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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Automotive

Chevrolet Impala

The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size automobile built by Chevrolet from 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet across multiple decades. It started as a premium model and became one of the brand's most recognizable sedans.

What it is

The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size automobile built by Chevrolet from 1958 to 2020, with gaps in production. It began as a top-line version of the Bel Air and evolved into a mainstream sedan. The Impala was Chevrolet's flagship passenger car for much of its history.

Key details

The Impala had multiple generations, including the original rear-wheel-drive models (1958–1985), a short-lived Impala SS revival (1994–1996), and a front-wheel-drive sedan (2000–2020). The final redesign came in 2014, and production ended after the 2020 model year.

Why it matters

The Impala became one of the best-known American full-size sedans and a cultural icon. It was associated with performance, comfort, and large-sedan styling. Chevrolet has described it as an iconic model with a long cultural footprint.

In short

  • Debuted as a 1958 model, originally a high-end Bel Air trim.
  • Produced in three separate runs: 1958–1985, 1994–1996, 2000–2020.
  • Included performance models like the Impala SS and 409-powered versions.
  • Ended production after the 2020 model year.
Canadian angle

The Chevrolet Impala was sold in Canada through Chevrolet’s North American lineup and is familiar to Canadian readers as a longstanding full-size GM nameplate.

Quick questions

When was the Chevrolet Impala first introduced?
The production Chevrolet Impala debuted for the 1958 model year.
When did Chevrolet stop making the Impala?
Chevrolet ended Impala production after the 2020 model year.
Was the Impala ever a performance car?
Yes. The Impala SS and the 409-powered early-1960s models are among the best-known performance versions.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Impala
    Supports: Production years; class; flagship status; general model overview.
  2. MotorTrendhttps://www.motortrend.com/features/chevrolet-impala-history-generations-specifications
    Supports: Origin in 1956 Motorama; 1958 debut; production ending in 2020; key historical context.
  3. Cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-impala/
    Supports: 1958 introduction; 1994-1996 revival; 2000 reintroduction; 2020 discontinuation.
  4. Car and Driverhttps://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15379885/fins-fleets-and-everything-in-between-a-visual-history-of-the-chevrolet-impala/
    Supports: 2014 redesign; market positioning; Impala’s reputation over time.
  5. Chevrolethttps://www.chevrolet.com/legacy/impala
    Supports: Cultural significance and legacy claims.