The Impala nameplate first burst into the automotive world at the 1956 Motorama, General Motors’ self-produced car show. It was named after the impala, a majestic antelope that could leap distances of over 30 feet. It is one of the most successful Chevrolet models in history.
Over the years, the Chevrolet Impala has gone from a Bel Air trim level to becoming a pop culture icon, thanks to a few stand-out models.
1958 was a bad year for most because of a recession. Most manufacturers cut down on production costs, but Chevrolet braved the storm and brought out the Impala as a special trim level for the 1958 Bel Air.
The Impala was available as a convertible or a hardtop sport coupe. It was so successful Chevrolet separated it from the Bel Air altogether. It had the same quad-headlights and A-pillars as the Bel Air but also featured a shorter greenhouse and a longer rear deck. It had deeply sculptured rear fenders, three tail lights, and an upgraded radio system inside the cabin.
Today, the original 1958 Impala is a holy grail among American car collectibles. The convertible version is especially in demand because there were only 56,000 ever produced. If you’re looking to score one of them, you’ll find a few popping up at auctions for over $100,000.
During the 1960s, riding low was all the rage. It didn’t matter how fast your car went. If it was cruising low, you were the king among men, and Chevrolet understood that. The 1964 Impala rolled off the assembly line with an x-frame chassis and long, flat paneling, making it ideal for adding hydraulic systems and other modifications required for lowriding.
With six versions on the market, there was a 1964 Impala for everybody. Customers could choose a convertible, sedan, hardtop sport sedan, hardtop sport coupe, and two station wagons. A Super Sport (SS) edition for the convertible and hardtops was also available, and it came with interior and exterior upgrades like vinyl upholstery and wider upper-body molding. It also boasted a powerful 409 V8 engine that could produce 425 horsepower.
This third-generation Impala wasn’t just a lowrider favorite, it’s a pop culture icon too. The ‘64 Impala was featured in the music videos of several rap songs in the 1990s, including Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E.” and “Let Me Ride.”
Chevrolet’s roaring success didn’t stop with the 1964 Impala. When the 1965 Impala rolled off the assembly line, people flocked to showrooms across the country. Customers had a bunch of different engine options to choose from, including small-block and big-block V8s.
On the outside, it featured a rounder look with four headlights and blinkers positioned in the bumper. The coupe version had a faux-cabriolet design with frameless side windows and six round tail lights. Inside, a center console separated two bucket front seats with a wide bench in the back that could comfortably seat three people.
This fourth-generation Impala broke records with over a million sold, the highest annual sales volume ever achieved by a single model in the US since World War 2.
The 1970s saw the rise of the small-car trend, making the release of the 1971 Chevrolet Impala so unexpected. This fifth-generation Impala was bigger than previous models, with a longer wheelbase measuring 121.5 inches. The car was 18 feet long and nearly seven feet wide, making it Chevrolet’s largest car to date.
Like older models, the 1971 Impala was offered in several versions with several impressive turbo engines to choose from. The most powerful engine option was a big block Turbo-Jet 454 V8 that could produce a whopping 365 horsepower, but this power output wasn’t exactly the reason behind the 1971’s popularity.
The 71’ Impala became quite popular in the 1990s by being used as Donks, which are a unique group of custom cars with bold paint jobs, flashy interiors, and huge shiny rims. Hydraulic suspensions and chrome plating were also popular modifications. These custom upgrades didn’t come cheap, but it was a popular form of expression in the hip-hop community.
Gone for over 20 years, the SS finally made its long-awaited return in 1994. However, it was the 1996 Impala SS that was truly iconic. To this day, it continues to be one of Chevrolet’s most iconic performance cars ever.
At first glance, the 1996 Impala SS looked just like any other regular midsize car. However, a closer look under the hood revealed that it’s so much more than that. Its long exterior gave it that classic ‘90s luxury sedan look, and it came with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine.
All SS Impalas had the 9C1 Police Package, which included a better exhaust, a stiffer suspension, quicker steering, and a lot of other upgrades. The ‘96 Impala had all that and more. Some models with the Preferred Equipment Package also came with upgraded power seats, automatic headlamps, and an auto-dimming mirror.
Along with a spacious interior and a bold new style, the 2014 Impala was chock full of features. It had active noise cancellation, lane departure warning, and collision warning. For the first time ever, Chevrolet also installed a full-speed-range adaptive cruise control and a crash-imminent braking system.
It came with three engine options, including a hybrid combo that featured an eAssist system. The most popular choice was the 3.6-liter V6 engine that could produce around 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque, which were considered impressive figures for non-turbo sixes.
The 2014 Impala started strong with high sales during its first few years, but its success slowly dwindled as more and more customers set their eyes on SUVs instead of sedans. While they aren’t the priciest Impalas on the market, they still sell for higher than a few older models.
Chevrolet might have stopped production of the Impala in February 2020, but the iconic car is far from forgotten. Throughout the years, the Impala didn’t shy away from change, earning its name as one of Chevrolet’s most successful models in history. It’s clear that the Impala’s legacy lives on through fans and gearheads all over the world to this day.
The Chevrolet Impalas you should avoid are the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006 model years. These have been hampered by different issues, numerous complaints, and a handful of recalls.
According to CarComplaints, the 2001 Impala has received over 1,000 complaints and 10 recalls. The biggest issue with the remodel is its transmission issues, as owners reported erratic and hard shifting while driving caused by a faulty transmission pressure control solenoid.
In addition, the intake manifold gasket reportedly leaks engine oil or coolant, which may result in engine failure.
The 2002 Impala is plagued by the same issues but was somehow worse. It received over 1,000 complaints and has seven recalls.
In addition to transmission issues and leaks, the 2002 remodel have received complaints about its passlock system. The faulty component made the vehicle difficult and take too long to start.
The following year wasn’t too kind for the Impala as the 2003 model has received the same amount of complaints as well as eight recalls. The 2003 Impala suffered from the same issues as the two prior models.
Arguably the worst Impala, the 2004 remodel has received over 2,000 complaints and seven recalls. This model has an erratic speedometer and instrument panel gauge. Owners reportedly dealt with inaccurate and intermittent readings for gas and temperature. They also reported malfunctioning turn signals.
The 2004 model also has the same faulty transmission system, which resulted in shifting difficulties, transmission slippage, and shuddering.
Lastly, the 2006 Impala has received close to 1,000 complaints and two recalls. The 2006 model is plagued with the same transmission issues as its predecessors.
Your Chevrolet Impala is arguably one of the most reliable daily drivers out there. With regular maintenance, you can even go on for thousands of miles without experiencing any major problems with it. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that your Impala might need a few repairs every now and then, depending on several factors.
When it’s time to shop for OE-grade replacement parts, accessories, and upgrades for your Chevy Impala, look no further than CarParts.com. We’ve got everything you need to get your car back into shape and even take it to the next level.
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