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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  cops view - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By motorman587 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I ride a motorcycle at work and also have a Ford Crown Vic as a traffic car. I would rather have my SS for duty then the V-8. I know that it is not rear wheel drive or a V-8, but the supercharger pulls harder than my cop car.

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  solid car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By sugar gurl - June 22 - 10:00 am

  i hate 4 doors. but this car is it. big inside but still sporty lookin

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  All around great car! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By FOXXX - June 17 - 12:49 am

  This car is simply amazing. I have owned many cars in the past but this car is my favorite. The body style on this car looks great compared to many other sedans out there. Although this car is sportier than the other sedans out there, it still allows all the great features of its competitors. It fits six people comfortably and has a giant trunk for storage. Although this is the base model, it has more than enough power to get you wherever you need to go.

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  2005 Impala LS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By ourlivesforhim - June 9 - 5:07 pm

  I have had this car for 22 months now. A great highway car. I drive 70 miles a day, and have a true average of 25.6 MPG. Some highway and some stop and go. Hard to beat that when you consider this is a full size car. I have had many Hondas in the past. This car is built just as well. Perfect, no, but darn close. The 3.8 is strong and solid. The brakes are excellent. Check the safety ratings! Top of the class. Go Chevy!

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  Superb Auto - Impala LS - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul Mulvogue - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 2003 Impala LS with sports appearance package in April.Went on 5000 mile road trip in June.This car really excells on mountain roads.The performance,styling,handling,and economy is much more than I expected.Averaged 30mpg at 75mph on highway.Almost didnt get XM satelite radio,now its one of my favorite features.This is probably as close to the perfect auto one can buy!Its really FUN to drive again!

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  Best Car for the Money - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By luvinthaimpala - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I had my eye on the Impalas for about a year when I finally decided to purchase one. And am I ever glad I did. Not only is it a "family" car, but it is the best looking, fun to drive car ever. That is a hard find these days. You need something to fit the family, but you dont want to look too much like your mother! And this is the car that has it all. There is not a single thing that I am dissatisfied with. I recommend it to all my family and friends.

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  Solid ride - Good to go so far - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave R. - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought this after renting an LS on business. LS trim/engine/styling made the difference compared to base trim/engine. Love the buckets, leather, rear spoiler, engine performance compared to the 3.4. Only quibbles for me are that suspension is a little hypersensitive on even slightly bumpy roads, and I get a little engine hesitation at very low RPMs (smooths out with a little gas pedal). Still trying to reliably duplicate these issues before I have dealer try to resolve under warranty. These are very minor quibbles, though - I have put over 7000 miles on it in 3 months, and its a great ride! Cant beat bang for the buck, either.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By luvreptile - May 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR IVE EVER BEEN IN! It is very reliable, very! My car has buttwarmers (heated seats), very nice leather seats, 4 cup-holders (nice to have when you have 4 family members who love chocolate shakes, and also very silent. Trust me, this car always wants to go fast!

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  Chevy Impala LS 2000 - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Terry Callahan - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I saw one in the parking lot, on the TV and ordered one for myself after looking at the review. I was very impressed with the overall pleasent design change and they got away from the "Hot Rod" engines. I get 22.5 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, better if I took my foot off of the gas and no A/C. I love this car. I would buy another, but think I should keep the one I bought. I bought a 2000 Impala LS with a sunroof and lots of extras.

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  IMPALA REVIEW - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By HEWITT - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My Impala has been on two road trips in excess of 1000 miles each. The car handled extremely in mountainous terrain as well as on flat plains. Fuel economy was far geater than I expected and it is a pleasure to drive even after being in the car for over eight hours at a time.The roominess of the Impala was far better than expected. Overall I would give the Impala LS a rating of 9 of 10 points. I cannot say what the reliability of the vehicle is going to be but, I am confident that it is going to be great.