General Motors to stop producing Chevrolet Impala

The demand for saloons is continuously declining, while for SUVs it is the other way around. No wonder why automakers are discontinuing saloons and introducing new crossovers and SUVs. Saloon cars like Ford Taurus, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Cruze and Chrysler 200 have already been discontinued by respective brand owners. The latest to join this list is the Chevrolet Impala.

Though the Impala’s production had been paused twice in periods, 1985 to 1994 and 1996 to 2000, it seems to be a permanent closure this time around due to a lack of demand for large saloon-type cars. The last batch of cars is set to roll off the Detroit-Hamtramck facility on Feb 28 next year.

We have seen a total of ten generations of Impala along with a few memorable editions. Its first-gen model came out in 1958. The early sixties was a remarkable period for it as the automaker sold more than 1 million Impala cars. From the late seventies, however, its popularity started to fade. 

Here’s a quick look back at all Impala generations starting with the latest.

The tenth-gen Impala (2014-2020)

It is on offer with two engine options, 2.5-litre four-cylinder, and 3.6-litre V6. While the former churns out 199 PS of power, the latter is good for 264 PS. It is the most advanced Impala with features like wireless charging and the latest infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. 

The SS (Super Sport) ninth-gen Impala (2006-2013)

It featured a 5.3-litre V8 engine that produced 307 PS of max power. Additionally, it had features like keyless entry and a tech-focussed cabin. It came with a choice of a single front bench seat or two front bucket seats. 

The eighth-gen Impala (2000-2005)

This generation saw a design overhaul with automaker ditching the tripe taillight design carried over from the 1959 Impala. Under the hood, it got the 3.8-litre V6 power mill capable of pumping out 243 PS of max power.

The seventh-gen Impala (1994-1996)

While the production of Impala was halted from 1985 to 1994, this generation came with sport-tuned suspension and a four-speed auto transmission. It featured a 5.7-litre V8 engine under the hood that made 264 PS of max power.

The sixth-gen Impala (1977-1985)

It was a downsized version from its previous generation but offered plenty of headroom and cargo space, along with a lot of engine options including 3.8-litre V6, 4.1-litre, 4.4-litre V8, 5.0-litre V8, 5.7-litre V8 small-block V8 and 5.7-litre Oldsmobile diesel V8.

The fifth-gen Impala (1971-1976)

It came powered with engines like 4.1-litre Inline Six, 5.7-litre turbo Fire V8, 6.6-litre Turbo Fire V8, 6.6-litre Turbo-Jet 400 V8 and 7.4-litre Turbo-Jet V8 and with new proportions.

The fourth-gen Impala (1965-1970)

It came with 4.1-litre six-cylinder stock engine along with nine V8 options ranging from 4.6-litre to 7.4-litre. Additionally, it got a sharper angled windshield, frameless side glass and redesigned full-coil suspension.

The third-gen Impala (1961-1964)

It was the last model to feature tail fins. For power, it used a big 6.7-litre V8.

The second-gen Impala (1959-1960)

It got a major design overhaul over its preceding model and was blessed with features like six-way power seats and cruise control.

The first-gen Impala (1958)

Named as the Chevrolet Bel Air Impala, it was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine that was good for producing a max power of 294 PS. Other optional engines were 3.9-litre Blue Flame I6 and 5.7-litre W-series Turbo Thrust V8. It was built on the X-frame chassis to celebrate the occasion of the brand’s 50th anniversary of car production. 

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