The Chevrolet Impala is one of the most enduring nameplates in American automotive history. Originally introduced for the 1958 model year, the Impala served as Chevrolet’s flagship full-size passenger car for decades. Renowned for its style, comfort, and performance, the Impala became a staple on American roads and a symbol of Chevrolet’s success.
Origins and Early Development
The Impala name first appeared on a 1956 General Motors Motorama concept car. Finished in emerald green with a white interior, the Impala concept featured Corvette-inspired styling cues and hardtop proportions. It was named after the swift and graceful African antelope—an emblem that became the car’s iconic badge.
By October 1956, GM styling chief Harley Earl approved the first sketch that influenced the final production design. Just seven months later, Chevrolet’s design team, led by Clare MacKichan, finalized the Impala’s initial layout, which would share GM’s new “A” body platform for 1958.
Generational Evolution
First Generation (1958)
Debuting as a high-end trim of the Bel Air, the 1958 Impala featured bold styling, highlighted by dual headlamps and a distinctive triple-taillight rear—a signature that would define the model for years. This model laid the foundation for Impala’s reputation as a stylish, powerful cruiser.
Second Generation (1959–1960)
The Impala became a stand-alone model, adopting flamboyant styling with horizontal fins, teardrop taillights, and a “batwing” rear deck. These years emphasized futuristic flair and cemented the Impala as a cultural icon.
Third Generation (1961–1964)
Refined and more compact, this generation introduced the legendary Impala SS (Super Sport) variant, which offered performance-focused options, including the 409-cubic-inch V8, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts.
Fourth Generation (1965–1970)
The 1965 redesign marked a new era, with the introduction of the Chevrolet Caprice as a luxury variant of the Impala. By 1966, Caprice became its own model line, and the Impala remained Chevrolet’s top-selling full-size car, offering V8 power and elegant design.
Fifth Generation (1971–1976)
With larger dimensions and plush styling, this generation emphasized comfort and space. Despite tightening emissions regulations, the Impala remained a strong seller, especially in the family sedan and coupe market.
Sixth Generation (1977–1985)
The Impala was downsized in 1977, aligning with fuel economy demands. Still spacious but more efficient, this generation marked the end of the rear-wheel-drive Impala for private customers by 1985.
Seventh Generation (Impala SS, 1994–1996)
The Impala returned as a high-performance sedan, based on the Caprice platform. Featuring a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine and muscular styling, the limited-production Impala SS became an instant classic.
Eighth Generation (2000–2005)
Reintroduced in 2000 as a front-wheel drive sedan, the new Impala targeted mainstream buyers with V6 power and practical design, departing from the full-size muscle car roots of earlier models.
Ninth Generation (2006–2016)
With a sleeker design, improved performance, and increased interior space, the ninth-gen Impala was a popular choice for fleets and private buyers alike. A rebadged version of this generation, called Impala Limited, was sold to fleets until 2016.
Tenth Generation (2014–2020)
The final generation of the Impala debuted with an all-new design, featuring premium styling, advanced safety tech, and powerful V6 engines. It earned top rankings in its class, including #1 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 Affordable Large Cars. Sold in North America, the Middle East, and South Korea, this generation marked the graceful end of an iconic lineage.
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