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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  One Owner - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By boom - February 13 - 12:06 pm

  28 to 30 mpg to work and home regularly. 31 mpg highway. No major problems since purchased at 12 miles now has 90,000 miles.

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  Impala SS: Super Sleeper - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By wfd2 - February 12 - 1:30 am

  I dont think GM has ever offered a car that mixed so much performance and economy in such an attractive package. I was looking for a daily driver with reasonable gas mileage and what I got was a fun to drive sports sleeper-sedan with horsepower to spare. And, the gas mileage is good for 303 HP-- Im averaging 22 in city. Build quality is much better than even three years ago, it rivals some of the German brands. Very roomy interior with nice surprises. Controls are logically placed, clean looking and easy to use. Great XM Bose stereo. Exterior tolerances are extremely good. Improvements galore over recent US brands, right down to the door hinges. GM is trying hard to earn business.

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  Impala vs Honda & Toyota? No comparison. - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ron Tranmer - February 10 - 10:35 pm

  Ive read complaints about the poor vision in the rear view mirrors. On every car I own I buy the little round blind spo" mirrors at Walmart for about 2 bucks each, and put them on the outside corner of each mirror. I then have excellent side mirror vision. Another complaint Ive read is about poor visibility through the rear window. Especially with a spoiler. Cmon... I can see everything I need to see through my rear window. (I have a spioler) I havent had the car too long but I love it. Read the consumer reviews on the higher rated Honda Accord and Toyota Camery, and youll find a much higher percent of complaints than that of Impala owners. Go figure...

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  1st 165k were troublefree - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Eric - February 9 - 7:36 pm

  Bought new as a company car, drove the 1st 165k no trouble except for 1 check engine for bad gas. Bought the car from my employer at ~80k still driving it daily at 248k. It does eat front rotors you get one turn, then replace em. Im on the 3rd set on front. Most of what has gone wrong was mostly due to my failure to do maintenance, and due to operator abuse like overcranking the steering wheel or driving over a cinder brick on the interstate while clipping along at 80 mph (Yeah, I did that not recommended). Problems coming fast now at 248k, but Im not amazed. Time to get another Impala. Advice - Change transaxle fluid every 30,000 miles if you want max life on the trans

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  Good Traveling Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Henry757 - February 9 - 11:21 am

  This car is pretty nice. I have the SS super charged. Its a lot better on gas mileage than I expected. It didnt even take a half a tank of gas to get from where I live to my familys house, like it normally does on the Toyota Camry I had before I traded it for this car. It seems I got a good deal trading in that old Toyota Camry for this Chevy!

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  Wonderful Car! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By impala lover - February 6 - 9:59 pm

  I love my Impala, Ive had it for two years and have had no major problems. The brakes went bad at one point but when I bought the car it had 77,000 mi, now It has almost 116,000 and still runs great! Im not fond of American cars but Chevys are the best! Id buy the same car again, as long as the miles are lower.

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  Consider Something Else - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bill - February 5 - 6:05 pm

  The car hasnt been terribly unreliable, but the front brakes and rotors wear very quickly. Also, the transmission started slipping after only 50,000 miles and had to end up being replaced. I wish this would have happened under warranty. I just wish some domestic car maker could put something on the market that would last at least 100,000 miles.

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  Excellent car, good on fuel, comfortable - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Larry D - February 4 - 7:02 pm

  Excellent car, all round driving fuel economy of 27 with 50% and town driving. Comfortable ride, solid feel on the highway. Would advise anyone to test drive if looking for an American car.

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  Its not a Corvette, but - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jim - February 4 - 2:23 pm

  Ive driven the SS for 4 months now and Im actually impressed. Being a Corvette owner as well, not many cars excite me. The Impala is actually not a total bore to drive. The shifts are crisp and at the right rpm. Actually encourages you to show some muscle to 80%+ cars on the road that this vehicle will blow away. When it comes to hauling children or family this is the car. Something you cannot do in a Corvette. The only thing that worries me a little bit is the active fuel management which shuts down to a 4cyl when all 8 arent needed. Cant get Cadillacs 8-6-4 out of my head

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  WORST CAR EVER - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By NickBell13 - February 4 - 1:37 am

  I bought a 2004 chevy impala with 95,000 for $3,600 within 4 months of owning the car I had to put $1,700 into it to fix it. Worst decision of my life!!!