 to 60 sub 5.7 sec ... the new $40K Impala with the same HP is going to be Plus 7 sec. It stickered for $31K loaded, got it for 25K between 3K off from dealer, and 3K from GM card earnings. I am out of warranty almost a year now - almost 6 years old. I will admit, mostly local driving (I live close to work) and only 31K miles, but bullet proof. Starts every day, just changed oil. Both front hubs have been changed recently - only repair in 6 years.