2004 marked the re-return of the SS trim, the popular SuperSport package first seen over 40 years prior.
The engines on the standard and LS sedans remained the same: a 3.4-liter, 180-horsepower V6 with 21/32 mileage for the sedan, and a 3.8-liter, 200-horsepower V6 with 20/30 mileage for the LS. The SS returned with a slightly louder roar, with a 3.8-liter, 240-horsepower V6. Some die-hard SS fans scoffed at the idea of a V6 carrying the SS nameplate, but the six-cylinder engine has the rapid acceleration one would expect from a slightly larger engine. The SS gets 18/28 mileage.
The 2004 remained popular for its large size, luxurious options, and strong engine. Some have complained about frequent brake pad replacement, but most drivers have agreed that the value buyers get out of the 2004 Impala is excellent.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Dependable v-6 motor and reliable car for the family. Easy control buttons.Jun 23, 2023
by Michael L H
Nov 18, 2022
Maybe a few more interior combinations would have been nice. Otherwise a really FUN car to drive! Not to mention so well Respected on the road from other motorists. AWESOME SS!!!Nov 18, 2022
by Edward M
Feb 13, 2022
Its very good car. Quite reliable vehicle.Feb 13, 2022
User rating:
by LeRoy K
Jun 23, 2023
Dependable v-6 motor and reliable car for the family. Easy control buttons.Jun 23, 2023
by Michael L H
Nov 18, 2022
Maybe a few more interior combinations would have been nice. Otherwise a really FUN car to drive! Not to mention so well Respected on the road from other motorists. AWESOME SS!!!Nov 18, 2022
by Edward M
Feb 13, 2022
Its very good car. Quite reliable vehicle.Feb 13, 2022
by Jose S
Jan 19, 2022
I own two Chevy impalas B4. They are dependable and have great mpg range. I hardly had any problems with them. Just the normal wear and tearJan 19, 2022
by Mariah N
Jan 08, 2015
Overall, I love it. It has enough power to make it fun, but it can also be used to carry a load of people around. Having a 3.8L V6 is more fun than i thought. Especially with the size and weight of the vehicle.Jan 08, 2015
by Anonymous
Feb 19, 2014
Bought this car in 2007 (used with 30k), and I haven't had very many continuing maintenance issues with the car. I do my own brakes, change the oil, and most routine maintenance. The computer did blow up somehow (under the psgr seat from what I was told), so that was somewhat expensive to replace. The HVAC blower went out twice, too.
Even so, she's an overall comfortable and reliable vehicle for commuting, errands and long trips. Does fairly well in snow, but ground clearance really doesn't help with the winter weather this year. The headlights got fogged up and they couldn't be buffed clear, but replacing them took 15 minutes.
Still my favorite car so far.Feb 19, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 28, 2013
Bought it used with 50,000 odd miles on it in 2012, and never had a major problem with it. Even after my wife got into a fairly serious accident with it that probably would have totaled most other cars, the availability and popularity of the car meant that parts were cheaper and it was a fairly easy fix, even through insurance. My only issue is that the headlights are very dim, even with the high-beams on, and there are no trunk lights, making night a bit tough when loading/unloading. Fits plenty of people and stuff though, so it's great for family trips or the grocery store - highly recommended if price is a concern.Dec 28, 2013
by Jeremy L
Dec 25, 2013
Acceleration is great in this car. It has the V6 with FWD and you put
your foot down on the "go" pedal and by god your moving. Gets pretty
good gas mileage, 24 mpg average, compared to the cars of today. It
has all the luxuries of a luxury car (heated seats, automatic
transmission etc...) without the luxury price. We paid $6,000 for the
car with now 68,000 miles on it from an elderly man who never drove
it fast or even on the interstate. I have never had to add parts to the
car, just change fluids, and so far it seems like a rock solid car. If you
have the chance to buy one, I'd hop onto it!Dec 25, 2013
by Dave C
Jun 27, 2013
Performance: Acceleration, braking, and handling is
quite good for the most part. However, when this car hits gravel at a high
speed, this car can make you lose control (as what happened in my recent
accident).
Build Quality: The quality of the vehicle is great. Normal wear and tear is
expected without any unusual problems. However, this vehicle had some air
conditioning issues, which I will talk about in the cost section. Also, when I
bought this vehicle, I had speedometer issues right off of the lot at 82,000
miles. So, this vehicle is reliable for the most part, but expect some issues.
Appearance: The Chevrolet Impala has some great appeal, though it is a base
model. Interior is good for the most part, but lacks rear lamps and a console for
the rear passengers. The exterior is quite fair, but seems to hold up well.
