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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  Runs good....for a couple of years - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By elmonto - February 6 - 2:12 pm

  I had my Impala worry free for about 3 years. Then I had to replace the head gaskets at 56K miles, which were about $800. Then the tie rods went, which were about $200 a piece. Now its the security system, for a second time. I replaced the ignition switch in August and it was fine until January. Then I replaced the switch and the cylinder but it still wont start, and waiting 10 minutes for the sec. system to reset does not work. Now its just sitting in my driveway looking dumb while my 88 Oldsmobile with 255k on the odometer starts fine every day. I loved my car when I first got it, but now i just want to get rid of it, and I am still making payments on a driveway fixture.

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  This car has a lot going for it - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By JasonC - February 4 - 8:46 am

  My SS has all the options. Ive only owned this car for a month and have about 1000 miles on it. So far, Im very pleased with it. Car appears very well put together, best of any GM product Ive had experience with. I havent experienced any rattles or squeaks. Its hard to argue with the performance of this car. Suspension is a nice compromise between ride comfort and reasonable handling. A good driving car. Im averaging about 23mpg in mixed driving, but 30mpg looks doable on the highway. The fairly loose torque converter hurts the mpg in stop-and-go situations, and Im not sure exactly why they made that choice. Minor point, though, IMO. Seats are a bit flat, radio is ridiculous.

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  Great Car - BS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bonita Scott - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its beautiful and rides like a dream.

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  My Impala Is The Best - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala - February 1 - 11:00 pm

  I love my Impala. Its comfortable, roomy and with four doors, Its easy to travel in. Offers a quiet, smooth ride. You feel as if youre sitting still even at 70 MPH.

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  Believe or not, the best - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By GM Lover - February 1 - 1:26 pm

  Ive heard from so many people that American made automobile is not good as Japaness made. That might be true. It may sound strange. My teenage daughter wanted to buy this Impala SS, not Japaness or other imports. She said "I love Chevy". Driven about 7000 miles so far, and there was no problem at all. Excellent performance(like my Trailblazer SS). Great gas mileage for V8 engine(over 21 mpg with mixed driving). Very comfy and smooth ride. This Impalas interior may lack refinement than some foreign cars. But can they bring a car with roaring V8 under $30,000?

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  Great car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By rj - February 1 - 6:43 am

  Great car love the fact that it runs on gas or E85. The DIC is a very nice feature. Very quite and smooth at all speeds.

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  Love This Car! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By LoveThisCar! - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I do a lot of heavy driving and have already racked up a lot of miles since purchased. It is very comfortable and has lots of room, and more than enough power. It is very quiet and steers perfectly straight, and has not had any problems or issues. The gas mileage has been incredible, ranging from around 30 to 35mpg (in hard winter driving). I also love the 5 star safety rating. I have been so impressed with this car that I bought a second one for my wife. I pity the poor fools that think they have to drive cramped Japanese econo-boxes to get great gas mileage!

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  2000 Chevrolet Impala. Best Car I ever owned!! - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeanette Gerhart - January 7 - 1:27 am

  Purchased my 2000 Chevrolet Impala new on Fourth of July, 2000! I drive hard & fast & put miles on my cars. Drove out to Las Vegas a few years ago, fabulously comfortable ride!! So much space inside of car, and huge trunk for bringing back souveniers. Springtime - huge trunk will hold @12-15 bags of mulch!!

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  Trading Down - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Tom G. - January 5 - 1:06 pm

  Recently traded in our 2005 Tahoe for the 2006 Impala, the main reason being the price of gas. The Impalas ride, performance and gas mileage are very respectable, as is the interior room. The new look for 2006 puts it right up there with oter cars in its class. Interior nice, but a little on the bland side, as is most Chevys.

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  Best car Ive ever owned!! - 2016 Chevrolet Impala
  By Angela Smith - January 3 - 11:25 am

  Dont let the name Impala scare you awake! This is a new generation of Impala and it is beautiful and high tech!!! It has every bell and whistle and comfort feature you could ask for in a luxury car. This is the best car I have ever owned!!!