Do Chevy Impalas last long?

Yes. When properly cared for, Chevrolet Impalas can run for a long time—many reach well over 200,000 miles, and some persist beyond 300,000 miles with diligent maintenance. Longevity varies by generation, maintenance history, and driving conditions.

What drives an Impala’s lifespan

Understanding how long an Impala lasts starts with the basics: maintenance, usage, and environment. Below are the factors most often linked to longevity.

Key factors that influence durability

• Consistent maintenance history and documented service records


• Driving patterns, with highway cruising generally being gentler on components than heavy city driving


• Climate and exposure, including exposure to road salt and corrosion risk


• Model year and generation reliability differences


• Accidents or major repairs that can affect long-term integrity

These variables combine to shape how long an Impala will keep running, and they explain why two examples with the same odometer can feel very different in terms of reliability.

What mileage looks like for a well-kept Impala

To set expectations for potential buyers or current owners, here are typical mileage outcomes for well-maintained Impalas, based on owner reports and industry data.

• Many well-maintained Impalas routinely reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles


• With meticulous upkeep, some examples push beyond 200,000 miles and even past 300,000 miles


• The likelihood of hitting very high mileage depends on maintenance quality, driving style, and regional factors

While high-mileage examples exist, most vehicles land in the lower to mid hundreds of thousands if kept up, with major components replaced as needed.

Maintenance practices that maximize longevity

Experts and long-time owners agree that preventive care is the best way to extend life. The following practices are widely recommended for Impalas at any generation.

• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for oil changes, filters, and fluid replacements


• Keep the cooling system and transmission in good condition; address leaks or overheating promptly


• Regularly inspect brakes, tires, suspension, and steering components for wear


• Address electrical issues early and keep the battery, alternator, and wiring in good condition


• Protect against rust in regions with winter salt or humidity; store the vehicle properly when possible

Consistent upkeep is the best predictor of long-term survivability in Impalas, and it often translates to lower ownership costs over time.

Tips for buying a high-mileage Impala

If you’re considering a used Impala with higher miles, use these buying criteria to mitigate risk and identify a solid long-lasting vehicle.

• Look for a complete maintenance history and records of major repairs


• Have the engine, transmission, and exhaust system inspected by a trusted mechanic


• Check for rust, frame damage, and body integrity, especially in older models


• Verify recalls have been addressed and review any model-specific service bulletins


• Take a thorough test drive to assess how the car performs under load, during acceleration, and on varied road surfaces

Approach high-mileage Impalas with a careful buyer’s mindset; a well-documented past often correlates with better long-term reliability.

Market note: End of production and the used Impala landscape

As Chevrolet shifted focus to newer models, the Impala was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2020 model year. That means today’s Impalas are part of a growing used-car market where pricing and availability can vary widely by region, model year, and condition. For buyers and owners, this makes maintenance history and ongoing care even more important.

Discontinuation of new Impalas does not undermine the potential for long service life; it simply means buyers are more likely to encounter used examples in need of attentive maintenance or earlier life service records.

Summary

Chevy Impalas can last a long time when well cared for. Longevity is governed by maintenance quality, driving conditions, and the specific generation. With regular service, a documented history, and careful inspection before purchase, many Impalas can reliably cover high mileages, often into the 200,000-mile range or beyond.

How many miles can an Impala last?

The Chevrolet Impala has an average lifespan of 135,717 miles or about 8.7 years. The Impala's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.

Are Chevy Impala reliable?

Yes, later model Chevy Impalas are considered reliable, particularly those from 2014 onwards, which often receive high reliability scores and average ownership costs. However, the reliability can depend on the model year, and older models from the early 2000s have a mixed reliability record with more frequent issues. 
Reliable years

• 2014-2020: Generally considered the most reliable generation of the Impala. 
• 2015 and newer: These models have a solid reputation for dependable engines and fewer problems. 
• RepairPal Score: The Impala holds a reliability score of 4.04.04.0 out of 5.05.05.0, ranking 5th out of 12 large cars. 

This video provides a long-term review of the 2006-2011 Chevy Impala, focusing on its reliability and engine performance: 1mAnother LapYouTube · Jul 4, 2025
Less reliable years 

• Early 2000s: Avoid models from this era due to a history of recurring mechanical problems. 

Common issues and considerations

• Engine problems: The 3.8L V6 engine in earlier models is often praised for being indestructible, but some later 3.6L engines have had issues with rocker arm bolts. 
• Transmission failures: Some owners have reported transmission problems, especially after 100,000 miles. 
• City driving: Cars that are heavily driven in the city may experience more issues after the 100,000-mile mark compared to those with low-mileage highway use. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance can help ensure longevity. 

This video discusses potential issues and reliability of the Chevrolet Impala, including common problems like engine and transmission issues: 54sScotty KilmerYouTube · Jul 17, 2018

What is the lifespan of an Impala?

An impala typically lives for 12 to 15 years in the wild, with some individuals reaching 17 years or older in captivity. Their lifespan is often influenced by factors like predation, as impalas are a prey species for carnivores like lions and hyenas.
 

• In the wild: The average lifespan is about 12 to 15 years. 
• In captivity: Impalas can live longer, with some reaching an average of around 17 years. 
• Factors affecting lifespan: Predation is a major factor limiting lifespan in the wild. 

What is the common problem with Chevy Impala?

Common problems with the Chevy Impala include transmission issues like failure and erratic shifting, particularly in older models, as well as engine concerns such as oil consumption and leaks from the intake manifold gasket. Other frequent complaints involve power steering leaks, steering system noises, and various electronics problems, including with the power locks and instrument panel. 
Engine and fuel system

• Oil consumption: Some models are known to burn excessive oil, which can be caused by worn piston rings or faulty valve seals. 
• Oil leaks: Leaks from the intake manifold gasket are a known issue. 
• Check Engine light: The "Check Engine" light can come on due to a loose gas cap or faulty mass air flow sensor. 
• Fuel gauge issues: Some owners report a fluctuating or inaccurate fuel gauge. 

This video explains some of the common problems with Chevy Impalas: 55sCars of QueensYouTube · May 27, 2021
Transmission and drivetrain

• Transmission failure/slipping: This is a very common problem, especially in models from the early to mid-2000s. 
• Erratic shifting: The transmission pressure control solenoid can fail, causing shifting problems. 
• Shifter issues: The ignition key can become stuck if the shifter fails. 

Steering and suspension

• Power steering leaks: Leaks in the high-pressure power steering hose can occur.
• Steering noises: A clunking noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft is a common complaint. 

Electrical and other issues

• Power locks: Power lock actuators can fail. 
• Heater problems: The heater system can experience issues. 
• Instrument panel problems: The speedometer and other gauges may work erratically. 
• Security system fault: Some models have issues with the security system causing the engine to stall after starting. 
• Body and interior: Wind noise, leaks around seals and weatherstripping, and problems with windows, locks, and latches have been reported.