Are Chevrolet Impalas good cars? In this article, we are going to be taking a deep dive into this question to hopefully bring this to a reasonable conclusion if you were considering an Impala.
This article will barely scrape the surface regarding the Impala based on several factors. The Impala has a history that stretches all the way from 1958.
TO that effect, there is so much we can talk about from a historical perspective since the very first models of the Impala are still around today albeit more amongst enthusiasts, restorers, and collectors.
In short, Chevy impalas are great cars, they are known to be reliable, last, a very long time, are comfortable when driving, and look great overall. It has largely been a staple on American roads through its many iterations over the years. It is a strong and reliable vehicle with a strong history.
History of the Chevrolet Impala
The Chevy Impala first came out in 1958 as the high trim level of the Chevy Bel Air. It produced 250HP. In 1959, it became a standalone model in the 2 nd generation.
This offering produced 320HP which was 70 more than its predecessor. The second generation was a hit and sold just under 500,000 units. The 3 rd generation was released in 1961.
This is the most iconic Impala. It also ushered in the SS trim which was the first-ever muscle car. It produced a whopping 360HP. In 1963 they pushed the SS up to 425HP; a true beast. At this time the Impala was showing up on race tracks as well as drag races because of the amount of power and torque that it was able to produce.
The 4 th generation was introduced in 1965 and ran until 1970. This was the last of the true muscle cars under the Impala brand. It coincided with the global fuel crisis caused by an embargo by OPEC nations.
The SS trim died out at this time as consumers opted for more fuel-efficient cars. The decline continued in the 1980s until Chevy dropped the Impala line in 1985. However, in 1992, the Impala bounced back onto the scene with the 6 th generation. This run lasted until 1996 when the 7 th generation was launched.
Unfortunately, Chevy discontinued the Impala again that same year. It wasn’t until 4 years later in the year 2000 that the Impala came back in the 8 th generation. In 2004- 2005 the SS trim returned.
By this time, the muscle car identity of the Impala was long lost even though it was still quite powerful. The Impala remained in production throughout this period but more as a police squad car than for the public. In 2006 the Impala was redesigned and in 2014, the 10 th gen Impala came onto the scene.
Though rumors were doing the rounds that Chevy would discontinue it once again in 2019, production only stopped in February 2020. Based on history, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Impala could make a comeback and that could actually be a huge possibility.
The reason that Chevy dropped the Impala was to focus on SUVs. With Tesla making huge advances in the EV market, GM and other manufacturers are also looking into EVs. This could be the main reason that the Impala could be well and truly gone, well as a gasoline-powered car that is. I doubt that an electric Impala is quite the same thing though.
What Makes Chevrolet Impalas Good Cars?
- Comfortable Ride Quality
- Reliable
- Huge Carbin Space
- Advanced Infotainment System
- Strong built quality
- Decent Interior Quality
- Highly Practical
- Enough space for back seat passengers
- Strong Heritage and History
Is Chevy Impala a reliable car?
The Chevrolet Impala is a reliable car. It has proven that well throughout its history. The reason that we said that it’s difficult to answer whether a Chevy Impala is a good car is because of the long and rich history it has.
The car has been around for close to 60 years and 8 generations. Each of those generations has specific pros and cons but one that has remained consistent is the general reliability it has been able to offer throughout its history.
The 1962 Impala found a new lease of life during the 1990s through West Coast Gansta Rap spearheaded by Ice Cube and Eazy E.
In fact, the 62 Impala is the one thing you will find in common among different demographics within the US population. It has largely been used as a police vehicle for decades. Though the later generations from the 80s and early 90s had less powerful engines than their predecessors, the Impala has always kept its tag as being Mr. Ol’ reliable.
Conclusion
The conclusion of the matter is that the Chevy Impala has been a pretty good car throughout its history. It has an excellent track record and has become a mainstay on the American automotive landscape. Overall they are Great vehicles to have.
Tomas is a retired Chevy Auto Technician that brings decades of hands-on experience and expertise to the table. He’s also a father to two incredible daughters. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help you solve and find reliable information on Chevrolet vehicles. Whether it’s troubleshooting engine problems or providing tips for maintenance, Thomas is committed to helping Chevy owners keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.
