DecodedCars2005 Chevrolet Impala
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /SS, 4dr Sedan FWD Base/Ls
- Engines
- 3.4L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 200 in
- Curb weight
- 3,466–3,607 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2005 large car (18.1 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Chevrolet Impala is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.4L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,607 lb (4dr Sedan FWD /SS).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 29 highway), 22% better than the 2005 large car average of 18.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 97 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Oshawa #1, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2005 Impala configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /SS | 200 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 3,607 lb | 65/35 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Base/Ls | 200 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 3,466 lb | 65/35 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 22 | +22% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impala | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +16% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Impala Police | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 21 | +16% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Impala | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | +10% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Impala under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Chevrolet Impala (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Chrysler 300 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Nissan Altima | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Ford Taurus | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Avalon | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Nissan Maxima | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 3, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · 5,877,718 vehicles
- Problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Not every 2005 Chevrolet Impala is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Chevrolet Impala buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 126,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Impala. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Impala years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Impala | 22 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 15 |
| 2019 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2018 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 59 |
| 2017 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 117 |
| 2016 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 111 |
| 2015 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 300 |
| 2014 Impala | 28 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 571 |
| 2013 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 232 |
| 2012 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 175 |
| 2011 Impala | 23 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 252 |
| 2010 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 242 |
| 2009 Impala | 23 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 432 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →