What are the cons of the Chevy Impala?
The Chevy Impala's main drawbacks are its aging design and technology, middling fuel efficiency for a modern sedan, and the fact that production ended after 2020, which can affect resale value and parts availability.
The following sections break down these issues into categories—performance, technology and interior quality, and ownership considerations—to help prospective buyers and current owners make informed decisions, with emphasis on the 2014–2020 models that are common on the used-car market today.
Performance and driving dynamics
This section highlights how the Impala handles on the road and what that means for daily driving, especially for buyers who want a peppy or sporty ride.
- Heavy overall weight, which dulls acceleration, particularly with the base engine.
- Base four-cylinder option is modest in power; even the available V6 upgrade isn’t a sports-car performer and can feel underwhelming against many modern rivals.
- Ride comfort is prioritized, but the large footprint can make handling feel less agile in tight or twisty roads.
- Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, limiting traction benefits compared with all-wheel-drive rivals in poor weather.
In short, the Impala delivers a smooth, comfortable ride and plenty of highway capability, but it isn’t designed for spirited driving or sporty cornering.
Technology, interior quality, and everyday usability
As a model that spans multiple years, some tech and interior elements can feel dated or inconsistent across trims.
- Infotainment systems in older models can be slow to respond, with smaller screens and limited early smartphone integration on the earliest years.
- Smartphone connectivity (such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) was introduced gradually, so not all trims across all years offer the same level of compatibility or features.
- Interior materials in base trims can rely more on hard plastics, with a sense of age relative to newer mid-size sedans, though higher trims improve perceived quality.
- Controls and layout are generally user-friendly, but some buyers may find the overall cabin design less modern than competing models.
Overall, you’ll find a roomy, comfortable interior, but the tech and materials may feel dated unless you opt for a higher trim or a newer used model.
Reliability, maintenance, and ownership considerations
Ownership factors, including the model’s discontinued status, influence long-term costs and ease of upkeep.
- The Impala was discontinued after the 2020 model year, which can impact long-term resale value and dealer support; some parts may rely more on aftermarket sources as the fleet ages.
- As with any aging vehicle, maintenance and repair costs can rise with mileage, and regional availability of parts and skilled service can vary.
- Fuel economy is reasonable but not class-leading, and overall cost of ownership may be higher compared with modern midsize sedans with newer powertrains and tech.
- Safety and driver-assistance features vary by year and trim; newer used examples may offer more advanced options, but not consistently across the entire model run.
For many buyers, these ownership considerations—especially the discontinued status and potential long-term support—are important factors when choosing an Impala against newer rivals or other used vehicles.
Summary
The Chevy Impala remains a spacious and comfortable full-size sedan with solid highway manners and a calm, quiet ride. Its downsides—dated interior tech, heavier weight with non-sporty performance, middling efficiency for its class, and the reality that it’s a discontinued model—are the key trade-offs to weigh when evaluating used Impalas versus more current options.
