The Chevrolet Impala headed into its 1976 model year with a few critical changes, but by and large, this big American car remained a steady option for family duty. After its fifth-generation redesign in 1971, the Impala measured an impressive 222 inches long, riding a 121.5-inch wheelbase. When thinking of “full-size” sedans, it’s the Impala that springs to mind. The big Impala rides on a full coil-spring suspension, which delivers a smooth ride that leans through corners.

Much of the Impala’s exterior design remained the same for 1976. Onlookers will find the familiar “Impala” name written in script on the vehicle’s front fenders, and of course, station wagon and sedan versions of the Impala both offer a sizeable trunk with plenty of cargo space.

There were a few noteworthy changes, however. Chevrolet dropped the Impala Sport Coupe from the 1976 model lineup. That left only the Custom Coupe for shoppers looking for a two-door Impala. Additionally, a new front end arrived for 1976. The front bumper sports a more angular look at its corners. An “egg-crate” style grille pulled from the Chevrolet Caprice sits between sets of dual round headlights. And, naturally, Chevy’s famous bow-tie emblem still sits nestled in the center of the new grille.

A vinyl landau top was available again in 1976, and inside, shoppers could spec their Impala with a 50/50-split front seat to replace the standard bench seat. On the dash, Chevrolet offered an available “Ecominder” gauge to help drivers maximize their car’s fuel economy. All three of these options carried over from the 1975 Chevrolet Impala.

An electronic ignition system and catalytic converters help manage the Impala’s trio of available powertrains. All Impalas come standard with a 145-horsepower, 350-cubic-inch Turbo Fire V8 engine. But, if shoppers would rather order an Impala with something other than Chevy’s nearly ubiquitous 350 V8, there are some choices. A 180-horsepower, 400-cubic-inch Turbo Fire V8 comes fitted with four-barrel carburetors, and at the top of the range was the automakers big block 454-cubic-inch V8, making 225 horsepower. Worth noting, the big-block V8 was not offered in California.

For 1976, Chevrolet sold the Impala in four body styles: the two-door Custom Coupe, and four-door hardtop, sedan, and station wagon variants. As the Impala looked ahead to another generational redesign, this model remained one of the last full-size vehicles on sale in the United States, and it was more than suitable for family duties.