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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  SS Impala 2006 - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ss impala - December 26 - 8:33 am

  Fun car to drive. Excellent power. Fuel mileage 26 not 28 as window sticker said. Great value car. V8 is the engine to purchase. Only 2 miles per gallon less than large v6.

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  Runnin Strong at 46k - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By jarett - December 26 - 12:40 am

  I bought this car for 13,000 with 25,000 miles on it. Body perfect, interior perfect. As soon as I bought the car I changed the trannsmission fluid and out and put in synthetic. Flushed out the dex-cool anti-freeze because it is notrieous for gunking up and put in synthetic. I havent had a problem yet. Its very responsive, I installed a KN cold air intake and only run it with 93 octane. This model has the 3.8 l 3800 which is Chevys most reliable engine ever made, a little bit of care will go a long way.

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  Great car and great value - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By ppa - December 20 - 9:57 am

  Excellent car and excellent value for the price. Has 105K miles, drives fantastic and has Great gas mileage (23-25mpg in mostly city driving). Paint and interior still look new. I recommend it to everyone.

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  Mach 2.5 - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Toady Two Step - December 18 - 7:53 pm

  My mom bought this car in 2004 used with about 30k on it or so. Drove it until having heart surgery, and then passed it on to me. At first, I loved the thing. It cruises very fast (As she said "Impalas, run. Its great on West Virginia/Pennsylvanias twisty roads too. But, it could be more comfortable, ride a little smoother, have a bit more pep-in-its step, and most importantly- -stop. I pride myself in being the only 20 year old I know who doesnt need TCS in winter--because the ABS/TCS sensor hasnt worked in over a year. Also needs new rotors...again. Great beginners car. But, when I give it back? Ill get a CVPI.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jger - December 16 - 1:11 am

  I have owned Impalas for 10 years now and love them. I prefer a larger car with some room to move over compacts and this car delivers that. The cars interior is much more refined then my 2005 was. I think the luxury package, is a great addition and I really appreciate the upgraded interior. The extra engine power in the latest model is nice and the car never lacks pickup when its needed. The car handles well in town and on the highway and delivers respectable mileage, especially considering the size of the car. I have had this car for 6 months and have not experienced any issues with quality or reliability from my experience with Impala I wouldnt expect to.

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  Tranny done - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Lindsay - December 15 - 11:13 am

  I purchased my Impala in 2006 with 48k miles. In 2007 I began driving 120 miles a day for work and now it has plenty of highway miles. Ive replaced my struts, my driver side mirror is wobbly, replaced my headlights due to moisture in the lamps, the seal on the door leaks in the lightest of rain, I have recently found that my tranny is going out at 135k miles. Very disappointed. Thought I could drive this well into the 160k mile range. Its a Chevy for crying out loud! My husband is trying to talk me into another Impala, I read the reviews- I may being turning to Toyota....but not a Ford at least.

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  04 SS Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By AZNeil04SS - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car.

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  A Great American Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By jgrein - December 12 - 7:00 pm

  I love my Impala. I have driven to Lincoln, NE and back and got 31.6666 miles to the gallon. Its very reliable. I do wish it had cushier seats, but, other than that, I really do love it. Thanks Chevrolet, for making a great car.

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  My 1st Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Houston - December 12 - 1:40 am

  I was looking to replace my Mazda6 with something more grown-up, safer, quieter, roomier, that had some heft to the controls. I like the more solid feeling structure the Impala provides compared to my Mazda and most Japanese cars, I dont need nor want feather weight doors that close at the slightest blowing of the wind or overbearing road noise, you the kind you only learn about from taking a roadtrip.

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  Impala - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By T.C.Talbot - December 9 - 1:25 pm

  Mine is a Govt staff car. Base model. Flawless since day one. Actually seats 6 grown men. I consistently get 29- 31mpg! Bigger than Accord or Corolla for a Chevy price. Bigger interior, bigger trunk, and sacrificing 4-5mpg is worth it. Surprisingly good in snow too.