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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  Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By S Gregg - December 5 - 10:46 am

  This car has been great. It is comfortable reliable and gets great gas mileage for car of its size. One thing that has not been so great. It seems to have brake repair issue. I have not done this much work on brakes for any car that I have owned.

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  After 3000 Miles - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Likeemallcars - December 2 - 2:00 am

  After putting 36,000 miles on it I traded my 2000 Impala(3.4 L engine)in on a 2003 Impala (3.8 L engine). I bought the 2003 without getting the LS package because I liked the bench seat. The newer car has several improvements such as dual A/C controls, steering wheel mounted radio/CD controls, more powerful stereo, fold-down rear seat, and traction control. It also has better stock tires.

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  3 Years and Still Lovin It - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Charlie F - December 1 - 12:05 pm

  Thought it was a good value when we bought it and turns out to still be the case 3 years later. Nice power, quiet comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. Still cant believe its a Chevy. Had a few electronic glitches as Chevy worked through first year of new model but all fixed. Someone earlier complained about chrome trim on passenger side mirror coming off. Mine came off in car wash a couple of years ago but I recovered and glued it on.

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  3rd Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - November 28 - 10:26 am

  I have owned three Impalas ranging from 2001 to 2006. Still own all three. I am very pleased with the new 2006 model. Comfortable ride, good gas mileage, very nice interior and exterior improvements. Test drove several cars, still came back to the Impala for overall value.

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  Dont waste your money! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By smcclain - November 27 - 1:27 pm

  I bought this car new and have had nothing but problems with the wheel bearings, breaks, keyless entry, starter/ignition, cat converter (3x), turn signals, power window switch (2x), engine seals replaced (2x), fuel gauge, emergency flasher switch, low coolant sensor (2x), and the list could go on...

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  Great and Nice Car - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By HALLS - November 26 - 9:36 am

  This is a great car. It is very roomy. We sat in the back of a Ponatic GT Prix and it was way squished. We sat in the back of our Impala and it feels very roomy. We bought it because we wanted a roomy car because we have a baby we have to stick in the back and it fits great and there is still room. I love driving it. It has the get up and go very fast.

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  A piece of a clunker - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By steve may - November 22 - 3:03 am

  This vehicle is a piece of junk. Had a $3200 transmission and manifold gasket repair, had to replace two sensors for the idle for $180 and also had to have this vehicle completely grounded again to fix the temp gauge/ac not working issue...$160 Rattles like crazy, handling stinks!

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  Best Car for the Money - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul LaRosa - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Being retired I looked hard and long at autos to purchase. With all the rebates and incentives the Impala is the best buy. The 200 hp is more then enough for the hilly Pittsburgh Area and a recent trip to Washington DC yielded 30 mpg. The radio is excellent and while others may call the interior a bit bland I think its just sensible. Unless you are trying to impress others buy this car.

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  Everything rocks except Bose - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By quietpro - November 14 - 2:50 am

  Helped my sister find a car and ended up buying one for myself. Hers is a 3LT, mine an SS. Love the engine, exhaust sound, power, build quality, and functionality. I traded my 02 Monte Carlo SS and my only regrets are the seats and the Bose sound system. The seats lack lateral support and regardless of what source you listen to, there is a hiss at anything less than 50% volume on the Bose system; very frustrating if you want to relax with the volume low.

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  LS NOT RELIABE - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By FRANK DAVIS - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I really wish US auto makers would get it together. I spend too much time dropping this car off at the dealership. Transmission problems,AC problems and noises under the dash. Im going back to buying NISSANs. The car looks and handles great, but its not reliable.