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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  I still love my pala - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By ISTILLLOVEIT! - December 31 - 12:23 am

  I bought the car from the same dealership my wife bought her 2006 Mazda 6 from. Anyway, the dealership addressed some issue about the car that I was concerned about because of safety issues (bent tie rod, back brakes and tires were bad, and carfax report still not in my hands!). I love this car, and Ive always liked them. Rides smooth and it has a good bit of power. Car was a rental car from Virginia beach (yeah I dont really like that part [bought it at 40,000 miles], but its been 3 months and [knock on wood], no problems). Ive read online of some of the problems people are having with their Impalas but Im still satisfied with my buy. Got a year warranty to boot from dealership!

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  Impala LS - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Richard Stromberg - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Performance is excellent, Gas mileage execellent (24.5 MPG) Ride execellent

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  jag reviewer - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By jag kid - December 25 - 2:00 am

  fun car to drive. great price for what you get

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  GM WONDERS WHY THERE SELLS ARE DOWN - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By deerslayer - December 21 - 4:14 pm

  I have owend gm for a very long time have 6 of them now but this car is just trouble traction control problems ,brakes ,wheel play,hubs replaced 2 times,the dash stays light up with problems all the time I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR LIKE THIS FROM THEM AGAIN GOOD LUCK GM IM GONE

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By jbrooks544 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I dont know what car the Edmunds reviewer was driving, but it wasnt an Impala. This car Handles great, plenty of room, all the options you could imagine, all for under 23k. this thing has almost no body roll, no boatiness, firm steering, but very quiet and smooth. If you do enough research and do a test drive you will be sold. What is not to love? This thing is as safe as a volvo, almost as large as a crown vic inside, gas mileage of a compact, styling of a BMW/saab/volvo, 10k less than a midsized SUV, and has a better ride than a 500 series Mercedes SEL.

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  Still in love after 3+ years - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By OwenW - December 17 - 9:24 pm

  Purchased my Impala Oct 04 and it ranks as my best purchase ever. More than 42 years of driving & owning 11 previous cars + 4 or 5 company vehicles. Key points: Fuel economy is outstanding. Who needs econo-boxes? On cruise control at 55 = 35+ MPG all day long. At 60 it gets 31 MPG. Maintenance: This cars been trouble- free for nearly 56,000 miles. A defective dashboard display was replaced at dealers request and under warrenty early in 2007. Im on 2nd set of tires and brakes (49K miles). The cars a hoot to drive and the kids in the little imports cant believe the way my Impala handles and outperforms much smaller cars. Im sold!

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  Can be better - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By chevy - December 13 - 11:50 pm

  I got the car in Jan 2007. My wife loved it. A good family car. Had 2 problems, the trunk would not shut, I got that fixed, and both brake lights stop working. But now its fine, kids love it. My wife had a Grand Prix, she loves the impala much more. Now Im happy and my wife and kids are happy. Overall its a good car

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  tire noise - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By homerun - December 10 - 10:00 am

  not a bad car for the money

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  Great Car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By MAC - December 8 - 2:00 pm

  Now has 75000 miles. 20 mpg city 31 mpg highway. Only problem was front rotors. Warped twice and repaired at no cost by Chevrolet. Very comfortable car. Rides great.

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  outstanding - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By erna wuolikainen - December 7 - 1:43 pm

  reliable, great comfort long distance driving