2011 Chevy Impala Review
2011 Chevy Impala Review





+123
Used Impala for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Smooth, quiet ride
- simple controls
- available six-passenger seating
- large trunk.
Cons
- Cheap interior materials and construction
- underwhelming engine choices
- four-speed automatic
- lackluster handling
What’s new
Despite a spacious cabin and comfortable ride, the 2011 Chevrolet Impala is outdone by most competitors. You can do better.
Edmunds says
Despite a spacious cabin and comfortable ride, the 2011 Chevrolet Impala is outdone by most competitors. You can do better.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala LS Fleet 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$165/mo for Impala LS Fleet
Impala LS Fleet
vs
$205/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
In times of financial uncertainty, it's natural that people will turn to the tried-and-true. In other words, grandiose aspirations tend to yield to that which is more grounded and conservative. With respect to the automotive world, the perennial Chevrolet Impala is one familiar multigenerational nameplate that's continued to do well in recessionary times. And it's managed to do so while relying on a design template that hasn't kept up with the latest and the greatest.
Once the best-selling full-size model in the United States, the well-established and versatile Impala was born in the late 1950s and has taken on different forms during different eras: coupe, sedan, hardtop, convertible and wagon, with models and trim packages appealing to performance buyers, style mavens, value shoppers, families and fleet buyers alike. The 2011 Chevrolet Impala sedan is the latest incarnation of this unassuming, value-driven vehicle -- though we doubt people will revere this version in 30 years like they do with its illustrious predecessors.
The Chevy Impala's practical strengths contribute to its mainstream appeal: a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, room for up to six, a large trunk and a solid safety record. Not exciting but wholly serviceable, the Impala is decent transportation for most. Changes to the 2011 Chevrolet Impala are minor, meaning it continues to fall farther behind newer and more sophisticated rivals due to its aging platform, rental fleet styling, cheap interior and unimpressive powertrains.
What we have, then, in the 2011 Chevrolet Impala is an aging back-of-the-pack sedan that needs a return to the drawing board in order to join the class leaders. Impala sales remain strong thanks to rental and company car fleets, but we think buyers with a choice of what they drive deserve better than just "wholly serviceable." So if you're shopping for a well-rounded modern family sedan, instead consider fresher designs like the 2011 Buick LaCrosse, 2011 Chrysler 300, 2011 Ford Taurus, 2011 Hyundai Sonata or 2011 Toyota Avalon. Times might be uncertain, but that doesn't mean you should settle for something other than the best.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Impala LS and LT models include a standard 3.5-liter V6 producing 211 horsepower and 216 pound-feet of torque, while the LTZ is equipped with a 3.9-liter V6 that generates 224 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque.
Both overhead valve engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the Impala's competitors typically offer more sophisticated six-speed automatics. As a result of its modest output and gearing, performance is unexceptional.
With less power, however, the Impala manages estimated fuel economy at 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The larger 3.9-liter V6 achieves an estimated 17/27/21, which is about the same as the Chevy Malibu's substantially more powerful V6.
Safety
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala performs well in safety testing, and is equipped with standard antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, OnStar telematics, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Impala earned the highest possible five-star rating in frontal and side-impact crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2011 Impala its top ranking of "Good" in both its frontal-offset and side impact tests.
Driving
Driving dynamics are rather pedestrian, and a major reason why the Impala languishes behind the segment leaders as a middling performer.
The 2011 Impala's powertrains deliver modest output with designs that recall an earlier era -- while proven and adequate for relaxed everyday driving when judged in isolation, they seem relatively weak when compared to the more robust and sophisticated V6s and six-speed transmissions of its rivals. The larger 3.9-liter V6 is preferred, as it offers more power reserves when accelerating around town and on the highway.
The Impala's suspension is tuned for an especially comfortable and smooth ride, but it suffers from lackluster handling response. Again, fine for a brief rental tour while on vacation in Florida, but its competitors offer more refinement that you'll appreciate in the long term.
Interior
A quick tour of the Impala's cabin offers a good illustration of the strengths and weaknesses of its aging design. While it's roomy and quiet with simple controls, the cabin's bland styling and low-quality materials cheapen the experience and make the car feel dated and utilitarian.
Viewed from a strictly practical perspective, however, it's hard to argue with the Impala's cabin. There's seating for up to six passengers -- something that's increasingly rare in modern sedans -- with the 40/20/40-split front bench that's offered as an option on LS/LT models. Hip- and shoulder room are good all around, though competitive models offer a bit more legroom.
The spacious trunk will swallow more than 18 cubic feet of cargo; while not class-leading, this is still fairly impressive. The fold-flat rear seatbacks and large trunk pass-through (an option on LS/LT models and standard on the LTZ) make it possible to carry longer items with the trunk lid closed.
2011 Chevrolet Impala models
The 2011 Chevy Impala is a full-size four-door sedan offered in three trim levels: base LS, midrange LT and top-drawer LTZ. There is standard seating for five people, but an optional front bench available on the LS and LT ups that to six.
LS models are equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning, five-passenger seating, six-way power driver seat, tilt-only steering wheel, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack.
