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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  Still purring - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By 2KPurr - December 3 - 12:03 am

  Have enjoyed owning & driving it for nearly 13 years, transmission & engine have been flawless, water system/radiator/cooling required replacement, been thru 3 sets of tires, still turns heads. I am very proud to own such fine machinery that gets rarer yearly, get offers to sell all the time, have driven across country north-south & east-west, makes for great made-in-America advertising, insured as 4-door Caprice but is actually a Super Sport (no complaints), passes state emissions/safety tests without fail, plan on keeping all the way

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  OK car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kevin - December 2 - 3:16 pm

  Overall I like the car but could have loved it with just a few changes. No bluetooth with OnStar. Give me a break, its on the 2009 model. Also dont like OnStar. Give me my Garmin any day. But for the money good car

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  See The USA - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By B. Frank - November 23 - 10:33 pm

  Foreign car lovers are in for a surprize if they are truly looking for the cake and eat it too package. Quiet,great ride, smooth comfortable feel even in gusty crosswinds. A sophisticated manner that has immediately brought compliments from passengers. Experienced drivers only! This car will keep you very busy if you ask for all the ponies at once, and it delivers like a true SS. This car is an excellent value, something Chevrolet is known for and serves it up in style with American pride. "See The USA"

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  No more Chevy for me - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By slim - November 23 - 5:08 pm

  I own a 2006 Chevrolet Impala lS, and I hate that car. I bought it with 46,234 miles on it, at 50,000 miles the water pump started to leak, so I had to replace it. The gas mileage is poor, the inside armrest is already broken, I had to replace a speaker that stopped working or worked when it wanted too, the automatic trunk relaese button works when it wants too, the power door lock switch on driver side door only lets you lock the doors not open them. The transmission shifts how it wants too, sometimes smooth sometimes kicks in the gears harsh shifting, and then this past Friday something happened with the power steering, all the fluid leaks out. I am not happy at all with this Impala. No more Chevy of any kind for me.

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  Great Car for the Buck - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By tiramisu - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I Just purchased a Impala LS.Great engine power,rides very smooth with leather seats,comfort seats,moonroof,all the good stuff for a great price,why spend more..

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  Old Faithful - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By extreme commuter - November 21 - 11:49 pm

  I bought my fully loaded Impala LS from friends at 3 years and 28,000 miles. I put 214000 miles on it in 5.5 years. It was a great car and never let me down. I had some of the same issues as others with brakes, catalytic conv., rack and pinion and recently with sensors (low coolant), but the problems were infrequent. I donated the car this week at 242000 and it was still going strong. (Although I suspect that the tranny was on the way out...) I put some money in over time, but not lots, and the car served me well. Heck, the fuel economy went up from a steady 28 to 30mpg after 150,000 mi. How many cars can make that claim? I have owned many excellent GM autos, and this is certainly among them!

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  Great car - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ray Bernas - November 15 - 10:28 pm

  Great styling. Good performance and fuel economy. Very comfortable. Very satisfied with it.

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  Great Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By joey s impala - November 15 - 11:00 am

  I bought this Impala LT1 in July 06. It now has 8600 miles and still never went to the dealer for even a minor ajustment or anything. I get 25-26mpg with AC but 33 with AC off. Great gas mileage with like a full size car and great value with the rebates and 5%rebates on the GM card. it was cheap. Mine is white with grey cloth buckets with a rare Bose option and XM radio, flip fold rear seats. Just perfect. Try it, you will like it.

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  This is a great car. - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By mesanders - November 14 - 1:22 pm

  I have owned GM since I started driving. My last car was a 1991 Chevy Lumina Euro 2 Dr with a 3.1. Had to retire her after 290000 miles. Other than normal maintenance, oil change every 3 months, trans oil every 24 months with filter, the car still runs great and the new owner still gets 24 mpg with a heavy foot sometimes, just broke 300000 miles. This 05 Impala is a great car 28 mpg average 3.8 k motor 4spd OD trans LS option. Cant ask for more at this price. GM Certified Used Car, 5 year 10000 mile powetrain coverage from the original in service date with 12 months new car warranty coverage from the date of the used car purchase. I am looking towards another 300,000 miles.

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  So far so good...I guess? - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By metalcrawler - November 13 - 1:57 pm

  I just got this car not too long ago. I was pretty impressed at first and after the haze of a "new car" went away I am still pleased. The dual climate control is interesting but not a must have. I love the trunk space and the roomy interior. The computer system that displays oil life, temperature, tire pressure, and etc. is a cool gadget. Love the remote start. The gas peddal felt a little stiff because I am used to a 4 cylinder. I like the chrome accents and so far no problems. The factory speakers are kind of weak and the drivers side leg room could be increased in the future. I tried out an 2004 Chevy Classic before I got this car and it was a huge improvement!