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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  Sleeper - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ewoodward - April 23 - 8:26 pm

  I have owned it for about a month. Fun car to drive, looks pretty sharp. I had some transmission troubles, dealer/GM took great care of the car. No problems at all.

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  Love my Impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By JaniceB - April 23 - 11:28 am

  Ive been very happy with my Impala. I dont think you can get a smoother ride from a front wheel drive car. Its very spacious, love the interior and trunk room. Its sharp looking and fun to drive. I bought mine off a corporate lease return, it had 72k on it when I bought it at only 3 years old. It now has 90k on it and still runs, looks and drives like new. Only problem I had was had to replace a wheel speed sensor at around 88k ($400). No other problems. Has been very dependable. A very nice, roomy, family car.

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  A quality car that is worth the $$ - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By ChargerLT21 - April 22 - 10:25 pm

  I love this car. It is very reliable and it sounds great too. I love cruising with the sunroof open, and the heated leather seats are great in the winter months. As far as gas goes, it is respectable. A quality car all around. It looks good from the outside as well.

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  Really needs an upgrade. - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By TJDasen1 - April 20 - 6:58 pm

  Handsome car on the exterior, but the interior is just not up to snuff. The Impala is supposed to be Chevys top family car and it falls flat by not offering options offered by other "lesser" cars. NO auto climate control, NO reversing sensors, NO HID headlamps! Come on! Even Hyundai offers these. And the handhold for the trunk pulldown is a joke. You can only lower the (dirty) lid with it and then you have to grab the outside of the trunk to push it the rest of the way down. Very bad design flaw. True, this is my 82 yr old mothers car and not mine, but I have to drive her in it. Whats nice is that Chevy still offers a column mounted gearshift option. Thats what sold the car. Grade C

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  Impala LS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By David Renfroe - April 19 - 11:06 pm

  After driving BMWs for years (11 cars), I was pleasantly surprised at the drivability of this car. While not quite up to the BMW, it is very close. The two big differences are the build quality and the price. Dollar for dollar the Impala is a much better value as the comparable BMW costs 2&1/2 times as much.

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  Gave up an C5 for this, few regrets! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By C5Convert - April 18 - 6:50 am

  I traded in a 2000 Corvette for this car and I am very pleased. I have had far fewer regrets about giving up the C5 because of the Impalas goodness. The Short Block V-8 sounds great and the car is extremely fast. It handles very well for a family sedan, and though it is not a Corvette, it is still a lot of fun to drive and is far easier to live with day-to- day without giving up all of the "fun factor". Pay attention to this one, if you want practical and sporty! I have a hard time remembering that it is a front drive car- very neutral compared to some other front drivers Ive had, unless I really floor it hard from 0 mph. Build quality is excellent-no defects. Great Job Chevy!

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  Poor quality car... - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By jeremy - April 16 - 8:04 pm

  My mom bought this car new in 2004 for a really good price. Its a sturdy, good running, reliable car. However, the quality over the years has been terrible. The gas gauge went, the speedometer went, and the temperature gauge went. These I never got fixed because it would cost 450 dollars each to fix. Also, a security sensor went bad, and the car wouldnt start. That I had to pay for. It cost 450 dollars to fix. Also the dim switch went bad on the headlights. Had to get that fixed. Another 450 dollars!! This all happened by 80,000 miles. The gauges went bad at about 40,000 miles. This car was the worst in quality I have ever owned! Other than those things, the car is fine. It runs good.

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  Not too bad, not too great - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jimmy - April 16 - 10:02 am

  I like the car overall. My car is fire engine red, but not gaudy looking. Its very classy, comfortable and I get lots of compliments. As I read the reviews, I noticed several others with the same problems Ive had. Drivers door leaks in the rain (very minor), door moldings have peeled up twice, and the tire sensors had to be replaced. Overall, it has been a good car, but there are just a few fairly simple design features that could use some improvements. It is a pretty classy car though!

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  Good Car Made by Cheap Manufacturer - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By thom - April 15 - 11:16 pm

  This is a good, basic car that I now regret purchasing. Be aware that even the upgraded "LT" does not include ABS brakes. I didnt even think about this until I got it home. It simply did not occur to me that in 2008 a large family sedan would ship without basic safety features. GM should be ashamed of themselves for this kind of reckless penny pinching. Additional penny- pinching becomes more evident as you drive the car more. Features that most people consider standard in every car, such as a folding back seat, are optional in the Impala. If purchasing, make sure you verify what is included, down to the most basic safety and convenience features that you probably take for granted.

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  2007 impala - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By 07honey - April 15 - 9:44 pm

  window wind noisy. loud road noise, shifting is not smooth, very uncomfortable, small things seem to always go wrong.