Top 4 Best Years for Chevy Impala & Years To Avoid

Dan Ross

By Dan Ross

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So, are Impalas good cars? While it may not always steal the show like some Chevy classics, the Impala has some shining stars that truly elevate the Chevy name to pop-culture fame. Keep scrolling to see which base models make the list!

What Is The Best Year for Chevy Impala? Our Top 4

If you’re on the hunt for the best Chevy Impala year, consider the 2007, 2014, 2016, and 2019 models. They brought the Impala reputation back to life with sleek appearance packages, tech-laden interior, powerful engines, stability controls, and impressive high-performance upgrades. 

2007 Chevrolet Impala

This car will make people stop and take a second look – a true classic oozing with ’90s muscle car vibes and impressive power. Sure, at first glance, the model might seem like a typical big-bodied sedan. But trust us, it is far from your average Impala.

2007 Chevrolet Impala
2007 Chevrolet Impala

Hidden under the hood was a 3.5L V6 engine, the same beastly engine that powered the Corvette. Simply put, with this Impala, you get all the muscle and roar of a Corvette but wrapped in a sleek, understated package that lets you fly under the radar (until you hit the gas, that is).

Adding to its street cred, the 2007 comes standard with a newly redesigned 9C1 Police Package, which brings in real performance upgrades:

  • A high-performance exhaust system that lets the engine breathe better
  • A stiffer suspension to improve handling
  • A quicker steering ratio that gives the car a sportier feel.

Together, these improvements turn the 2007 Impala into a surprisingly agile machine for its size. Chevrolet clearly wants this Impala to be more than just a nod to nostalgia.

Even better, for those who wanted a bit more luxury to go with all that power, Chevrolet offered the Preferred Equipment Group 2LT Package. This option introduced top-of-the-line features for its time, including:

  • Rear reading lights
  • Rear anti-roll bar
  • Rear window defroster
  • Rear spoiler
  • Speed control
  • Remote keyless entry

All in all, thanks to the well-rounded driving experience it provides, the 2007 Impala was —and still is — a hit to this day. The model captures the spirit of American performance in a way that few cars ever have.

2014 Chevrolet Impala

It’s not exaggerating to say the Impalan name had been reborn as soon as the 2014 Chevrolet Impala hit the scene! This model is packed with advanced features and style that turned it into a head-turner.

2014 Chevrolet Impala
2014 Chevrolet Impala

For starters, thanks to the new bold, aerodynamic look, the Impala felt sleeker, bigger, and way more premium. Once we stepped inside, the spacious interior impressed us immediately with its refined, quiet feel, owing to an active noise cancellation system that blocked out road noise. We highly recommend the 2014 for long drives or just cruising through town.

Aside from the impressive looks, Chevrolet also equipped the 2014 with excellent safety packages that were ahead of the time:

  • Lane-departure warning to ensure you stay centered on the road and highway
  • Collision warning, which alerts you if you get too close to the vehicle ahead.
  • The full-speed-range adaptive cruise control (a first for the Impala). It adapts to the traffic around you and smoothly manages speeds even in stop-and-go situations.
  • A crash-imminent braking system that can intervene with emergency braking if an accident seems unavoidable.

And that’s not all; Chevrolet upped the ante with three distinct engine options catering to different driving styles.

For instance, for those who value fuel efficiency, the hybrid with eAssist is a clever choice. But if you are looking for more power, the 3.6-liter V6 engine (packing 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque) will be your best friend. Between the two, the latter engine provides plenty of punch and responsiveness, which quickly makes it the favorite pick.

Altogether, the 2014 Impala truly delivers and completely redefines what drivers could expect from a full-size sedan.

2016 Chevrolet Impala

In 2016, Chevrolet released a larger-than-life model that was impossible to ignore. 

This tenth-generation car stretches an impressive 201.3 inches in length and nearly 84.3 inches seven feet in width. Its 111.7-inch wheelbase made it one of the largest Chevy at the time, and it wasn’t just for show, either. In fact, the extra room meant a spacious, luxurious interior where passengers could stretch out and enjoy the ride in ultimate comfort!

