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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  My 2nd one of this model - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kevin - September 27 - 12:39 am

  This is my 2nd Impala. So far Ive had to pay to have the transmission fixed ($1,100.00 - Take it apart) and (3,250.21) to have it fixed. There is a thumping/popping sound when you turn the wheel. That is due to a "shaft thing". Thats another $279.99 to fix. There is also a clattering sound when you are in 2nd gear and speed up. Dont know what thats about. The transmission slips and has a hard time changing gears. I dont know why both my Impalas gave me so many problems. I mean my last one was only 1 1/2 years old and the dealer said its showing wear and tear on the engine and transmission. Come on! Its not even that old. Other than that it starts immediately and rides smooth. I dont even drive my cars rough. Ive had my Caliber longer than my Impala lasted. My Caliber is 5 months old. When my Impala was 5 months problems started.

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  Import Killer - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By SMV - September 25 - 10:00 am

  My job requires me to be on the raod frequently, and this car makes that a lot more pleasant. The driving position is comfortable, and most controls (except the cruise on/off) are well laid out. The 3.8 gives plenty of "freeway merge" power, without sacrificing fuel economy. I average about 23-4 in combined city/hwy. There is plenty of room in this car, you could park a Civic in the trunk. Handling is exceptional, I feel very safe. I have had no mechanical problems, and the had ZERO defects on delivery.

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  Great Ride - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Spoiler45 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  No import can compare to the Impala LS. Surprisingly great fuel economy. Great + Unique design. Excellent power. This is a perfect sedan for a family looking for plenty of room, a good quality car, a fun ride, and something a little different than all those homogeneous imports you see all over the place. The price aint half bad either.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By jrydel - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Nice car. Ride is a little harsh. Good handling and great gas mileage. Fun to drive, but is not all it should be. See suggested improvements. A little pricey for the SS compared to other makes such as Nissan Maxima, etc.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By G Warner - September 17 - 4:33 pm

  This has been a fun car to own. I have had very few problems with it over the years. The body styling is great, as is the interior design. I think I will cry when I have to get rid of it.

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  2004 Impala - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By geo341 - September 16 - 10:00 am

  The Impala is a nice car, I think leather interior would be better for comfort, I like the option of no ABS, I feel the car stops a lot better.

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  2005 Impala Base Model - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Kristen - September 14 - 8:54 am

  This car has been great. Not really had much for expenses other than routine maintenance. Lack of options on the base model, but still a resonabley good buy.

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  Would buy another one - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Far North - September 13 - 9:27 am

  Purchased this car in 2005 with about 100,000. Have 133,000 on it now. Havent any major problems. Gets great gas mileage for a large sedan and the motor runs smooth. Lots of room for a tall guy. Only complaints are some funky electrical problems. The turn signals work intermittently and the power window switches had to be replaced.

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  05 SS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By ikeman - September 12 - 4:30 pm

  Very good value for the money. I was impressed with the preformance, even though it does not have a V-8. Very spacious cabin and trunk area. The car handles very well and the steering is far from sluggish. Its very smooth even at highway speeds.

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  Great Car - Fun to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Henderson - September 6 - 2:30 pm

  This is my first Chevrolet and my first GM product since having complete disappointment in a 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. Chevy has hit the mark with this car. Its fun to drive and very comfortable. The 3.9L engine has plenty of pickup but you lose mpg as a result. Overall, I get about 23 mpg which is still pretty good. The only thing that is annoying is a clicking noise that comes and goes. The service department has not been able to identify where it is coming from.