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 been Chevrolet's main full-size sedan. "Prestige car" isn't really an apt descriptor anymore, but the Impala has consistently 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 the best choice for a full-size sedan because they suffer from substandard build quality and forgettable driving dynamics. But the newest Impala, thanks to many improvements, is worth considering.
Current Chevrolet Impala
Today's five-passenger Impala debuted in 2014 and comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 195 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-liter V6 makes 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Chevy also offers a bi-fuel V6 engine that can run on regular gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG).
The Impala features LS, LT and Premier trim levels. Standard LS feature highlights include a power-adjustable driver seat, full power accessories, Bluetooth, a 4G data connection and Wi-Fi hotspot, USB-iPod connectivity and a color display. The LT adds alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Chevy's MyLink infotainment interface with an 8-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. Most LT options are bundled into packages and include such items as a sunroof, leather upholstery, keyless ignition and entry, and extra safety features.
The Premier 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 spacious trunk, though it loses points for some flimsy interior plastics, a fussy MyLink interface and middling fuel economy. 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 and was introduced for the 2014 model year. Compared to the previous Impala, the latest generation is more stylish, with bigger curves and bolder lines. Inside, there's a modern design, higher-quality materials and up-to-date electronics.
The Impala has changed little since its redesign. Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging appeared in 2016, and a Wi-Fi hotspot and the bi-fuel V6 engine were added for 2015. In 2014, a mild hybrid Eco model with an eAssist powertrain combined a 182-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a small 15-hp electric motor. It provided the best fuel economy of the Impala lineup but was discontinued after a year.
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 many 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 to 2009, 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 such as the Dodge Charger, Hyundai Azera or Toyota Avalon make for better used choices.
The eighth-generation Impala was offered from 2000 to '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 3.8-liter V6 with 200 hp. 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 editors. Noted downsides included bland interior and exterior design, vague steering, and a soggy suspension on base and LS models.
Before this, there was a short-lived Chevrolet Impala SS. Offered from 1994 to '96, it was based on the rear-wheel-drive Caprice. The SS featured a 260-horsepower 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 models 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.
Read the most recent 2018 Chevrolet Impala review.
If you are looking for older years, visit our used Chevrolet Impala page.
