Why the Chevy Impala Was Discontinued: Legacy, Last Model Year, and Best Used Years to Buy
There’s a specific kind of sadness that comes when you hear the last Chevrolet Impala rolled off the assembly line on February 27, 2020—but also a strange sense of gratitude for the decades of service, the police chases, the family road trips, and the undeniable cool factor that made this sedan a true American icon.
The Impala was never just another car. It was the chariot for families, cops, and rappers alike. It was the Beach Boys singing about a 409, and it was the mean black SS that made middle-aged men act like teenagers again . But after 62 years, three separate retirements, and countless memories, the Impala drove off into the sunset for the final time. Let’s look at why it happened, what the last model year offers, and which used Impalas are actually worth your hard-earned cash.
TL;DR
The Chevy Impala was discontinued because American buyers overwhelmingly shifted from sedans to SUVs and crossovers, and General Motors needed to repurpose its Detroit-Hamtramck plant for electric vehicle production . The final model year is 2020, and production ended on February 27, 2020 . The best used Impalas to buy are from 2015 to 2019—these are the most reliable tenth-generation models with strong safety ratings and modern tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . Avoid the 2014 model year (first-year gremlins, lots of recalls) and most 2001-2005 models (expensive engine issues) .
Key Takeaways
- The Impala ended for good in 2020 because buyers wanted SUVs and GM needed plant space for the new GMC Hummer EV and other electric vehicles
- The final Impala was built on February 27, 2020 at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant
- 2014-2020 models are the tenth generation—this is the most refined, tech-savvy Impala ever built
- Best years to buy: 2015 through 2019—strong reliability scores, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto from 2016 onward, and fewer recalls
- Avoid the 2014 model—it was the first year of the new generation and had a higher number of recalls and expensive engine repair risks
- The 1994-1996 Impala SS is a collector’s item—rear-wheel-drive with a Corvette V8, but prices are climbing fast
The Long, Winding Road of the Impala
The Impala had a complicated life. It was born in 1958 as a top-tier trim of the Bel Air, distinguished by its triple taillights on each side . It became a sales juggernaut—over a million sold in 1965 alone . But the Impala also had a habit of disappearing.
- First retirement: 1985. GM killed the Impala to focus on the Caprice, its other full-size sedan .
- Second comeback: 1994. The legendary Impala SS roared back as a rear-wheel-drive V8 monster based on the Caprice. It only lasted three years before GM killed the whole B-body platform to make room for… you guessed it… higher-margin SUVs like the Tahoe .
- Third comeback: 2000. The Impala returned as a front-wheel-drive sedan built on the W-body platform. It was comfortable, reliable, and sold well—over 250,000 units per year at its peak in the mid-2000s .
- Final generation: 2014. The tenth-generation Impala was a massive improvement—better styling, a nicer interior, and tech that finally felt modern . But by then, the sedan market was already in freefall.
Why the Impala Was Discontinued (For Good This Time)
The reasons are straightforward, and they’re the same ones that killed the Ford Taurus, the Chevrolet Cruze, and the Dodge Charger .
The SUV Revolution
American buyers simply stopped buying sedans. They wanted crossovers, SUVs, and trucks for their higher seating positions, cargo space, and perceived safety . Chevrolet sold only about 45,000 Impalas in 2019, down from a peak of over 311,000 in 2007 . When a car loses 85% of its sales volume in a decade, it’s not hard to see the writing on the wall.
GM’s Electric Future
General Motors needed to retool its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant—the same plant where the Impala was built—to produce electric vehicles like the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Celestiq . The Impala was the only sedan still being built there alongside the Cadillac CT6, and something had to give .
Corporate Strategy
“Just as the Impala evolved over the years, the market has shifted dramatically and demand for sedans has declined and we adjusted to meet customer needs,” said Chevrolet Vice-President of Marketing Steve Majoros . Translation: sedans don’t make money like SUVs do, and GM needed to focus its resources on the segments that actually sell.
The Last Model Year: 2020
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala is the final year, and it’s essentially a carryover from 2019 with very few changes . The final car rolled off the line on February 27, 2020, and that was that .
What You Get in a 2020 Impala
The 2020 Impala came in three trims: LS, LT, and Premier (formerly LTZ) .
| Trim | Engine | Power | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 2.5L EcoTec I4 | 196 hp | 24 MPG |
| LT | 2.5L I4 (or optional V6) | 196 hp / 305 hp | 22-24 MPG |
| Premier | 3.6L V6 | 305 hp, 264 lb-ft | 22 MPG |
Key features on the 2020 model: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup (a feature that arrived in 2016) . The Premier trim gets leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose premium audio system .
The 2020 Impala also retains the 17.7-cubic-foot trunk—plenty of room for a family’s luggage .
Best Used Years to Buy
If you’re shopping for a used Impala, you’re probably looking at the tenth generation (2014-2020) because it’s the most modern, safest, and best-equipped. But within that range, some years are better than others.
