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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  Impala LTZ2 - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave Wakefield - May 2 - 3:48 am

  I have owned 2007 Impala LTZ and before that 2000 Impala. I love the car so I keep getting a newer version. I am a Chevy guy and think its as good as it gets with the Impala LTZ.

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  A very happy owner. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Douglas M. De Barry - May 1 - 5:48 am

  This is one happy owner. My Impala has 46,000 miles on her at this time, and she has been more dependable than any other vehicle ever owned by me. Average MPG stands at 25.6, which includes Minneapolis/Saint Paul rush hour traffic, and driving in snowy and icy conditions. This car has needed nothing but routine maintenance until the transmission lines needed replacing at 45,000 miles. The car has tons of pep when needed (or just for fun). The 200 hp rating for the motor seems under rated. The leather seat option was the correct way to go, and the seats are now as plush and comfortable as any sofa. Comfortable, fun to drive, nice MPG.

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By JEB - April 30 - 12:59 pm

  This is a company car and Ive put 45k on it in 15 months. Had problems with tires and they dont seem to keep in balance. Lots of car for the money and the gas mileage is excellent for the size of car. Six cylinder is peppy and relatively smooth. Went from a Lexus to this car, but not too bad for the cost of the car.

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  Good Value car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By American Made - April 30 - 12:03 pm

  Purchased new 11/06,16,000 miles now. Running well, battery died 07/07, replaced under warranty. Fuel mileage about the same as 98 Lumina LTZ at 20 mpg mixed driving. The 3.9L engine has plenty of go. Wish that the interior had more space with smaller driver middle console and more rear foot room. Power seats really reduce the rear foot room. Have had several chips in the windshield, very odd. Re-circulation of cabin air now runs compressor hot or cold (same as air conditioner or defroster running) takes away fuel efficiency. Active fuel management is a joke. Hate traction control, but at least can turn off. Air filter location tight. Wind noise not good, door hanging quality poor

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  Poor - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By jake - April 28 - 8:49 pm

  This is about the 16th new chevy I have purchased and it is a piece of junk. The seat has been replaced 3 times. The hose came off the power steering. The floor mats have been replaced. The rear glass the rear defroster dont work. The glass has to be replaced. This will be my last GM car.

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  The most lackluster car ever made - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By W.G.Ahlers - April 28 - 1:05 pm

  I bought it used in 2005, (Only a few months old) and I think I know why it depreciated $10,000 in only a matter of months. The A/C smells musty, the bottom scrapes everytime I turn into a driveway, my brakes make a strange chirping noise, (Dealer says normal) tranny makes strange grinding noise, (again, normal) the dash pieces are separating, (normal) the carpet pulls away from the lower trim because it was cut too short (normal) GM refuses to fix anything wrong with it. Interior noise is ridiculously loud, I fear that I am making my 20 month old son slowly deaf. No ABS, so when it snows it likes to hit other cars. Heater fries my right foot, yet leaves my left foot frozen solid.

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  Mark of excellence is back - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By FRANK R - April 24 - 9:32 pm

  Great American cruiser, not small but not too big, fit and finish is perfect. Purchased used with 14,000 miles ex rental car and still no rattles leaks. Prefer the previous body style however the quality of this car is impressive.

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  My 2007 Impala - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Steven Trybulec - April 23 - 10:03 am

  Very nice design inside and out. Fit and finish excellent. Handles well, good pick-up, fair gas mileage. I am very impressed with this vehicle. A big improvement over my 2003 Malibu. My opinion on par with the Japanese.

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  Company car worth owning - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Vetdoc - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I ordered the Chevy Impala as my company car at work. I have always been a fan of GM cars. My Impala is safe, comfortable, big and roomy with great visibility and beautiful. White exterior with grey inside. ABS

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  Love this Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By mrc - April 21 - 12:03 am

  The Impala SS is a solid fun to drive car. Fit and trim are excellent. I love the power and DOD as well. I miss my Trans Am but this car is much more comfortable and practical. It sounds great. All the neighbors had to come see it. Compares favorably against the imports...regards