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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Love this Impala - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By Paul - engineer - October 29 - 8:53 amI bought this car as my everyday, to- and-from work car. Shortly after purchase, I got a work assignment that had me travel out-of-town (175 miles) each week. This car was a delight for that travel. First of all, I get superb gas mileage - better than the EPA estimates. I averaged 32-34 mpg on my out-of-town trips and in my normal commuting (city/freeway mix) I get about 26. Amazing for a car like this! It is very comfortable, quiet and smooth, has plenty of power, and looks and handles well. I got the satellite radio option and use it a lot. The sound system (base model) is great. I love having the built-in hands-free phone. I dont use it a lot, but when I do it is a great feature.
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GM Needs to improve quality - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
By Not Impressed - October 22 - 6:09 pmBought this car used in February 2006. It had been privately owned with 16,000 miles on it. It has the 3.4 liter V6. Two weeks after purchase the CD player quit and had to be replaced. A couple of months later the transmission developed a vibration when shifting from 1st into 2nd. This was apparently a factory defect because there was a campaign out on it. The day I got the car back it began to slip when accelerating from a stop. 3 trips to the dealership to figure this out. A solinoid in the tranny was bad. The manifold gasket started leaking. The steering column rattles and I was told GM was working on this. Not very quickly, my moms 95 Olds does the same thing. The AC has musty smell too
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SS with some KICK! - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By vette-girl - October 17 - 9:03 pmPurchsed the Impala SS in October 2005, Looked at the 2006 Charger RT Hemi, but I couldnt get past Mopars poor styling on the front end of this vehicle. I think Dodge is staying with the truck look even in the passenger dept. The grille looks like a Dodge Dakota/Ram. Go for the SS. It can really kick some ____ ! So far we luv our Impala 28 mpg. Not bad for a performance car with some room.
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Give me the good old 3.8 - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
By Mark R. Jacobson - October 16 - 8:56 amThe LTZ was a nice update from the 2005 model. Tighter in every way, better styling inside and out, but the 3.9 AFM, with only an MPG of,(22-24), has me longing for the 3.8! Or, for a few grand more..."I could of had a V8!" To coin the ad. The outside mirrors could be a touch larger and I would give up a couple of inches of trunk spce for more rear leg room. Also, the drink holder. Need one in the rear and a better one in front. All in all a nice car that I will keep around for the time being. I bought it with six thousand miles from a used car store for only 16,800 plus tax and so on.
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2005 impala police package - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
By d.sampath - October 9 - 2:33 pmThis car is driven by myself only as a municipal vehicle, it has had a rattle in the front end and been back to the dealer 3 times for this in addition to 3 fan belts. I dont know how in Police Officer could drive one of these uncomfortable, rattle boxes all day long truly a mistake in buying this car.
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My Impala LS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
By MarinesVixen - October 9 - 10:00 amThere is nothing more to life than having a car that is fun to drive. Plus, it looks great just drinving to the local supermarket or mall. It a very under estimated family sedan. Awsome for long trips, because of the great gas mileage. We can get from Washington DC to Wheeling WV and still have a quarter of a tank left!
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Great Car Until the End - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
By thatboyt - October 8 - 5:48 pmLove the car overall until the end. Great gas mileage also spacious. But ended up blowing a piston. Would own another.
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i love my car! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
By sharonly - October 2 - 2:00 amim one of few teenagers out there driving impalas. but i love my car! it was really simple to get used to driving it. its big enough inside to seat 4 friends + me comfortably, and the trunk space definitly helped with moving to college. its a smooth ride, even when some accidental offroading has occured. steep hills are no problem, and i love the fast acceleration. also the gas mileage rocks. i made it from connecticut to the middle of virginia on one tank!
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Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By Ben - October 1 - 4:33 amI love this car. It has a smooth, quiet drive. I have never had a problem with it. My wife drives it on business trips and I never worry about it breaking down.
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Hot SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
By Bob James - September 27 - 10:46 pmThe Chevrolet Impala SS is a fun car to drive. My wife and I just love the new V-8 engine. It is very responsive to all drivind needs. Before this SS, I drove an Impala and my wife a Z-28. This car gives us both what we want in a car. I like the size and comfort and my wife likes the power. With the 06 SS we get the best of both worlds. Way to go, GM.
