Since the new millennium, the modern Impala has served as
Chevrolet's main full-size sedan, capable of transporting up to six
people. With front-wheel drive and V6 power on most trim levels, the
current Impala isn't exactly a tribute to the past, but it does
continue the tradition of large, affordable Chevrolet family sedans.
Five decades after the original used Impala was rolled out, the
Chevrolet Impala has gone on to become one of America's most
well-known nameplates. Overall the Chevrolet Impala is a comfortable
and convenient car, practical and enjoyable to drive. It has neat
and clean lines with a fresh style that is pleasing to the eye.
All
trims from the latest used Impala model, 2008, come with a
four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes front
bucket seats and front, side and side curtain airbags. The Impala is
a full-size front-wheel drive sedan capable of carrying up to six
people. It comes in four trim levels: LS, LT, LTZ, and SS. The LS
and LT include a 211 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine which is also available
in an E85-capable version. The LT is available with a 233 hp
3.9-liter E85-capable V6 which is standard on the LTZ. The SS comes
with a 303 hp 5.3-liter V8 engine.
Find Used Impalas in PA
To get the latest technology, safety features and design, a consumer
could opt for the latest-generation Chevrolet Impala which has been
available since the 2006 model year. Improvements on this model
Compared to the previous-generation Impala include new engines, more
composed handling, a higher-quality interior and updated styling.
Since that '06 debut, changes have been minimal, though '08 and
newer Impalas have additional safety features as standard equipment. For a less expensive investment, the previous-generation model Chevy
Impala still has many features and safety technology. This model was
offered from 2000-05 with minimal changes. Its basic dimensions are
very similar to those of the current generation; the biggest
difference is simply slightly older technology and style. Base-model
Chevy Impalas were 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.
Noted downsides of used Impalas include bland interior and exterior
design, vague steering and a soggy suspension on base and LS models.
From 1994-1996 there was an Impala SS model. This features 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. For those looking for a sportier ride
this Impala SS would do well.
There are many used Impalas on the road still, mostly because the
model has been in production for so long, and has gone through
stints of great popularity. 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. For
more research, read another
used Chevy Impala review.