Cost of Ownership: Mileage was okay when I first bought, and the price was
good ($7,500 at 82,000 miles). Expect maintenance issues. Other than normal
wear and tear, I have had issues with the speedometer right off the lot (clicking
irregularly). I also had issues with the multi-function switch for the brights (that
was a luxury to repair, and would cost over $700), and I had air conditioning
issues after 175,000 miles on it. Any time that I go over a bump, the AC would
shut down. Maintenance mechanics changed everything from the fan motors to
the AC system itself, and it still would not do justice. I found out that it could
have been the fuse box, but it was never changed out because that would
have costed $250.00 to replace. So, maintenence-wise, this vehicle can be a
nightmare to uphold, yet the gas mileage and fuel economy is quite well.
Fun Factor: It was rather fun to drive this powerful V6 vehicle despite the
maintenance nightmares.Jun 27, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 21, 2013
This is a well build, solid car. This car has delivered time after time. Great mileage, smooth ride, plenty of room. One of the best cars I have ever owned. I would recommend this car with a 3800 engine to anyone looking for dependability.Jun 21, 2013
by christian s
Jan 27, 2013
i liked how this car performs in all seasons, its a fast car and its pretty reliable. the acceleration is good and the braking is all there. i felt extremely safe in the car with the airbag placements as well as it being a Chevy, there built strong. its fun car to drive. Jan 27, 2013
by Steven O
Apr 09, 2012
I get anywhere from 25mpg to 27mpg with a 17gal tank. Although I cannot be 100% sure of this as it seems my fuel level sending unit is going bad. Otherwise, it isn't too bad of a vehicle to drive. I'm just hoping my MPG estimate is correct and I don't get screwed when I move out to be with my girl.Apr 09, 2012
by Mandy S
Apr 03, 2012
I would rate this car a 5 star...she has never let me down and the maintenance has been normal things like oil changes and a tune up. I would highly recommend this car just in the market for a mini van at the moment.Apr 03, 2012
by Zachary T
May 11, 2011
Great car, always reliable, always the center of attention, engin sounds great love
the sounds it makes, we bought the car for my older brother, it is a great car but
not somthing i wan to drive all the time.May 11, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 07, 2011
Nice features of this car are its leather seats, almost new tires,a bench 60/40 seat for 6 passengers and plenty of room in the trunk for 4-5 golf bags. Wide stance body and feeling of stability and safety.Mar 07, 2011
by Anonymous
Nov 11, 2010
I love this car! I have 217,000km on it and
the only (minor) problem I have is that the
bands in the transmission lag while putting it
into 1st gear rarely. Everything else is
perfect. I live where every vehicle rusts out
(East Coast Canada)and she is holding up very
well. I dislike the scarcity of performance
parts although!Nov 11, 2010
by Kenny M
Sep 21, 2010
Not a bad car. The 3.8 L 3800 series V-6 has plenty of pick up and go. I like the
floor mounted shift lever. Has kind of a sporty feel and look to it. Drives nice.
Gets great fuel mileage. The best we've gotten with it was about 29 Mpg on a
road trip we went on. It has plenty of room in the trunk and passenger
compartment, easily carry 4 adults comfortably, plenty of storage space. Sep 21, 2010
by Brian W
Aug 18, 2010
everything is good it has performance, build quality apperanace is not the greatest at start but you can have add ons to make it what you like, you cant complain about th ecoast, it is super fun to drive once you get behind the wheel and drive one you will get hockedAug 18, 2010
by Nicholas T
Oct 31, 2009
Performance - High torque, reliable motor, low maintainance
Build Quality - Excellent build, solid vehicle, no wonder the police uses this
Appearance: Stylish front, rather dated inside though
Overall: Nice, reliant automobile with a lot of kick to it. Can't go wrong.Oct 31, 2009
by Heather M
Oct 15, 2009
Its got good handling brakes real well accelerates very good also. as far as repairs none has been needed. its got some chiped paint from me hitting the deer but other then that its good it gets about 22 miles per gallon. its a pretty fun car to drive aswell Oct 15, 2009
by Jamie E
Oct 12, 2009
Performance is good. Feels like a sturdy build. Looks great with tinted windows. Good factory speakers. I love the heated leather seats. Great acceleration, and takes turns nicely. Even though its suppose to be a sportier car, its still a four door sedan with front wheel drive, but still lots of fun to drive!!Oct 12, 2009
by Jessie G
Oct 09, 2009
the 2004 chevrolet impala has wonderful acceleration, it is an automatic, silver with wood trim on the inside, i have an amazing stereo system and it is very safe for my family, it is a big safe car but small enough to be economicalOct 09, 2009
by Kenneth P
Jul 12, 2009
Overall ok, just needed something more reliable. Minor interior items and after about 2 years the blower motor stopped working. The lights in the dash controls for the AC burned out, The black trim around the stereo controls in the steering wheel were worn off, Replace a MAF sensor $400.00 for that. Good paint and body. Great on the Highway for cruising. Got 29-31 on Hwy.
