Impala
The Chevrolet Impala, introduced in 1958, is an iconic full-size sedan in American automotive history. It stood out with its unique design, notably its signature triple taillights. Over the decades, the Impala evolved to meet changing driver preferences while maintaining its status as Chevrolet's flagship model. This page delves into the history, generations, and notable versions of the Impala, providing a comprehensive overview of this legendary vehicle.
Variants by year
2013
2005
1999
1994
1976
1975
1974
1973
1972
1971
1970
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
1960
1959
1958
1957
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Chevrolet Impala, introduced in 1958, is an iconic full-size sedan in American automotive history. It stood out with its unique design, notably its signature triple taillights. Over the decades, the Impala evolved to meet changing driver preferences while maintaining its status as Chevrolet's flagship model. This page delves into the history, generations, and notable versions of the Impala, providing a comprehensive overview of this legendary vehicle.
History
The Chevrolet Impala was introduced in 1958 as the top-of-the-line Bel Air model. From its debut, it stood out with its symmetrical triple taillights, a design that became its signature. In 1961, Chevrolet expanded the Impala lineup by introducing the Super Sport (SS) version, offering enhanced performance and sporty styling. Over the years, the Impala underwent several generations, each bringing innovations in design, technology, and performance. For instance, the fifth generation (1971-1976) was the largest of all, with a 121.5-inch wheelbase, providing exceptional interior space. The sixth generation (1977-1985) marked a downsizing, responding to market trends of the time. After a four-year hiatus, the Impala was reintroduced in 1994 with an entirely new design, marking the beginning of the eighth generation. This version was the first to be designed with front-wheel drive. The ninth generation (2006-2016) reintroduced V8 engines and added new technologies, reinforcing the Impala's reputation as a quality full-size sedan. The tenth and final generation (2014-2020) was praised for its refined design and improved performance before production ended in 2020. (chevrolet.com)
Generations
The Chevrolet Impala has traversed several generations, each reflecting the evolution of the automotive market and driver preferences. - **First Generation (1958)**: Introduced in 1958, the Impala stands out with its symmetrical triple taillights and elegant design. - **Second Generation (1959-1960)**: This generation features wider rear fins and teardrop-shaped taillights, enhancing its distinctive appearance. - **Third Generation (1961-1964)**: The Impala SS is launched in 1961, offering enhanced performance and sporty styling. - **Fourth Generation (1965-1970)**: Redesigned, the Impala achieves sales records, surpassing one million units in 1965. - **Fifth Generation (1971-1976)**: The largest of all, with a 121.5-inch wheelbase, providing exceptional interior space. - **Sixth Generation (1977-1985)**: Marks a downsizing, responding to market trends of the time. - **Seventh Generation (1994-1996)**: Reintroduction of the Impala with an entirely new design, marking the beginning of the eighth generation. - **Eighth Generation (2000-2005)**: First Impala designed with front-wheel drive. - **Ninth Generation (2006-2016)**: Reintroduction of V8 engines and addition of new technologies. - **Tenth Generation (2014-2020)**: Refined design and improved performance before production ended in 2020. Each generation of the Impala has contributed to its legacy as an iconic full-size sedan. (chevrolet.com)
Key differences
Notable differences between Impala generations include: - **Exterior Design**: Early generations feature wider rear fins and teardrop-shaped taillights, while later generations showcase sleeker, more modern lines. - **Dimensions**: The fifth generation (1971-1976) is the largest, with a 121.5-inch wheelbase, providing exceptional interior space. - **Technology**: Recent generations incorporate advanced technologies, such as front-wheel drive and more powerful V8 engines. These evolutions reflect automotive market trends and driver preferences over the decades. (chevrolet.com)
Photo recognition
To identify a Chevrolet Impala, look for the following features: - **Triple Taillights**: Symmetrical and distinctive, these taillights are a signature of the Impala. - **Body Design**: Early generations feature wider rear fins and teardrop-shaped taillights. - **Dimensions**: Models from the 1970s are particularly large, with a 121.5-inch wheelbase. These elements can help distinguish the Impala from other Chevrolet models. (chevrolet.com)
Important versions
Notable versions of the Impala include: - **Impala Super Sport (SS)**: Introduced in 1961, this version offers enhanced performance and sporty styling. - **2004 Impala SS**: Reintroduction of the Impala SS with a 240-hp supercharged V6 engine. These versions have marked the Impala's history by offering distinctive performance and features. (chevrolet.com)
References
- Chevy's Legacy Iconic ImpalaChevrolet
- https://www.chevrolet.com/legacy/impala?msockid=02464af69be567d63dae5c0f9a8b663dchevrolet.com
- https://es.chevrolet.com/legacy/impalaes.chevrolet.com
- https://www.motortrend.com/features/chevrolet-impala-history-generations-specificationsmotortrend.com
- https://www.iseecars.com/car/chevrolet-impala/generationsiseecars.com
- https://www.carsdirect.com/chevrolet/impala/generationscarsdirect.com
Technical specifications
Structured data available for versions linked to this model.
| Version | Power | Torque | Top speed | Drivetrain | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 226 KW @ 5600 RPM307 HP @ 5600 RPM303 BHP @ 5600 RPM | 323 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM438 Nm @ 4400 RPM | — | Front Wheel Drive / 4-Speed automatic | Gasoline |
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Chevrolet Impala produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1957 - 2013.
- How many Chevrolet Impala examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 2 published scans from 2 members, with the latest photo added in July 2026.
- What is the power output of the Chevrolet Impala?
- The sourced technical data lists 226 KW @ 5600 RPM307 HP @ 5600 RPM303 BHP @ 5600 RPM.