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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  Not Happy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jim J. - August 2 - 1:10 am

  Life long Chevy driver, I am very disapointed with my new car. In to dealer twice already (1500 miles) vibration and ticking from the engine when brake is applied at a stop light or sitting in traffic. "New engine" so what, make it right before you send it out. 3.8 V6 was better. Service people are great and I believe they are trying, but I do not like driving this car at this point. Hopefully after further trips in to dealer and more aggravation they will be able to fix it. This is not what one expects when buying a new car!

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  02 Chevy - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Karen - July 30 - 12:40 pm

  I bought the car brand new and was very reliable until I hit around 40k. Now it stalls out every other day and I have had to fix the engine almost three times. All kinds of creaks and rattles that are very annoying while driving in the car.

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  Disappointing SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By mojo - July 29 - 9:24 pm

  This car has all the horsepower and torque that Chevy boasts plus some. However, Im severely disappointed in the multiple problems Ive had with this car including the rack and pinion being replaced twice, steering shaft replacement, tire monitor problems and excessive oil consumption between oil changes. In my opinion, Chevy should have made this a rear wheel drive car. Being front wheel drive, it has too much torque steer. Also the brakes feel inadequate for the size and power of the car. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. As soon as I can, I will trade it in for something other than Chevy.

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  I really like this car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By mrge - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car--we looked for 6 months- seriously considered the new Nissan Altima but decided the sticker price was $8ooo more for the look I wanted that this LS was able to supply. Honda Accord was my next pick--the 4 door look was blah and the 2-door, although more jazzy looking, would not serve my family needs. Also, the interior was smaller than what I was comfortable with. The LS met all my needs and desires for a reasonable price in comparison to the competition. I previously drove a Continental and I am just as happy with this vehicle--drives almost as cuhioney as the Continental but with a sportier feel.

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  2006 Chevy Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mikey0495 - July 27 - 3:02 am

  Excellent vehicle. I have had it almost 2 years and have only had a couple of problems. The first was an electrical problem when the computer and vehicle would shut down. This occurred when I was around 11,000 miles. The local Chevy dealer couldnt figure the problem out. I took the car to another dealer and they replased the battery. No more electrical problems. I just passed 53,000 miles and all is good. I change the oil every 10,000 miles with Royal Purple oil and a K&N Oil filter. The only other problem is malfunctioning tire pressure sensors. They ave been replaced 3 times thus far. Its no big deal. I drive Chevys at work and they have similar issues. Otherwise, I love it!

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  Nice big car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By johnny b - July 25 - 8:24 pm

  I bought a base impala with a fake rag top which really sets the car off. I always get 33 mph on long trips and 23 in the city. I have a terrible back problem and this car does not hurt me on long trips. Plenty of room inside and the trunk. I was not even a bit hesitant in the purchase. The light driftwood metalic type paint job shines like day one. Love, love, love this car.

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  Satisfied - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Todd - July 24 - 8:40 pm

  Ive had my Impala for about 3 1/2 years now and it has about 111,000 miles on it now. My wife and I drive it everywhere. It has been a great car so far with plenty of room, excellent trunk space and a nice full size car feel on the highway while still handling very well. Fuel mileage is very good with the 3.4 V- 6. I first got about 29mpg. on the highway then switched to full synthetic motor oil which decreased engine drag and increased the highway mileage to 31-32 mpg. Not to mention, the synthetic oil has kept the engine running like new. It is a great car that I would certainly buy again.

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  Time for a new car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By 04 Imp - July 24 - 8:29 pm

  Bought this car from my father-in law so the price was right. At 40000 miles I had to replace the water pump. The transmission slams hard between 2nd and third. Steering makes an awful sound (poor lubrication of the intermediate shaft). Trunk freezes shut in the winter and with no handle is almost impossible to open. The security system (passlock) has malfunctioned a few times meaning the car wouldnt start. Brakes warp prematurely. On the up side, the car is comfy and rides well, but steering is vague. Decent power and fuel economy. This was one of Chevys better cars, and shows why GM is struggling. I have owned a few cheaper imports which have been bullet proof. Time to sell!

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  Oregon - 06 LTZ - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By vperl - July 24 - 6:45 pm

  Got my LTZ a little more than two years ago, no problems. Oil changes at dealer with 15,700 miles on car is all the service it has needed. Great power, ride, and look of the LTZ. Would be nice to have automatic climate control, and rear wheel drive. However, the price I got this LTZ with all the bells and whistles it was and still is a bargain and a great car. GM & Chevy need to keep up the work and show the American car is still king.

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  super great car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By mikedib - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Got it fully loaded $27,000. Love the exterior look. I love the size. I love the smooth Ride. I love the styling. I love the interior. I almost bought a toyota avalon, glad I didnt. Ill never buy another toyota. This car is so roomy for my family and rides nice.