The 2001 Impala showed few changes from the 2000 model, with the notable exception of standard OnStar for the LS trim.
Reviewers have touted the car for being an excellent family vehicle as well as a sharp-looking, police-car-like ride. It gets excellent mileage for a full-size sedan at 20 city/32 highway for the standard and 20/29 for the LS.
The mileage certainly does not come at the expense of the engines, a robust 3.4-liter V6 rated at 180 horsepower for the standard vehicle and a 3.8-liter V8 rated at 200 horsepower for the LS.
The car is fun-to-drive, especially when the family car is a solo vehicle. ;) It corners at excellent speed, and sometimes feels as though it could take flight.
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.
One of our favorite models of Impala as far as exterior styling. It runs good on the open road. Suspension / handling is a little mushy on the base trim level. Engine reliability has long been an issue with these. Apparently the gaskets and coolant were incompatible at the beginning of the run, so the gaskets on the intake and cylinder heads deteriorate over time (just beyond the warranty period). After driving it home, it was puking bubbles into the coolant reservoir. That usually indicates a head gasket gone bad somewhere.May 04, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2015
If you can find a model with the 3800 engine and lower mileage, you're sure to have a vehicle that the engine will outlast all the other parts on it. They ride extremely comfortable and feel very solid. There is an average amount of road noise. Minor hiccups and repairs along the way, this vehicle is still an excellent choice.Jan 12, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 13, 2014
My wife and I purchased this car from our uncle. He purchased the car from his fire chief where he is a volunteer firefighter, for his son's first car; fire chief's mother purchased car brand new and put 58,000 miles on it it 11 years. We purchased vehicle upon returning from work overseas in November 2012 and were amazed at the condition of the car for being a 2001. It literally ran like new. We have had to replace the original battery and replaced brake system in late 2013. My wife likes it because it's reliable and safe to ride around with our 14 month old son. She also likes it because when we had snow and ice in February 2013 in Nashville she started sliding on road which initiated traction control and she stopped sliding immediately.Mar 13, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
May 04, 2015
One of our favorite models of Impala as far as exterior styling. It runs good on the open road. Suspension / handling is a little mushy on the base trim level. Engine reliability has long been an issue with these. Apparently the gaskets and coolant were incompatible at the beginning of the run, so the gaskets on the intake and cylinder heads deteriorate over time (just beyond the warranty period). After driving it home, it was puking bubbles into the coolant reservoir. That usually indicates a head gasket gone bad somewhere.May 04, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2015
If you can find a model with the 3800 engine and lower mileage, you're sure to have a vehicle that the engine will outlast all the other parts on it. They ride extremely comfortable and feel very solid. There is an average amount of road noise. Minor hiccups and repairs along the way, this vehicle is still an excellent choice.Jan 12, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 13, 2014
My wife and I purchased this car from our uncle. He purchased the car from his fire chief where he is a volunteer firefighter, for his son's first car; fire chief's mother purchased car brand new and put 58,000 miles on it it 11 years. We purchased vehicle upon returning from work overseas in November 2012 and were amazed at the condition of the car for being a 2001. It literally ran like new. We have had to replace the original battery and replaced brake system in late 2013. My wife likes it because it's reliable and safe to ride around with our 14 month old son. She also likes it because when we had snow and ice in February 2013 in Nashville she started sliding on road which initiated traction control and she stopped sliding immediately.Mar 13, 2014
by Kyam G
Feb 14, 2014
I've had an excellent experience with my Impala and would recommend it to any one looking for a 4 door American made sedan. The interior is nice, Chevy did very well with the dash design and the over all flow of the interior. Additionally its roomy I'm 6'2 275 lbs and I fit in the driver seat comfortably. Lastly it handles exceptionally and does pretty good on gas.Feb 14, 2014
by Josh L
Nov 15, 2011
it had constant issues. the couple that sold it to me had the transmission, both
front wheel bearings, and the alternator replaced and also had the intake
gasket leak fixed which i would later find out is a common problem with impalas.
they had replaced a lot of the mechanics of the car. what else could break
right? three months after i bought it the cam shaft snapped it two. i replaced
the whole engine later to find out that this one too had a bad intake gasket.
