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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  Never buy another GM product - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sandy - April 8 - 9:34 am

  We owned 2005 Impala loved the car. No trouble with it. Bought a 2007, was told it was a program car, later found it was titled to a rental car company. Since we bought it, we have had it in the shop 3 times for steering. The last time, they had to replace the gear box and pump. It has 35,000 miles so is barely under warranty. Apparently the steering cannot be fixed. Still steers okay sometimes, not okay others. Intermittently radio has no sound, you can turn station selector and change volume control. Service dept. cant duplicate. The heater has also done this, but not for the same length of time. Gas mileage is horrible and gets worse with each fill up. Down to 22 mpg.

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  2007 Impala rating - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Judy and Bob - April 7 - 5:49 pm

  After riding in many friends Impalas, we decided to purchase one. The first time we sat in the car--uncomfortable seats. No headroom for hubby and absolutely no space for passengers in the back seat! Trunk can hold an army. Side view mirrors are quite small, beverage holder poor. A low ride. Large blind spot. Will trade this in soon for another Chevrolet of some type.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By deano - April 6 - 9:45 pm

  Purchased LT3 with 3.9. Thought it was a classy car and good value. Performance is more than adequate for V6 but mileage is very disapointing. Previous car was 03 Impala with 3.4 which would easily get over 30 mpg on highway with high of 37mpg. I have to drive my 07 LT3 carefully to get 24/25mpg on the highway. I would think that with the technology Chevrolet put into this car - cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing - the 3.9 engine would do far better. Even my old 3.8 litre cars got better mileage than the 3.9 engine. Road noise and wind noise are also excessive. Too bad they couldnt get it right. This could have been a great car. Sorry, but my 2003 Impala was better.

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  2001 Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By tkid - April 6 - 6:05 pm

  Car has been basicaly trouble free. Excelent fuel economy ar about 25 in daily non interstate driving and 32 highway. Primary problems are soft wheel rims and brake rotors.

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  My Impala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By gr8impala - April 6 - 10:47 am

  Bought it with about 480 miles on it. So far it has been trouble free. Roomy, comfy and kind of sporty looking. Only had the rotors cut and got rid of the horrible tires it came with since in winter it was terrible to drive. I have snows for winter and its like a 4wd now! Interior is made a bit cheaply but sound, no rattles. It has the not so good rated 3.4 v/6 due to coolant leak problems later on with miledge but I have the 7 year extended coverage so Im good to go I hope. Powerful engine when you need it, quiet at idle but rough sounding on hard acceleration, it can be quite a zippy car! Handles good, fair amount of body lean on turns but firmer handling tires take care of some of that.

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  Hate it! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By cabnweb - April 3 - 7:50 pm

  The only good thing is it is roomy. I have had so many problems with this car I traded in my Subaru Baja for more room but I hate the day I lost my Subie. The cloth on the seats has fuzz balls on them and they catch dirt so bad. The rotors have had trouble and it keeps a vibration that they cant keep fixed for more than a few weeks. I cant even type all the things I hate about this car. It declined in value more than any car I have ever had. I usually trade about once a year and I usually do pretty good but this is the first car I have been upside down in. I gave $17,000. For it less than a year ago and it only has 32,000 miles on it and now it only books for 9 to $10,000. Very sick over that!

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  3 years of Frustration - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frustrated - April 2 - 10:27 am

  I bought my 2005 Impala in Dec/04 it was great for about a year. I come from a Chevy/GM family. Now I will never buy another Chevy. In the past year I have had to replace the ignition, fuel pressure regulator and have jerky and sluggish response when accelerating. Even the body is falling apart. Took it to the car wash and parts fell off and to add insult to injury after 3 years im still upside down on a trade! Chevy has really gone down hill! Dont buy a new Chevy unless they start making them like they used to!!

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  2004 Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Duclz - March 31 - 10:15 am

  Have had very few break downs, only problem have been the brakes but it is not that much of a problem. Also it gets pretty good gas mileage for a 4dr Sudan. Though I found the default radio deck controls kind of confusing at first, as I am use to simpler buttons, but there not that hard to understand.

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  200000 miles plus easy with this vehicle - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Needas - March 30 - 11:51 am

  I have had my impala for 7 years now, with over 225000 miles, I still get 29 miles to the gallon average for all driving. I have only replaced the catalytic converter. It still has the same get up and go. It is wonderful on long trips. The only car I have ever owned that does not hurt my back after 12 hours of driving. I own three Chevys all over 200000 miles, one over 300000 miles, if you want minimal repairs and a long lasting vehicle, Chevys are your car, with Impalas leading the pack

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  great car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By grafton - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I like the car, I was not happy that at only a year old (it is a 2002, and it had 42 thousand miles on it already. It runs great. It tells you when you need an oil change, washer fluid, all that. It runs great and very quiet!