How good is a 2015 Chevy Impala?

The 2015 Chevy Impala remains a solid choice for buyers who value space, comfort, and a smooth ride in a full-size sedan. It offers a roomy interior, a quiet cabin, and decent power from its available V6, making it a practical and comfortable used-car option. Overall, it delivers strong value for its size, with average reliability for its age.

This article examines how the 2015 Impala performs in daily driving, what it offers inside, how reliable it tends to be, and what buyers today should consider when shopping in the used-car market. It covers engine options, comfort, technology, safety features, and total ownership costs to help readers gauge whether this model fits their needs.

Performance and efficiency

Engine options and driving feel

In 2015 the Impala offered two gasoline engine choices. The base four-cylinder provides adequate daily acceleration and better fuel economy, while the available V6 delivers stronger passing power and a more refined highway feel. Both engines pair with a traditional automatic transmission and are tuned for a smooth, easy-to-drive experience in everyday use.

Before exploring as a list, here are the core points buyers consider regarding performance:

• Four-cylinder variant emphasizes efficiency and everyday usability, with a comfortable, relaxed ride for most trips.


• V6 variant is notably more responsive, delivering confident power for highway merging and sustained speeds around town.


• Ride quality is generally smooth and quiet, with a focus on comfort rather than sporty handling.

Overall, the Impala’s performance is strong enough for family travel and long highway journeys, though it isn’t designed for sporty driving dynamics. The choice between the engines comes down to a balance between fuel economy and straight-line power.

Interior and practicality

Spaciousness and comfort

The 2015 Impala is a standout in terms of interior space. It offers ample front and rear legroom, a large trunk, and a cabin that remains quiet at highway speeds. The seating is comfortable for long trips, and higher trims add upscale features that enhance the overall feel of the interior.

Before listing the interior strengths, note these key points:

• Wide, accommodating front seats and generous rear-seat space make it a practical choice for families or carpool duty.


• Trunk space is generous for a full-size sedan, supporting luggage and groceries with ease.


• Quality of materials and fit-and-finish are solid for a mid-2010s GM sedan, with some soft-touch surfaces in higher trims.

In short, the Impala’s interior is one of its strongest selling points, especially for long commutes and road trips where comfort and space matter most.

Reliability and ownership costs

What to expect as it ages

As a 2015 model, the Impala sits in the used-car market where maintenance history and mileage begin to influence reliability and ownership costs more than new-model quirks. Overall, the Impala from this era is considered to have average reliability for its class, with typical wear items and a need for routine maintenance such as brakes, tires, and fluids being the main ongoing expenses.

Before detailing the ownership aspects, consider these factors:

• Maintenance costs are generally moderate for a full-size sedan, with parts and service widely available through Chevrolet dealerships and independent shops.\n


• Electrical components and infotainment systems in older GM vehicles can show age-related glitches; keep the vehicle’s software up to date and check for known recalls.


• Depreciation trends on the 2015 Impala are typical for a used large sedan, with value influenced by mileage, condition, and feature set (LTZ versions tend to hold value better due to equipment).

For buyers, a well-maintained Impala with complete service records offers reliable ownership, but it’s wise to have a pre-purchase inspection and to budget for routine mid-life maintenance common to aging sedans.

Safety and technology

Standard and optional features

The 2015 Impala includes a solid set of safety features for its class, with additional options on higher trims. Standard protections typically include multiple airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and tire-pressure monitoring. Optional or available features on higher trims or with packages can add more advanced systems such as rearview cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, along with enhanced infotainment and connectivity options.

Before listing the key points, here is a snapshot of the safety and tech landscape:

• Rearview camera is commonly available and helpful for parking and reversing.


• Advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are typically offered on LTZ or as part of optional packages.


• Infotainment through Chevy MyLink provides smartphone integration and navigation on higher trims, contributing to ease of use on the road.

In practice, the 2015 Impala offers a balanced mix of safety basics and accessible tech, making it competitive with other full-size sedans of the era.

Is it a good used-buy today?

For buyers prioritizing interior space, a comfortable ride, and a legitimate V6 option, the 2015 Impala remains a compelling choice in the used-car market. Price-to-feature value tends to be favorable, especially for LT and LTZ trims that offer more equipment. If you want the latest tech or the sharpest fuel economy, newer models or different brands may be more suitable. A careful inspection and a record check are essential to ensure reliability in a decade-old vehicle.

Summary

The 2015 Chevy Impala delivers strong value as a large, comfortable sedan with ample interior space, a refined ride, and a powerful V6 option. It stands out for practicality and quiet comfort, while its reliability falls in the average range for its age. Prospective buyers should weigh the desire for V6 power and premium features against potential maintenance needs and aging tech. When well cared for, a 2015 Impala can continue to serve families and commuters with dependable, roomy transportation.

What's the best year Chevy Impala to buy?

The "best" Chevy Impala years depend on whether you prioritize classic style, modern features, or reliability. For a modern and reliable car, the 2014-2020 models are considered the best, with the 10th generation redesigned in 2014. For classic styling, many favor the 1958-1965 era, especially 1958, 1961, and 1965, while the 1994-1996 Impala SS is a desirable, fun classic. For a reliable and economical used sedan, models from the early 2000s (eighth generation) with the 3800 Series II engine are highly regarded.
 
Modern (2014-2020)

• Why it's the best: This generation received a complete redesign in 2014 and was praised for its sleeker design, better interior, and improved ride and handling.
• Key features: Modern technology, available advanced safety systems on higher trims, and a spacious cabin.
• Note: This was the last generation of the Impala before production ended. 

Classic (1958-1965)

• Why it's the best: This period is considered the peak of classic American car styling for the Impala, with models like the 1958, 1961, and 1965 being particularly popular. 
• Key features: Iconic designs with fins and chrome, powerful V8 engine options, and high sales volume (especially the record-breaking 1965 model). 
• Note: The 1965 model was the last year for the 409 engine and the signature three round taillights. 

Modern classic (1994-1996)

• Why it's the best: The Impala SS from these years is a popular and desirable modern classic known for its performance and aggressive styling. 
• Key features: The SS model featured a powerful LT1 V8 engine. 

Reliable and economical (2000-2005) 

• Why it's the best: These models are known for their reliability, particularly those equipped with the 3800 Series II V6 engine, making them a popular choice for a dependable used car.
• Key features: The 3800 engine is known for its durability, and these cars were also used as taxis due to their reliability and low maintenance costs. 

Is the 2015 Impala expensive to repair?

The average annual repair cost is $568 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Impala.

Is the 2015 Chevy Impala a good car?

Generally, the Chevrolet Impalas used from 2015 and newer are considered pretty reliable. RepairPal rates them 4.0 out of 5.0, which is solid in the used car market. These newer models have dependable engines and tend to have fewer issues, making them a good pick.

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.