Chevrolet Impala- Model History
Chevrolet built a full-size car with the brand name Chevrolet Impala for the model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000-2020. It is one of Chevrolet’s most popular passenger cars and the best-selling American automobile in the United States.
The initial model was different from the predecessors by the symmetrical triple tail lights. It was upgraded to Chevrolet Caprice, a sports sedan for 1965, and became a separate lineup in 1966. Chevrolet continued to make these popular full-sized Impalas through the mid-1980s, and the production stopped in 1985. It came back in 1994 with the revised 5.7-liter V8-powered engine. Again, it was discontinued in 1996 and reintroduced in 2000 as a front-wheel drive car.
It was ranked #1 among affordable cars in United States news and world reports rankings in 2014. The 10th generation of Chevy Impala was introduced that year, and the 9th generation got rebadged as Impala Limited for being sold to fleet customers through 2016. The 2014 Chevy Impalas made their way to the Middle East and South Korea.
History of Chevrolet Impala:
The Chevrolet Impala made its debut in a concept car show at the 1956 Motorama car show. Production began in 1958 as Bel Air, a top-line model of the full-size Chevy lineup. The engine choices for these models ranged from 145 horsepower V6 to an all-new 5.7-liter V8 producing up to 315 horsepower. People wondered if they could still consider it a low-priced car for its expensive price tag.
The Launch of Impala SS:
Chevy introduced Impala SS in 1961 with power choices, including a 360 horsepower 6.7-liter V8. It became an appearance package after 1962 Impala, but people could order it with Chevy’s large engines and chassis points. The company dropped the package in 1970, even though it could still be ordered with a big block engine.
The Impalas from 1962 to 1964 were the last to use an X-type frame before 1965 with a perimeter frame and more streamlined styling. The 1964 models particularly became an icon of low rider and hip-hop culture. With routine maintenance and diligent care, these model years can be particularly valuable today.
Impala as Caprice:
Impala was the top-of-the-line full-size Chevy until 1966, and then the Caprice took its place. Chevrolet discontinued Biscayne in 1973 and the Bel Air in 1976, making Impala the only entry-level full-size car. After 1977, Impala and Caprice were present as Sedan, coupes with folded glass rear windows or wagons for 1977 to 79 models. Chevrolet published manuals and Impala parts catalog for these comparable models to help the potential buyers differentiate between the engineering and functions. Both lineups were quite popular with police fleets and taxis. The company dropped coups and wagons after 1981 for Impala; however, they continued for the Caprice lineup. Caprice lived on while the Impala was dropped in 1986.
The Return of Impala:
Impala once again returned as a concept car in the 1992 Detroit Auto Show. The Chevrolet produced Impala SS for the 1994 model year with a 260 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine. This model remained in production until the 1996 model year, after which it was again discontinued.
The Return of Impala:
The Impala yet again replaced the Chevrolet’s sizeable front-wheel drive sedan Lumina in 2000. It also had a police version with a beefed-up suspension and a 3.8-liter V6 engine. The 2004 Chevrolet Impala SS had a 240-horsepower supercharged V6 engine with a capacity of 3.8 liters. The all-new Chevrolet Impala made its appearance in 2006, while the older SS model got updated with a 5.3-liter V8 stuffed between its front wheels. Most of these SS were consumed by fleets rather than private buyers, and the 50th-anniversary edition came out in 2008.
After 2006, an all-new Impala appeared after eight years in 2014; However, the older version was also produced for fleet sales badged as the Impala Classic. It remained available until the 2016 model year.
The Impala Finally Ends:
The all-new 2014 Impala was more expensive, aggressively styled, and bigger. The automobile enthusiasts welcomed it wholeheartedly, and it made significant sales in the first few years. The 2000 Impala came as a front-wheel drive 4-door sedan model based on the W body platform. The material was high-strength steel which ensured greater safety around the passenger compartment. Later, SUVs became more dominant in the family car segment, and the Chevrolet Impala eventually started losing its charm. Therefore, Chevrolet finally bid the last goodbye to Chevrolet Impala in 2020.
One of the Chevrolet lineups has served both the high-end and low-end of full-size passenger cars. The 2006 Impala SS is significant for being the first front-wheel drive with a V8 engine from the Chevrolet facilities. The 2013 Chevy Impala earned the badge of the last car in the United States to accommodate a bench front seat. Chevrolet Impala is still seen on the roads, and with its great history of over 60 years, it will always be the highlight of the history of automobiles.