never got that fixed for money reasons. i also had to once again replace the
passenger side front wheel bearing. then the radiator sprung a leak so i
replaced that as well. all about a month before i decided to sell it. to make a
long story short i ended up totaling the car therefore i didnt have to try to sell
it.Nov 15, 2011
by John H
Nov 04, 2011
Performance - acceleration, braking, handling are all excellent
Appearance - both interior and exterior styling are great
gas mileage is excellent ( avg 8.5L / 100km hwy, 11/100 city), maintenance
very
low
Overall it is a fun and practical car to drive, very reliable and easy on gas. It is
very roomy inside for passengers and cargo. For a full size car, it is very cheap
to operate.Nov 04, 2011
by Chris P
Oct 22, 2011
Perfomance- Very nice car for the 3.8. Crusing around 80-85 is very easy, around 2200 rpms. No problem reaching and crusing at that speed with 30 mpg. Decent acceleration for mid sized sedan, 10 yr old and still has 9-10 sec. 0-60 speed.Oct 22, 2011
by Adam M
Apr 13, 2011
i like this cuz it is fully loaded with leather heated seats power windows, power
locks, power mirrows everything along with a moon roof thats probably the biggest
reason why i like it haha. its got the 3800 motor in it so she picks up and goes its
very fast.Apr 13, 2011
by Jon L
Jan 22, 2011
Fun yet practical daily driver. Good gas mileage, good looking, and dependable. Maintenance costs starting to get the better of my wallet but I like to keep my vehicles in good shape and ready to go. This one's a keeper.Jan 22, 2011
by Renae J
Jul 01, 2010
Another silver car of mine, this was my first that I wheeled and dealed for! I practically stole that car from them. I should have kept it and payed it off. But I got SS fever! A sound running car with all the extras, of course, I don't drive any less than sunroof and leather baby! Jul 01, 2010
by Sean S
May 17, 2010
horrible car never buy falling apart way to many problems i need money to buy a new car i found a goood deal on a scion xB 2005 nice clean car love it want some advice on the buying part May 17, 2010
by Perry M
Apr 30, 2010
I mean what can i say she's a beast. she got alot of miles on her some old dude back into my door panel my car was in an accident before i bought her so she good.she start's up faithfully.Apr 30, 2010
by Jason B
Mar 04, 2010
pick up is decent
it rattles a bit once you take it down back roads for a couple weeks
Has nice hub caps and comes with a nice wood grain dash
wpg and back costs 20 dollars never had to fix anything yet
she handles corners well, not greatMar 04, 2010
by Kevan M
Feb 17, 2010
Like most new cars every thing is packing to tight it makes it hard to work on most things.
i had to replace the hazard flasher. which isn't a big deal in most cars but gm decided to put it behind the dash panel so i had to tear out the entire dash panel to get at the the relayFeb 17, 2010
by Rich H
Nov 05, 2009
Built like a tank, drives smooth.
Made for cops, but driven my me.
Has plenty of power for a 3 cylinder engine.
My first car and most likely to be the last owner of it.
Can't go wring here.
Great car.Nov 05, 2009
by Joseph H
Sep 09, 2009
i did anything and everything in this car.. it ran good and held up for a while but once i had my wreck in it everything in it just went down hill on everything in the car.. but i liked..Sep 09, 2009
by Blake B
Aug 04, 2009
My car is WAY too big, it gets horrible gas mileage, and it's extremely ugly, but it is very loud, and it's reliable. It is very heavy, therfore slow and doesn't corner well. I wouldn't recommend an impala to anyone. I can't wait to get a new car.Aug 04, 2009
by Anonymous
Mar 06, 2009
Great gas mileage for this size car. Lots of space for comfort. Has pick-up and go when needed. Very affordable for our family. Easy to maintain and service on my own. Overall a fun car to own/dirve. Love the torch red color.Mar 06, 2009
by Tyler A
Jan 28, 2009
It halls ass of the line, and throws u back into ur seat and has u screaming back for more, the brakes are pretty good, cornering is pretty good, fuel economy is suprisingly good considering it is a V-6 About 20 around town considering how ur drive. There is one thing that suprised me was the allumunum front frame.Jan 28, 2009
by Andrew K
Nov 22, 2008
100 mph no problem Great brake system for a Chevy, Ok sound system and will soon be better. The car is bright red with grey leather interior. It has a 3.8 liter DOHC V6, natural asperation and its got BALLS for stock. Rally rims and for a Chevy overall great car.Nov 22, 2008
by Aaron H
Nov 16, 2008
the quality is as good as it gets. the performance is in the upper level, it has the 3800 series II v6.the price isnt bad for the quality and performance. its a front wheel drive v6 with some get up and go. its a very soild car for the price.Nov 16, 2008
by Andre W
Oct 23, 2008
My Impala has been very good to me. I have had no major problems to repair, she has been very consistent. This car has great pick-up, smooth ride and a joy to drive. I wasn't to thrilled about the rear lights until I bought her. Her outer appearance is as lovely as her interior. I must say she's not a heavy drinker but she likes to throw back a few. Overall I am satisfied with her overal quality.Oct 23, 2008
by Ted B
Aug 20, 2008
Performance- Acceleration is nice V6 with over 3L is good Torque, New Brakes so it stops quick, Handles good New Tires lots of Grip.
