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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  Nice car poor service -design flaws? - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By hksunshine - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Have LS. Fun Car to drive, great pickup and good milage. Buying experience painless. Service is an issue. Contes service departments response to issues : It bottoms out going up or down ramps even at slowest speeds (5mph) ..told thats normal! If I stop and immediately start Impalas engine turns several times and theres a delay in dash lights coming on, told they didnt find anything wrong! Occasional hesitation under acceleration, they couldnt find anything wrong! Trunk popped with keyfob doesnt open all the way and hard to close..you guessed it.."normal". Moisture inside right headlamp, replaced headlamp and..still moisture.Too bad..nice car otherwise.

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  OK so far - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Marty - July 30 - 2:03 am

  I have the base model with no options. The standard list of equipnment is impresive, far more than Toyota Camry and for a lot less money. This car is worth a look if you are in the market for a large sedan.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By mary ann moody - July 28 - 1:20 pm

  This car is great for the family. It will comfortably seat five. OnStar is a real bonus and very reasuring when driving.

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  The best sedan weve ever owned - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave - July 28 - 2:38 am

  Ive always bought Japanese, but I found a great deal on a used Impala, so I took a chance. Im so glad I did. The car has had zero problems and it drives like a dream. The seats are very comfortable. My daughter says the rear seats are great, too. Trunk is huge. The best thing about the car is the phenomenal mileage: the Impala gets better mileage than our Subaru but its much more spacious. The engine has plenty of pep and a satisfying growl that makes it feel like a hot rod. Its really the perfect combination of size, performance and fuel economy. I would buy another one. Its really a great car.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Don - July 27 - 6:20 pm

  This is a decent car for the money. It has its quirks as most cars do, but its a good value. It rides and handles smoothly. I only gave the car a seven for build quality as after only six months the car began dripping transmission fluid. A trip to the dealer let us know the transmission casing needed to be replaced. The car was at the dealer for a week although they did provide a loaner. Other then that its holding up well.

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  Frank - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank - July 27 - 9:39 am

  Ive always loved this car since I was a kid, Now I own two and Im planning on owning another one. This car is great for people who want to keep it stock and got enough aftermarket parts to make and all out weekend warrior. Love the looks.I get compliments from all ages of people .

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  Reliable Car! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By jig226 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This Impala is my first brand new car. It works great. But I have to mention several problems of it. First, in the winter time when temperature is very low, there is squeaking noise when braking slowly. Second, one of the door windows is a little shaking when it is not closed entirely. Third, the display on the screen will be faint out automatically. Anyway, its great and reliable car.

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  Not very reliable - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Steve B - July 22 - 8:20 pm

  Have been stranded twice with this vehicle. In both instances it was the security system that failed. It wouldnt allow the engine to start. Upon replacing the failed security system electronics, other electronics controlling the anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitor subsequntly failed. Have problems with the front passengers side suspension (rattles) that are still not resolved. Vehicle was at the dealer for repairs to the suspension issue when it was discovered that the steering rack and axles needed replacement (this occurred at around 12,000 miles). Mileage when using E-85 falls by about 35% but vehicle operates fine with this fuel. Average vehicle, nothing special

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  NO 04 THIS IS A 74 - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By JOEYNKRISSY - July 20 - 12:36 am

  THIS IS A CLASSIC 74 IMPALA SS CAST IRON TANK WITH A 4BBL 350 4BOLT MAIN BETTER THAN WHAT WE HAVE NOW A GREAT AMERICAN MADE ICON AND WILL MOVE AT CLOSE TO 140 MPH DUE TO THE SIZE AND FOR A CAR SUCH AS THIS WHO CARES ABOUT GASS AND FOR THOSE WHO WORRY ABOUT SMOG THIS CLASSIC EMITS HARDLY ANY BUT IN REGARDS TO THE NEW IMPALA THEY ARE REALLY NICE AND FUN TO DRIVE GOD BLESS THE U.S. AND BUY AMERICAN

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  Lot of car for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By ladyscot - July 18 - 12:10 am

  We believe the Impala is a good car at a good price. We considered Saturn, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord but the Impala just seems like more car for less money than any of those. It is too early to judge long term quality and gas mileage is not what others have reported but we are happy with our purchase so far. Seems as solid as the Cadillac we traded and has much more room inside. Only gripe so far are the seats which are not padded enough. Nowhere near as comfortable as either the CTS or our 2005 Impala.