Are Impalas stick shift?
In brief: modern Impalas use automatic transmissions, and there has been no factory manual option for recent model years. Manual transmissions were available on some classic Impalas from the 1950s–1960s era, but today’s lineup is automatic-only and the model was discontinued after the 2020 model year.
Modern Impala: transmissions you’ll find today
The Chevrolet Impala sold in the modern era (including the 2014–2020 generation) is equipped with automatic transmissions. Chevrolet did not offer a manual transmission option for these late-model Impalas in the United States. Chevrolet ended production of the Impala after the 2020 model year, so there are no new manual-impala options on the market today.
Historical context: manual options on classic Impalas
To understand the answer fully, it helps to look at the lineage. In the 1950s and 1960s, Chevrolet offered manual transmissions on many full-size Chevrolets, including Impalas, with several shifter configurations and gear counts depending on the year and trim. While most Impalas of that era used automatics, manual options did exist on some models, particularly on sportier or performance-oriented configurations.
Notable points about manual options on classic Impalas:
- Manual transmissions were available on some classic Impalas during the 1950s–1960s era, especially on certain trims.
- Shifter configurations varied by year and could be floor-mounted or column-mounted, depending on the specification.
- In some high-performance variants, such as certain Impala SS models from the late 1960s, a manual transmission could be specified.
These historical manual options are now a historical footnote. In the modern era, Impalas were automatic-only, and production ceased in 2020.
Impala through the generations: a quick guide
Here is a concise snapshot of how transmission availability has typically differed across generations. This is intended as a guide for enthusiasts and buyers navigating classic vs modern Impalas.
- 1958–1965: Manual transmissions were available on some Impalas, particularly in non-luxury or sport-oriented configurations.
- 1966–1969: Manual options continued in some years, with high-performance trims occasionally offering a 4-speed manual.
- 1970s–1980s: Automatics became more common; manual options existed on some configurations but were less prevalent as the lineup shifted toward automatics.
- 1994–1996: The Impala SS offered performance with an automatic transmission; a manual option was not standard in this era.
- 2014–2020: The modern Impala was automatic-only; production ended after the 2020 model year.
When shopping for a classic Impala, verify the drivetrain on the specific VIN or build sheet, as configuration varied by year and trim.
Practical takeaway for buyers and collectors
If you’re shopping today or researching for a collection, expect an Impala to have an automatic transmission in the modern era. For collectors seeking a manual, you’ll be looking at older, classic models from the 1950s–1960s, where manual options did exist in some configurations.
Summary
The short answer: modern Impalas are not stick shift; they are automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions were available on some classic Impalas in the 1950s–1960s era, but the modern Impala lineup (2014–2020) was automatic-only, and the model was discontinued after 2020. For enthusiasts, the manual option lives on only in the annals of classic-era Impalas.
