Skip to main content

Consumers love high-tech standard features and innovative infotainment setups in any brand-new modern sedan. Intuitive touchscreens and radar-guided collision avoidance systems are nice, but many may overlook the best standard feature of all: reliability.

Internal combustion engine sedans may be a dying breed, but there is still a handful built well enough to go far beyond the 200,000-mile benchmark. Although Japanese brands tend to dominate with long lifespans, the Chevrolet Impala is the lone American full-size sedan that can last more than 230,000 miles.

How was the Chevrolet Impala’s longevity determined?

A 2020 Chevrolet Impala LTZ is the lone american full-size sedan
2020 Chevrolet Impala LTZ | Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Impala’s lifespan isn’t just hearsay; there are facts and figures behind the assertion. Auto research firm iSeeCars conducted a study to see what types of vehicles would last the longest. They analyzed over two million cars—cars, trucks, and SUVs—produced and sold for at least 10 of the past 20 model years, ranking them by their highest mile-achieving models. Each of the 20 ranked models had at least 2.5% clear 200,000 miles. The top 1% delivered at least 230,000 miles to their owners.

How long can the Chevrolet Impala last?

At least 1% of all Chevrolet Impalas will travel 230,343 miles before owners take them off the road, the study shows. Only the Toyota Avalon beats the one American full-size sedan on the list. The firm concludes that the top percentile Avalons will last 245,710 miles.

As the single American full-size sedan sailing far beyond the 200,000-mile threshold, it’s a cherry-topped sundae for Chevrolet. Moreover, the study showed that Impalas as old as a decade would achieve the before-mentioned mileage. That’s great news for those wanting a more recent model year as a good used car.

Is a used Chevrolet Impala worth it?

Analysis from owner problems on CarComplaints.com shows that once the tenth-generation sedan was introduced in 2013, a majority of drivetrain issues subsided, especially after 2016. Though, later-model Impala owners report transmission and acceleration hesitancy, most likely due to electrical issues. One of the other significant problems with the ninth-generation Impalas that ended in 2012 were failing HVAC systems. While that doesn’t mean the newer Impalas are faultless, the biggest concerns, according to owners, are minor electrical snafus and issues with peeling clearcoat, among others.

In the latest version, the 2020 Chevrolet Impala, a 305-horsepower V6 and a six-speed auto provide urgent propulsion. It’s not sporty, however. The lone American full-size sedan is built for comfort, peace, and quiet. General Motors didn’t skimp on the interior, either. The Impala boasts one of the most expansive interiors and cargo holds in the segment—rivaling some small SUVs.

Are there any other American full-size sedans that can last as long?

Unfortunately, there weren’t any other American full-size sedans that made the cut for increased longevity. Even so, not many are in production as the traditional segment bows to electrification.

For instance, following the cancellation of the Ford Taurus in 2019, Chevrolet killed the Impala in 2020. As the Dodge Charger is also gone, only the Chevrolet Malibu remains as America’s last internal combustion engine sedan.

Related

5 Most Reliable Used Chevy Impala Model Years