3.8LJul 12, 2009
by Jon F
Nov 09, 2008
SLOW!!! Sturdy interior plastics... Upholstery very cheap.. Gas mileage terrible. Suspension way too soft. Mechanically, a lot has been wrong.. Shifts hard...Very plain interior..No features..No CD PLAYER!! Slow acceleration but decent pickup on highways.. NEver buy an impala!! Save yourself aggravation.. O and terrible resale value. Loud acceleration.Nov 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 05, 2008
Ok, this car was a replacement for a decaying but dependable 1992 Buick Roadmaster. Right out of the gate this car performed and appeared well - that is until it was involved in an accident in December 2007.
Despite this (and the six month down time it took to repair it) the car continued to outperform and present itself as simple and decent.
The car does well on long-haul trips and is/has proven itself for normal day driving. Never has it left me on the side of the road - ever!
The interior is simple and can fit up to six people (4 adults, 1 child and 1 infant - anything beyond that you're testing it's limits). The radio is incredible and although the casette is trying at times, it still can do the job.
This car is up to my expectations as a car that can perform, look good, and not cost me a truckload to run.
Perhaps my only gripe beside the tape player is the A/C controls - seems too much variable fan speed for a simple car as opposed to 5 speeds (incredibly low, low, normal, higher than that, full blast).
The color meanwhile can be changed, but you get what you pay for.
But be advised, LOW Clearance!Oct 05, 2008
by Dan F
Jul 13, 2008
This Car just floats down the road, soaking up bumps, while having smooth, subtle, and readily available acceleration. Only downside I have found so far is the cost of fuel, although it does get ~30mpg on the highway.Jul 13, 2008
by Arthur A
Jul 08, 2008
Has good space for moving my show stuff. It gets 28
mpg on average. It can move fairly quick, it does
cruise and ride very well.
i would recommend to a friend.Jul 08, 2008
by John G
Jun 23, 2008
A clean American ride. Can't beat the price or the cost of parts for service. It's always easy to find spare parts in a salvage yard as well. Make sure-- if you buy one, you go all the way with features/aesthetics/options/alloy. Everything else should fall into place if you know where to look. Jun 23, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 29, 2008
I have had two of these Impala models and they have both, sadly, gone through very nasty accidents. However, the seat belted passengers walked away without a scratch. Protected. The various features, electrical systems, smaller engine (3.4l) and all worked well in these two vehicles. The year 2000 model came with Uniroyal Tigerpaws and that and the suspension made that year 2000 model feel like it was glued to the road. Especially in rainy Seattle! Mileage was in the 20 city and 25+ if you are easy on the pedal. Yet, if you needed to get up and stomp on the gas, both of these cars would easily handle it. Also, in 77,000 miles, all I did on the year 2000 model was fill up the gas tank and change the oil every 5000 miles. Mar 29, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 29, 2008
I have loved my car since the day I bought it. I have had VERY little trouble with it...matter of fact a small blinker issue is the only issue I have ever had with the car itself!!Jan 29, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 24, 2008
we really like the car. rides well. looks good. mileage not badJan 24, 2008
by Josh P
Jan 12, 2008
No probs other then i dont like the goodyear RSA's. Good pick up, lots of performance add ons. Jan 12, 2008
by Brandon V
Nov 01, 2007
Car drives well. It has enough power to get a headrush, but has the ability to get great gas mileage. Interior is roomy and nice. Gives you the feeling that you are driving a combination of a family car and a sports car at the same time. Has no problem burning a tire, but has a traction control system that is top notch.Nov 01, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 27, 2007
This is a great car. Leather interior, full electric, sunroof. Great sound system. Smooth ride. Great gas mileage. Lot's of interior room and a huge trunk.Jul 27, 2007
My trac off button isn't working and the trac off light is also on, and the message center reads service traction soon. I'm trying to get an idea of what is going on and if it is something I can replace myself? Also my ABS light is on and check engine light but the car is running like a top. I just replaced the plugs and wires and this car has been taken very well care of. Unfortunately my fuel gauge my speedometer and my thermostat gauge are all not working but my gear indicator light with the trip and odometer lights up and works. Can I install new gauges without having to worry about issues with the odometer since it's all one unit?
Car runs like a top, interior is brand new looking, body poor. 90 year old drove it thru back of garage. Was going to do the bodywork but then the unibody was rotted bad. What years can I easily use as a donor body and put the motor and tranny into ?
So I have a low hanging muffler , and I have to travel approximately 45 mins to my mechanic and I have no access right now to coat hangers or anything . My options are ratchet straps or zip ties . Will it be okay the 45 mins or will it melt ?