Build Quality- Top Trim it has stalled a couple times, but those are cheap repairs.
Appearance- I like the exterior alot, the interior dash and steering wheel styling sucks, GM is a little behind on styling, always has been.
Cost of Ownership- 18/25 MPG, basically new
Fun Factor- The Engine if you ask me is a little ruggish, but i have been used to driving a 1.4L V4 so having a 3.4V6 is alot of fun, all that torque is awesome, and i love the sound of the 3.8LV6.
Its a good buy for the money, and The 3.4LV6 is said to be able to go up to 200k miles easy, whilist the 3.8LV6 can go up to 250K i have been told, so its worth the money and decent.Aug 20, 2008
by Jeff H
Aug 06, 2008
Even riddled with bullet holes and seats that were worn by 2002, the Impala 9C1 was still a decent car. The car was only around for a few weeks, as it was a temporary replacement until my father got another one, a 2003 or 2004, that was too soon replaced by a Jeep.Aug 06, 2008
by Clay W
Jul 08, 2008
Well GM is alright i guess they def do build decent trucks but their cars r garbage...my impala has asowme performance but the cost of repairs is unreal but overall the car is pretty fun to drive...sure wish it was standard Chev prob would of had better luck if it was.Jul 08, 2008
by Sarah E
Jul 03, 2008
I love my impala. It gets great gas miles. It rides very comfortable. Its got a nice engine under the hood. It hasn't cost that much to up keep. It survived hitting a deer with minimal damage. Its got a nice pick up to it. Jul 03, 2008
by Mike C
Jun 21, 2008
______________Jun 21, 2008
by Cody C
Jun 01, 2008
Nice car, great quality, just great.Jun 01, 2008
by Andy A
Apr 09, 2008
Have over 200,000 miles on it now and it doesn't leak any fluids. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you.Apr 09, 2008
by Frank C
Mar 22, 2008
I have owned this car for a year now, and the only problem we've had with it was the catalytic converter went out a few months ago. However, the engine has 133k miles on it and it still roars when i want it to. I love the leather interior and heated seats. Mar 22, 2008
by Bob C
Mar 14, 2008
It is comfortable and has a lot of toys.Mar 14, 2008
by Derrick M
Jan 30, 2008
you are bidding on a 2001 chevy impala i will start the bidding at 100,000,000 dollarsJan 30, 2008
by Matt L
Jan 01, 2008
I test drove it for a friend and ended up wanting one for myself. It has extremely nice interior features as well as great performance. It was the first sedan that has ever pinned me back in the seat! I would recommend it to anyone who wants an affordable sedan with nice features, but who also likes to have a bit of fun out of their daily driver.Jan 01, 2008
by Bobby J
Dec 19, 2007
If you are gonna buy an impala, go for the LS. It looks better, has mag wheels not caps, a spoiler and a sunroof. It also has a larger engine. Dec 19, 2007
by Jonathan S
Dec 02, 2007
I have drove this car when I was first learning to drive. It is a car for chicks because it is a grocery getter. even in appearance. It can carry some speed real easily and it is fast for something that does not look as fast as the other impalas. In my opinion it is too quiet and rides to soft because it is unresponsive. If have had a history of driving pickups, then you will hate the impala's handling because it feels way too loose in its handling.Dec 02, 2007
Hey all, the misses accidentally jumped her car backwards and now it does nothing, even with a better battery. Need to locate the main fuse or whichever relay would blow first. Checked all fuses under hood and driver and passengers door fuboxes
I have an older neighbor who asked me if I'd be able to swap the motor from his 92-93 Buick Regal into his 01-02 i Impala. I have a few questions about it. One, is it possible? Two, How many issues will I run into during the swap? Three, Would the transmission have to go too? And four, Would it be better to just fix the motor in the Impala than attempt the swap? He said that there is a crack somewhere that's pushing oil into the radiator. It never ran hot or anything like that.