Next up, the LT adds different 17-inch wheels, foglamps, remote ignition, dual-zone manual climate control, an upgraded trip computer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls (optional on LS). LT buyers can also opt for a new Luxury package that combines several popular premium features including a rear spoiler, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, six-way power passenger seat, fold-flat rear seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror and an upgraded, eight-speaker Bose audio system with a one-year subscription to satellite radio.
The top-of-the-line LTZ adds a larger V6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, "luxury-tuned" suspension, eight-way power driver seat and the LT's Luxury package content. A sunroof is optional on the LT and LTZ.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Chevrolet Impala.
5 star(34%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(13%)
1 star(12%)
76 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Utilitarian, highly recommended
mg_davis, 09/02/2011
2011 Chevrolet Impala LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 months with a new 2011.
It is practical, functional, a screaming good value with rebates, pleasant looking, but a bit boring to drive.
For the price I paid, I could hardy buy a small import sedan with the same trim level.
If you want the maximum passenger and cargo space you can get in any sedan around 20K, then the Impala LT is your car.
With room like this, you wont need an SUV.
On … the rare occasion you actually *do* need to transport sheets of plywood, pop the rear seats down and load up.
The other 364 days of the year you'll enjoy cheaper payments and 10 or more extra MPG.
It does most things great, a few things good, and nothing poorly.
Best large sedan value, period.
3.88 out of 5 stars
V-6 for the price of a 4.
Frank, 10/04/2010
2010 Chevrolet Impala LS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
2nd Impala (had a 2007) and it is very good, improved brake rotors, lots of standard stuff (ABS, Traction Control, a great utility car since it has power for the Mountains ( 4's are a pain in CO). Ride is quiet, sound is OK, price was terrific.
5 out of 5 stars
235,000 miles still going strong
Jay, 11/23/2017
2010 Chevrolet Impala LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I drive a lot 35,000 miles a year, bought car with 10,000 miles, has been trouble free with minor repairs, and good maintenance checks. If you need a cruiser, with lots of comfortable driving, and easy on the wallet, this car is for you. I've been impressed with how easy this car drives on highway, really just sort of drives itself. Certainly not a sports car, buy I don't like to fight … my car on long drives. I have over 235,000 miles on my car, guessing I'll end up around 300,000 in a couple of years. Still looks great, drives exactly the same, and expect more minor repairs and maintenance. I had transmission fluid changed once for maintenance, need another soon, that is it for now. Brakes are good, but car really lets loose going down hill, so they can wear on really steep mountain roads. Overall, great, I'm looking to get another, maybe a 2013, last year of this model.
4.75 out of 5 stars
My Third LTZ Since '06
boycotseattlegal, 07/17/2010
2010 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 4dr Sedan (3.9L 6cyl 4A)
G.M. Continues to build great vehicles. I traded my 08 LTZ for a 10 LTZ. I really like the built in blue-tooth on the 10. New temp controls are better. I'm a road warrior so I know what a car should be to be comfortable. Go with the LTZ model! You will enjoy this car. Its very solid. Take your new impala to a good tire shop or back to the dealer to check the alignment. This was … second one I've owned that was shipped from the factory out of alignment. Your factory tires won't last long if you don't get it checked out.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, so we've included reviews for other years of the Impala since its last redesign.
2011 Impala Highlights
LS Fleet
Base MSRP | $24,010 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $165/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
People who viewed this also viewed
5.0 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $16,720 |
4.6 average Rating out of 7 reviews. |
Starting at $21,400 |
4.9 average Rating out of 10 reviews. |
Starting at $13,600 |
Related Used 2011 Chevrolet Impala info
Vehicle reviews of used models
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2016
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2010
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2012 For Sale
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2015
- Chevy Impala Car
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2018
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2011
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2017
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2014
- Used Chevrolet Impala 2013
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 Ram 2500
- Lincoln Corsair 2022
- 2022 BMW M8
- GMC Cargo Van
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- 2022 Renegade
- Chevrolet Camaro 2024
- 2022 Volvo XC90
- 2024 Jeep Renegade News
- Audi RS 6 2022
Research recent models from same make
- 2022 Colorado
- Chevrolet Camaro 2023
- 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
- Chevy Express
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- Chevrolet Malibu 2022
- 2022 Chevrolet Express Cargo
- 2024 Camaro
- Chevrolet Traverse 2022
- 2024 Corvette
Research similar vehicles
- Nissan Versa
- Volkswagen Jetta
- 2022 Challenger
- Chevy Malibu
- 2023 Acura TLX
- 2022 Charger
- 2023 Honda Accord
- Genesis Car G70
- Audi RS7 V8
- Cadillac CT5
Other models
- Used Land-Rover LR3 in Elmhurst, NY
- New Honda Passport for Sale in Altadena, CA
- Used Porsche Cayenne in Layton, UT
- Used Chrysler 300 in Greenville, NC
- Used Toyota Prius-V in Saco, ME
- New Honda Cr-V-Hybrid for Sale in Milpitas, CA
- New Lexus Rz-450E for Sale in Medina, OH
- New Honda Pilot for Sale in Takoma Park, MD
- Used Lexus GS-430 in Waynesboro, PA
- Used Toyota Highlander in Perrysburg, OH