2018
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Impala

Unlock Ratings
Given its long-standing reputation as a car that was to be avoided, even as a free upgrade at the rental car counter, it is easy to have low expectations for the Chevrolet Impala. But a 2014 redesign dramatically transformed the Impala from a woefully uncompetitive and outdated model into a thoroughly modern and remarkably enjoyable car.
Alerts
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Impala

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
NA
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
NA
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
NA
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
NA
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS standard. Head protection air bags standard from 2006. ESC standard from 2010.
Road Test

Given its long-standing reputation as a car that was to be avoided, even as a free upgrade at the rental car counter, it is easy to have low expectations for the Chevrolet Impala. But a 2014 redesign dramatically transformed the Impala from a woefully uncompetitive and outdated model into a thoroughly modern and remarkably enjoyable car. This phoenixlike rise propelled it from the bottom of our large-sedan ratings to being one of the top-scoring cars we've tested. And in the process, it reclaimed a stature befitting such a classic nameplate.

There are lots of high points here. The new Impala rides like a luxury sedan, with a cushy and controlled demeanor, while delivering surprisingly agile handling, capable acceleration, and excellent braking.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 2.5-liter 4 (197 hp)
  • 3.6-liter V6 (305 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Chevrolet Impala owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"AC stopped working completely. Dealership repaired/replaced it at no cost. Said they had seen other new Impalas with the same problem."

Anonymous, MS (2018 Chevrolet Impala 3.6-L V6)

"The compressor quit with 43000 miles on the car"

Anonymous, (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

"AC stopped working, expensive repair. Out of warranty based on milage"

Anonymous, (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)
Automatic climate control

"On a long distance winter trip the temperature in the car interior greatly acceded the chosen temperature setting."

Timothy B., NY (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)
Blower (fan) motor

"Fog on front windshield"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
Evaporator

"400 miles outside of the 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, the evaporator core shot craps. First dealer and a second mechanic shop confirmed that the entire core needed replacing. Expected to be about $1,700 for repairs."

Anonymous, MO (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

"The A/C did not work in the spring of 2019. Took the vehicle to the dealer and they indicated the evaporator had failed due to new refrigerant that was being used. It was repaired under warranty"

Raymond H., SC (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)

"A/C stopped cooling"

Patrick M., FL (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"It goes blank at random times and comes back at random times. It will go into shop for repair next week."

Anonymous, (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"randomly does not detect iPod. once engine is shutdown iPod plays only one song upon restart, then stops playing. Have to drag the cursor back to the beginning of the song to get it to play continuously to the next song. the music skips on songs in the Impala that do not skip while playing the same songs from the iPod in the Mustang."

Patrick M., FL (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Maps were more than 3 years out of date. Then GM is trying to charge over $ 150 to get a map update."

Robert B., MI (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"The trunk weatherstripping/seal allowed some water into the trunk. The dealer replaced it, still under warranty and it works fine"

Anonymous, CA (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)
Wind noise

"It is a front wheel drive and they have more road and wind noise than rear wheel drives. It is not necessarily worse than any other front wheel drive but it is annoying."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"left tail light filled with water because the seal was bad. replacement under warranty."

Kenneth M., IL (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
Interior lights

"Two episodes, about a year apart: all dash lights go off, then come on, then go off again. This over a period of an hour perhaps the last time. First time, several days. In shop each time &, of course, that didn't happen for them. Thus, I do not trust it for a long trip--the reason I bought it."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Chevrolet Impala)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Car labeled for E85. Cannot use E85 as it causes engine to stall or hesitate while running slows vehicle to a crawl. Not nice when you are on the freeway."

Anonymous, (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)
Engine knock or ping

"Car was supposed to be flex fuel efficient. Well it is not did not run well hesitated slowed down because fuel was contaminated according to dealership. Tod to stop using flex fuel. Same with 2008 Suburban."

Edward C., WI (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Right front fascia mounting bracket retaining tabs were weak. The bracket was replaced under warranty. No more problems since."

R B., SC (2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier 3.6-L V6)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint is bubbling up or peeling."

Anonymous, (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

"Misfiring on 1 cylinder due to dirty injector. Resolved with injection cleaner."

Anonymous, MI (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"When passenger sitting in front passenger seat & when car driven over bumps, airbag warning light kept coming on. No problem if no one sitting in front passenger seat."

Donna A., MI (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Occasionally the six speed transmission shifts abruptly between second and third gear during heavy traffic situations."

Jim P., CA (2018 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

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