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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  Just an mazing car 9C1 - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By impala fan - February 27 - 6:30 pm

  This car is just amazing. We bought our first impala in 2007. it is a 9C1 impala (police package) with 3.8 L engine and it had 80k m. on it. it is fast, good, reliable, rugged. Now it has about 100 and it still going thank God.

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  Nice Looking Auto - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob - February 27 - 6:53 am

  Car is fun to drive, great sound system. Traded 2001 Impala for this model. The 2001 model ride was more comfortable and gas mileage was also better, almost always got 30 or better. The best mileage with 2006 3.9 engine 25 to 28 on freeway. Leather seats are nice but uncomfortable for me. Had to take it to the dealer three times to get keyless entry programmed. One FOB was missing on delivery. After ordering 2 FOBs and a receiver, dealer finally got it working, took FOB from another new Impala off lot to fix it. Only 1 gas strut for hood, no key lock for trunk, no dome lights in rear seat area, cost reduction I guess. Driver Information Center is nice.

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  The "chancey" first year - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By raboyd - February 25 - 10:40 pm

  We loved driving this car (one of the very first of the new model year) from the moment we bought it, it was a head- turner for months. This was our first GM product in 2 decades, even our base model was attractive and well equipped. The silver Impala was reliable and nimble and boy would the new (at that time) 3.5 liter V-6 scoot. This was certainly not your 80s Chevrolet metallic paint either! I had never driven anything quite like it and the base price was $1000 cheaper than the previous year. The kids, always named our cars, "Jenny", "Tootsie" and "Geraldine" based on the first experiences it was no surprise when the kids came up with the very different: "Rocket".

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  I Love this car, but ... - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Teenergirl760 - February 24 - 9:56 pm

  The heater does not work, it takes forever for it to get hot and when it does get hot, I cannot let off the gas, because once I do it becomes cold (ex. stopping at a signal light). I had popping in the steering wheel, and since it is under warranty I took it to the dealership they "fixed" it. Along with all four tire pressure sensors. And not even a day after being fixed the tire sensors went out again, and now a month later the popping has returned! Oh, and when I am going down the road the car has power surges! Oh and another problem I have, I have remote start, but the remote doesnt reach unless I am a foot in front of the car! And Its been replaced twice, I love the car, but this is sad!

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  Needs a little work - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By J Scoggins - February 24 - 2:55 pm

  I am a mail carrier, so I have the bench seat, and I drive a lot of miles a day. It is very comfortable and dependable and I love my car, but the tire pressure monitor system is always messing up and the trim on the doors have peeled back twice, have already been through a water pump, emissions sensor, and a timing sensor at 50,000 miles,the trunk latch got stuck had to remove the back seat to open it to fix. Every once in a while the radio will not work, and the blinkers come thru the speakers very loudly, and the dealer cannot find the problem. I think it is in the ignition. But for the most part I am pleased. And the dealer has fixed everything execpt emissions, it is not covered on warranty.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By PS - February 20 - 7:52 pm

  We had to make a fast purchase after our van was totaled. The car felt solid, tranny, engine, and suspension. Bought it with 110K now 8 months later has 118k, so far have replaced windshield (all pitted), battery, intake gasket. Headlight switch is bad (lights go out on whim, brights wont stay on), engine light is on, drivers window is stuck open, all door gaskets are torn when bought it. Hub cap paint is peeling off. So disappointing. Never have we put so much into a vehicle. I thought Id like a new Impala for my next vehicle, but not now anymore.

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  Severe Neck & Back Pain - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jan Burns - February 19 - 2:37 pm

  Ive had this car for less than 2 months and I have had horrible neck & back pain the bulk of the time. Husband complained about the passenger seat on a 3 hr trip being uncomfortable as well. The head rest pushes your head forward and after intense arguments with the dealer, we were able to get written instructions on how to remove it and turn it around (Dealer would not touch it !) Im now under the care of a chiropractor. Now I drive with a full size bed pillow just to make the 30 mile drive to work without pain. I love all its neat features, smooth & quiet ride, classy interior, but cant wait to park it and relieve my pain. Probably will sell or trade it soon.

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  2007 Impala LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff Newman - February 17 - 3:45 pm

  Bought used. Already have had new tires, alignment, brakes, steering shaft, battery, and now the alternator is squealing, just past the warranty expiration date. The rear end bushings squeak, and the seat heaters refuse to work when you sit down in them.

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  Great car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By ABRAN - February 17 - 10:41 am

  We use this car for work everyday. Overall city/hway 26.5. Hiway mileage top was 36.5mpg (certified!) Denver- Kerrville,Tx.! Comfortable, quick, plenty of room. Use it for 5 people regularly. Sensitive to alignment. No other basic faults. Great little car.

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  A daily driver shouldnt be this fun! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By DC - February 13 - 3:41 pm

  Handles great, steering is snappy and sharp, (some say clunky, but for a spirited driver, its perfect). Combined with 4 doors and a large trunk, its sporty and versatile. Opted for the silverstone metallic with black leather, sharp! Great stereo, firm but comfy seats with heaters. XM and OnStar are great. 303hp doesnt hurt either. Have scared a lot of tuners on the line when the 5.3L makes the tires scream (just remember to turn off the traction control). And it even runs on regular 87 octane! (Tell that to your Charger owners!)