2016 Chevrolet Impala
2016 Chevrolet Impala

Even better, aside from its size, the power under the hood truly sets this car apart. Chevrolet offered a range of powerful engine choices, including the powerful big block 3.6L V6 Flex-Fuel (305 horsepower), with a thrilling, throaty rumble that could make any car lover’s heart race.

Furthermore, what cemented the 2016 Impala as a legend is the diverse customization options that truly take the Chevy name to the next level. From candy-colored paint jobs to chrome wheels the size of a small planet, enthusiasts have all the freedom to transform their beloved models into rolling works of art. Just like previous generations, these 2016 models easily earned a place in hip-hop culture and, eventually, created a legacy that went far beyond the specs sheet.

2019 Chevrolet Impala

Last but not least, the 2019 Chevrolet Impala holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts, especially fans of the 2016 (as the 2016 and 2019 share a lot in common).

2019 Chevy Impala
2019 Chevy Impala

The brand designed this model with sturdy cross-members and rails and a sleek, long body perfect for a smooth and low look. These flat panels and low profile make it the ideal canvas for custom work, as owners are free to add hydraulic systems that could make the car bounce, tilt, and glide in style.

Regarding the engine, the 2019 Chevy Impala combines classic sedan comfort with two dynamic engine options, each delivering its own unique drive:

  • If you’re sticking with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, you’ll get a reliable 197 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque —  ideal for leisurely city driving or daily commutes. 
  • But if you are looking for something with a bit more thrill, the optional 3.6-liter V6 will have you grinning from ear to ear. Thanks to the hefty 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque, this engine gives your car the guts to handle high-speed merging, passing, and any burst of speed you need with absolute confidence.

Given all these perks and style, it’s unsurprising that the 2019 Impala continues to become a popular automobile icon – especially in the hip-hop community, where its sleek, elegant look took center stage in many events and festivals. 

What Year Chevy Impala to Avoid

Of course, the Chevrolet Impala is a classic in its own right. However, there are a few Chevy Impala years to avoid if you want to steer clear of technical headaches and expensive repairs:

2005 to 2007 Chevrolet Impala

In the mid-2000s, Impalas (especially from 2005 to 2007) earned a not-so-good reputation for their low reliability scores due to a series of common issues that can make them more trouble than they’re worth.

Indeed, these models usually struggle with electrical problems, particularly the door lock actuators that randomly stop working and the dashboard lights that flicker out of nowhere. Transmission troubles are another big red flag: our testers have reported slipping gears and premature failures, which are anything but budget-friendly. To top it off, the base engine is prone to gasket issues, resulting in costly leaks and equally costly major repairs.

2009 to 2011 Chevrolet Impala

2011 Chevrolet Impala
2011 Chevrolet Impala

Although the 2009 to 2011 models might seem appealing on the surface, they’ve been known to cause their fair share of headaches under the hood.

According to our quick surveys, many owners report the frustrating “Service Traction Control” and “Service Stabilitrak” lights coming on randomly — problems that are often tough to fix and tend to reappear. And like their 2005 to 2007 counterparts, transmission issues are also frequent, with hard shifting and even complete failure at higher mileage. Worse, as if that’s not enough, the model also receives many complaints about excessive oil consumption; if left unchecked, it can lead to far bigger engine problems down the road.

2002 to 2004

Are you looking at early 2000s Impalas (2002-2004)? If so, proceed with caution!

While they may be more affordable, these models are known for ignition switch failures that can lead to unexpected stalling or starting problems. There are also frequent coolant leaks, often due to failing intake manifold gaskets, that can cause overheating if not addressed. And to our disappointment, the finicky electronics did not receive any fix: radios constantly cut out, headlights kept flickering, and the power locks malfunctioned more often than not.

Conclusion

We hope you are now all clear regarding the best Chevy Impala years (and the ones to avoid as well). If you still have any questions, just give us a shout; we’d love to help you find your dream Impala! 

Dan Ross

Dan Ross

Dan Ross is an Automotive Engineer and blogger, He has experience in vehicle systems design, performance testing, and project management. With a passion for automotive excellence, he ensures high standards in design and safety. Through Intersection Magazine, Dan educates and connects with enthusiasts and professionals alike, sharing industry insights and updates.

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