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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  Wont Buy Another Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By PhilNTexas - August 10 - 12:15 pm

  Bought the 2003 new, previously owned a new 2000. The 2000 my below average, but the 2003 is a really crummy car. 21mpg, too low, Horrendous road noise that the dealer couldnt fix. cant keep tires on it, 2 sets in 55k. No torque in drive without hitting passing gear. I had the extended warr, but have had constant problems, motor mounts caused the engine to strike the firewall, rotors were out of balance, replaced myself, check engine light problem, the dealer kept it 2 days, and finally said a squirrel had chewed a wire. If you believe that I have a bridge I want to sell you. Last problem was traction light came on, and dealer wanted $1200 to fix, but finally after many meeting, fixed it.

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  Impala 3.9 LT is a great car! - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By jc0860 - August 10 - 10:33 am

  I love this car. It is comfortable, elegant interior, and the performance is excellent. My last three cars were Acura TLs (02 Type S, 04 and 05). I loved them but have had my eye on an Impala for awhile and decided to give it a try. I think this car compares equally well in just about every category. I miss the bluetooth of the TL, but the ride is much more comfortable. Not quite as sporty as the TL, but still fun to drive and the 3.9 engine performance is outstanding. MPG has be great. Average over 30 on the hwy and low 20s in town. Excellent for the size of the car. The car is an absolute pleasure and has restored my faith in GM.

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  Impala Great Buy - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kevin - August 10 - 10:24 am

  I believe the Impala is the best buy in its class for the buck. This vehicle has great performance and fuel mileage. I average 20-21mpg in town with the 3.9 engine. I do not do a lot of highway driving, but a friend of mine has a 2008 Impala and he says he gets anywhere from 31-34 mpg on the highway with non ethanol gas. So far I have had no problems with this car. I believe the styling is great and have read there is one more year of this style before a body change.If you are looking for a full size car I blieve you cannot go wrong with the Chevrolet Impala.

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  stupendous - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By villman - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I love it it rides very quiet smooth and comfortably

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  2005 Impala cop car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chris - August 9 - 3:52 pm

  Its a pretty good car for being a rebuilt title and a cop car. It only has 20,000 miles and I bought it for 9,000 dollars. It handles great around corners. And it has good pick up. Also its cool when some one thinks you are a cop and they slow down and you just fly by.

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  No Complaints here! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Maloderous - August 7 - 3:33 am

  Traded in a base-model Grand Prix for the LT and havent looked back. Sure the Grand Prix had a bigger V6, but she turned like a cow, fat too. Havent had the chance to use E85, not that it really matters to me, although great mileage for the size and driving conditions ~27 MPG avg would definitely recommend, especially with the great leasing options.

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  Falling apart - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By 2006 impala - August 5 - 8:47 am

  First year no problems. Now the front end needs work, passenger window squeaks like a banshee, front headlight lens leaks, drivers seat coming apart, side molding peeling like a banana. It only has 26,000 miles. Thankfully I have an extended warranty! No telling what will happen next. I might give GM one more shot.The future looks like a Honda

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  Disappointed - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Gman - August 4 - 9:57 pm

  Bought the car new. I dont put many miles on it, so Im especially disappointed. Thought it rode nice at first, but not so much now. The car has ample power. No problems with the drivetrain. Brakes are terrible, and the steering shaft clunking (apparently a common problem) has me really hating this car. Rotors are so warped. Rear rotors are so grooved and rusty, they must barely be working.

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  Drive till its dead - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Scott - August 4 - 3:24 pm

  Being military we drive these vehicles as police patrol cars. So I know first hand these cars can take a beating because we drive them 24/7, 20- 25K miles ayear. When I had the opprotunity I brought an Impala. I try to tune up all my used cars as soon as I get them, but had no chance. So after two weeks, one of the plug wires went out so I had the whole set replaced (plus sparkplugs). She runs great now, lots of leg room, put 18 inch rims and tires on. Went on a 9 hour driving trip, solid car inside and out, looks great. I had a 03 525I and drove it to Southern Bavria, wish I had this car instead, my lower back would have appreciated it.

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  Chevy 06 SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By TK - August 3 - 12:46 am

  Great car. Black on Black. I get questions and comments about it all the time. It is fun to drive with excellent acceleration when you want it! I get about 20 MPG.