What year did Chevy Impala change body style?
The Chevrolet Impala, a staple in American automotive history, has undergone numerous transformations since its debut in 1958. Known for its sleek design and reliable performance, the Impala has seen significant body style changes over the decades. In this article, we’ll explore the key years when the Chevy Impala underwent major redesigns, focusing on its evolution and the impact of these changes on its popularity.
The Major Body Style Changes in Chevy Impala History
Throughout its production history, the Chevy Impala has been redesigned several times to reflect changing automotive trends and consumer preferences. Below are some of the most notable years when the Impala's body style changed:
- 1958: The Chevrolet Impala was introduced as a top-tier trim level of the Chevrolet Bel Air. It featured a distinctive design with a longer, lower, and wider body compared to other models in the lineup.
- 1961: The Impala became its own model line, separate from the Bel Air. This year marked the introduction of a more streamlined and sporty body style, including the iconic "bubble top" roofline.
- 1965: A major redesign gave the Impala a more modern and boxy appearance. This generation became one of the best-selling full-size cars in America.
- 1977: The Impala underwent a significant downsizing to improve fuel efficiency during the oil crisis. This redesign made the car smaller and lighter while maintaining its full-size classification.
- 1994: After a brief hiatus, the Impala returned as a high-performance sedan with a sleeker, more aggressive body style, appealing to a new generation of drivers.
- 2000: The Impala transitioned to a front-wheel-drive platform, marking a departure from its traditional rear-wheel-drive layout. This redesign focused on practicality and affordability.
- 2014: The most recent major redesign gave the Impala a more upscale and contemporary look, with a focus on luxury and advanced technology features.
Why These Changes Matter
Each redesign of the Chevy Impala reflects the evolving tastes of car buyers and the challenges of the automotive industry at the time. From the stylish and powerful models of the 1960s to the fuel-efficient designs of the 1970s and the tech-savvy sedans of the 21st century, the Impala has consistently adapted to remain relevant in a competitive market.
Conclusion
The Chevy Impala's ability to reinvent itself over the years has cemented its place as an iconic American car. Whether you’re a fan of the classic 1960s models or the modern luxury sedans, the Impala’s rich history offers something for everyone. If you’re considering purchasing or restoring a Chevy Impala, understanding its body style changes can help you choose the model that best suits your preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year of the Impala?
Our Top 4. If you're on the hunt for the best Chevy Impala year, consider the 2007, 2014, 2016, and 2019 models. They brought the Impala reputation back to life with sleek appearance packages, tech-laden interior, powerful engines, stability controls, and impressive high-performance upgrades.
What year did the Impala change?
2014
But the highly successful cars of the 1950s and '60s were followed by a string of uninspired models that largely turned “Impala” into a synonym for “rental.” The latest model—which was all-new for 2014—changed that, with a fresh, sculpted design; modern technology; and direct-injected powertrains that include a ...
What is the most sought after year of Impala?
The original 1958 Impala is a holy grail among American car collectibles, with the convertible version being in demand because there were only 56,000 ever produced.
- 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala – The First-Generation Impala.
- 1964 Chevrolet Impala – The Sleek Lowrider.
What is the average life of a Chevy Impala?
Based on available data and owner reports, the Chevy Impala can last up to between 160,000 and 200,000 miles. Once again, folks from the Impala forums confirm these numbers. Generally, many users emphasize that the longevity of the Impala largely depends on how well the car is maintained.
What does LT stand for on an Impala?
Luxury Touring
In the beginning, LS stood for “Luxury Sport,” but now it's often the name of the base Chevy trim level, which also means it's the most affordable. LT stands for “Luxury Touring,” and it's usually the next step up from the base level.
Which Impala is top of the line?
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala has two trim levels titled the LT and the Premier. The LT is the basic trim level with the lowest starting MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) of $31,620. The Premier trim level adds some luxury features at the slightly higher starting MSRP of $36,720.
What year is the newest Chevy Impala?
In 2000, it was reintroduced as a front-drive sedan. The latest Impala debuted for 2014, but with the heart of the market shifting to SUVs, traditional full-size sedans were pushed to the sidelines. The Impala was discontinued after the 2020 model year.
Do Chevy Impalas hold their value?
A 2018 Chevrolet Impala has depreciated $9,497 or 46% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $10,878 and trade-in value of $9,169. The 2018 Chevrolet Impala is in the 25-75% percentile for depreciation among all 2018 Sedans.
Which Impala is better, LS or LT?
The LT follows after the LS, offering even better features at a slightly higher MSRP. While these features vary from model to model, you'll notice a more luxurious feel overall. However, the Chevy lineup includes impressive comforts, conveniences, and safety features at every price point.
What year Impala sold the most?
1965
Redesigned in 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units in the United States.