The Sweet Spot: 2015-2019
According to reliability data and owner surveys, the 2015-2019 Impalas are the best bets . Here’s why:
- Strong reliability scores: FIXD Reliability Scores of 8 to 10 out of 10 for 2017-2019 models
- Owner satisfaction is high: Owner reliability scores average 7 to 10 out of 10
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard starting in the 2016 model year
- Fewer recalls: The 2016 V6 and 2017 models had zero recalls, while the 2018 and 2019 models had only one each
- Fuel economy: 22-23 MPG combined, which is excellent for a full-size sedan
Our favorite: The 2017 Impala. According to owner surveys, it has no reports of expensive engine or transmission repairs, and you can find one with under 100,000 miles for around $15,000 .
What to watch for: Even these good years aren’t perfect. Common diagnostic trouble codes include P0496 (EVAP purge valve issues, repair cost $20-$200) and P0171 (mass airflow sensor issues, repair cost $20-$330) . Also, about 10-12% of owners reported spending over $500 on engine repairs in a given year—so a pre-purchase inspection is still essential .
The One to Avoid: 2014
Skip the 2014 Impala. It was the first model year of the tenth generation, and it had a high number of recalls and an increased risk of expensive engine repairs . It’s also missing some of the tech features (like Apple CarPlay) that came in later years.
Other Decent Years: 2009-2010, 2012-2013
If you’re on a tight budget, the 2009-2010 and 2012-2013 Impalas are worth considering . They’re ninth-generation models, so they’re older and less tech-savvy, but they offer reasonable reliability for the price—around $5,000 to $12,000.
- Good: Lower chance of costly engine and transmission repairs compared to other ninth-gen models
- OK: Fuel economy of 21-22 MPG, NHTSA safety ratings of 4.0-4.6 out of 5
- Not great: Average annual maintenance costs of $643-$854, and some expensive repair reports
The Collector’s Choice: 1994-1996 Impala SS
If you’re not looking for a daily driver but want something special, the 1994-1996 Impala SS is the one to hunt for. It’s a rear-wheel-drive sedan with a Corvette-sourced 5.7L V8, a lowered suspension, and the meanest-looking black paint job this side of a government motorcade . Chevy built about 20,000 in 1996, and demand was so strong that dealers had waiting lists . These have become collectibles, so expect to pay a premium .
Impala Generations at a Glance
| Generation | Years | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st-6th | 1958-1985 | Classic full-size; rear-wheel-drive; V8s | Collectors |
| 7th | 1994-1996 | Impala SS; Corvette V8; rear-wheel-drive | Collectors/enthusiasts |
| 8th | 2000-2005 | Front-wheel-drive; V6; forgettable | Budget buyers (with caution) |
| 9th | 2006-2013 | More modern; some V8s (SS); improved safety | Budget buyers (select years) |
| 10th | 2014-2020 | Most refined; Apple CarPlay; 4-cyl or V6 | Daily drivers (2015-2019) |
Important Safety Reminder
If you’re buying a used Impala, check for open recalls using the vehicle’s VIN on the NHTSA website . Older Impalas (especially 2001-2005) had a high number of recalls and expensive engine issues, and the 2014 model had its share of first-year problems .
FAQ: Your Impala Questions Answered
Why was the Chevy Impala discontinued?
The Impala was discontinued because American buyers shifted overwhelmingly from sedans to SUVs, and GM needed to repurpose its Detroit-Hamtramck plant for electric vehicle production .
What is the last model year for the Chevy Impala?
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala is the final model year. The last car rolled off the assembly line on February 27, 2020 .
Which used Impala years are the most reliable?
The 2015-2019 Impalas are the most reliable. They have strong owner satisfaction, fewer recalls, and modern tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto .
Is the 2014 Impala a good buy?
No, generally avoid the 2014. It was the first year of the tenth generation and had a higher number of recalls and an increased risk of expensive engine repairs .
Does the Impala have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, starting with the 2016 model year, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard features on the Impala .
Is the 1994-1996 Impala SS worth buying?
If you’re looking for a collector’s item, absolutely. It has a Corvette V8, rear-wheel-drive, and a cult following. But expect to pay a premium and treat it as a weekend car, not a daily driver .
The Bottom Line
The Chevy Impala is a piece of American automotive history that was simply born in the wrong era. It was a fantastic full-size sedan that got caught in the SUV tidal wave, and GM made the pragmatic decision to let it go .
If you want a used one, the 2015-2019 models offer the best combination of reliability, modern tech, and value. The 2017 Impala is a sweet spot—low repair risks, good owner ratings, and available for around $15,000 with under 100,000 miles . Just avoid the 2014 and be cautious with older ninth-generation cars unless you’re on a very tight budget and have a mechanic you trust .
And if you ever spot a clean black 1996 Impala SS at a car show, take a moment to appreciate it. That car was the last hurrah for the rear-wheel-drive V8 Impala, and it’s a reminder of just how special this nameplate really was .
Have you owned an Impala—or do you remember riding in one as a kid? Drop your favorite Impala memory in the comments below.
References
Chevrolet Impala History, Reliability Data, and Model Year Information:
