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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  Best Car I ever owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cheryl - April 17 - 10:32 am

  Its a fun car to drive. The car maneuvers through heavy traffic very well. The safety of the drive is very reassuring. I once saw an accident that involved an Impala and the cement block truck. The car was hit broad side The driver was standing outside of the car and he was not hurt. The gas mileage is fantastic on the road 30 +. It has been a wonderful ride for 5 years. The only repair I have had to do is replace the brakes.

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  Just try it... - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Liam01 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  dont judge for this car before driving, driving is smooth and powerful, you feel great behind the wheel. i had a nissan altima 2002 and a toyota camry before that, they are not comparable with this car, after hours of driving you still want to go more and more! you never tired when you drive this car. i have my 2003 impala for 2 years and everything still works fine and even better than before! all i know is i dont want to depreciate myself with driving a japanese car anymore.

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  2004 impala ss - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Khaldun Everage - April 17 - 10:00 am

  fantastic car. fun to drive. great excelleration

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  My little hot rod - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By mnconstr. - April 17 - 12:03 am

  This is my wifes car but I think I put 60% of the miles on it. Bought in 11/06 and have 16,000 miles and I love the way she drives. My wife just mentioned the other day about getting new car with better gas mileage, it is hard trying to be light footed it is to much fun driving even for her. She got her first speeding ticket recently after 28 years of driving. not one problem with this car yet. Hope to have for many years.

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  It works for me & my jobs - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cedric - April 16 - 10:50 am

  Ive had this car for about a year now with next to no problems. I was just use to driving SUVs until I tried sedans especially in the winter and it is great. In my line of work this car can really get up to speed when needed. The only problem was with the dash board instrumentation.

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  Good but not the best - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By G. Young - April 16 - 9:50 am

  Since I own my Impala SS, it rates high on the fun level but med on the design level. The seat risers had to be replaced,along with the steering shaft. I had computer issues the remote start, starting distance was reduced down to about 5 feet from well over a 100 feet when I first bought the car. But outside of the little minor glitches the car is really fun to drive and own. Gas miliage is no where near what it was rated. But I have learned to use cruise control more and less foot. I still love the car.

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  2006 Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Rob - April 14 - 5:43 pm

  Just traded 98 STS that I drove for 140k miles. My new SS has been evrything I expected. Way more fun to drive, plenty of performance but a little short on acessories as compared to the STS. I live in the Northeast so the fwd is necessary, but the torque steer is NOT an issue. Educated drivers paying attention to road conditions will enjoy this vehicle at a very competitive price. Do I miss my 2 driver memory settings and heated rear seats, sure, but I dont miss the service costs that came with the $52k msrp STS. I am enjoying the "sleeper" that this car is when all those soccer Moms try to pass me on the right. Good Luck!

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  excellent car so far - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By step c - April 14 - 2:00 am

  we went into the dealer intending to buy a malibu, however when test driving both vehicles and comparing features, impala came out on top. Malibu LS is about same $ as base Impala, however, we chose extra options on the Impala. this week was snowy and icy and Impala handles great (no trac control or ABS). All controls ie defrosting/heating etc worked flawlessly. Extremely smooth and responsive car.

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  Take care - 1995 Chevrolet Impala
  By low rider - April 10 - 9:41 pm

  I had been the proud owner of my 1995 Impala for 9 yrs. I loved every mile: the car was stealthy, and total luxury. Unfortunately, 1 1/2 yrs ago, while waiting on a red light, I was rear ended so hard that the frame bent and my neck was broken. If you are still lucky enough to own one of these classics, please look into better neck restraint. My car was totalled and I am lucky to be alive. Keep an eye out for th other guy. I wish I had my lowrider back, and my neck, stock, too. With better neck restraint, at least I would have walked away without a titanium plate and screws where my neck used to be.

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  Great car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By TAL28 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a very well built car, with a engine known for its reliability. We looked at almost all other vehicles in this price range from other manufacturers and have to say it was pretty obvious that chevys build qulity is top notch. Not only under the hood but the Impala on the interior just (for lack of a better word) feels so much better. The other cars in this price range from Dodge and Ford really use alot of cheap plastic giving it a really cheap feel.