The 2004 Chevrolet Impala’s powerful V6 engines and roomy interior are appealing, and it’s priced to move. But saggy suspension and lots of little here-and-there repairs may turn off any but the most devoted Chevy fans.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Impala a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – The 2004 Impala is strictly middle-of-the-road. There’s nothing really wrong with the car, but there’s nothing about it that really stands out, either.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – There’s plenty of room inside an Impala, the trunkspace is generous, and the seating is comfortable enough, but the wimpy suspension and cheap-feeling interior trim make the whole package feel a bit disappointing.
- Reliability 7/10 – The engine and powertrain are built to go the distance. The rest of the car, not so much. Put a little money aside for all the little fixes that pop up on a monthly basis.
- Safety 6/10 – Good crash test scores, outdated technology, and a point has to be docked for hiding traction control in the higher trim levels.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – For a mid-size that leans ever-so-slightly into muscle car territory, all three engine options are surprisingly efficient.
- Value 7/10 – Averaging around $3,500 in the Blue Book, the Impala isn’t a bad deal for what you’re getting. But you can get a Taurus for the same price, and the Ford is better in every way but raw horsepower.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Chevrolet Impala?
Consumer Reports considered the 2004 Impala outdated, poorly built, and uncomfortable. While lending praise to the car’s peppy acceleration and solid handling, they note that it doesn’t feel much different from a 2000 Impala.
Kelley Blue Book users were a bit kinder to the Impala, giving it an 85% recommendation and praising the car as reliable, fun to drive, and fuel economy. Road noise and premature rust earned the car a few red marks.
Edmunds liked the spacious six-seat interior, the solid crash scores, and the hefty V6 engine options. They felt the suspension was saggy, the steering vague, and they found the interior materials a bit cheap.
What Common Problems Does the 2004 Chevrolet Impala Have?
The 2004 Impala has 1,068 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Electrical complaints make up well over half of that total, at 678. Reported issues cover everything from fidgety window switches to flickering headlights, but mainly center around failed ignition switches.
There was a recall in 2014 for faulty ignition switches, but many drivers are reporting that they never got the notification, that their VIN was not covered in the recall, or that they were put on a long waiting list for the replacement parts.
Powertrain and engine complaints have been thankfully scarce. The transmission itself will typically outlive the clutch and torque converter, so if you’re having trouble shifting, have your mechanic take a look before you call the scrappers.
The 2004 Impala has 7 recalls on file with the NHTSA, and has generally proven reliable over the years, but you may have to spend a bit here and there to replace wiring harnesses, headlights, and clutches.
How Long Will the 2004 Chevrolet Impala Last?
Drivers typically report that an Impala will last at least 200,000 miles. With fastidious maintenance you should be able to reach around 250,000 miles on the original engine transmission. The Impala has its share of issues, but these tend to be electrical more than mechanical.
RepairPal estimate a typical maintenance cost of $568 a year, with the most expensive common fixes being AC compressor replacements starting at $842, and new anti-lock brake control modules at $663.
Have had problems with the electrical system - replaced battery, alternator, starter, ignition. Transmission feels a little loose sometimes - sliding down hill in neutral, etc. Didn't happen with other cars in the past.
Her transmission is going out the power steering is in need of fixing there are a few seals that need replacing and the car needs detailed
It's a good reliable/dependable car. Not too many issues have occurred since purchasing it pre-owned. Parts are not too expensive to replace.
Yes it’s reliable. Not usually because I try to keep up with the maintenance of the car and getting oil changes at the recommended mileage
Yes, it is very reliable. The only problem I have had with it was that it occasionally makes clicking sound in the dashboard. I have been told it has something to do with the air conditioner.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is adequate for a 2004 model, but underwhelming. The car comes with a cassette player and six speakers no matter the trim level.
Safety technology is pretty good for a twenty year old car. The lower trim levels include full anti-lock brakes, while the high-end LS includes traction control.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Impala a Good Value?
The 2004 Chevrolet Impala is a decent value if you really like Impalas. The car is priced fairly, with an entry level model typically listing at around $3,558, and the engine and transmission are pretty reliable. But nickel-and-dime maintenance costs will add up quick.
There are better mid-size cars out there, even in this price range. But the Impala’s appeal is that it’s an Impala. There’s something about the wide backseats and powerful V6 engines that commands a small but loyal following. In other words, if you’re not a diehard fan, you might be better off shopping around.
What are the Different Models of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala?
The 2004 Chevrolet Impala is offered in just three trim levels, from the entry-level Base to the sporty SS.
The Base model starts you off with:
- Cassette player and six speakers
- TheftLock
- Manual dual-zone air conditioning
- Cloth seating
- Remote keyless entry
The more luxurious LS adds:
- Fog lights
- Premium cloth seating
- Driver lumbar support
- Traction control
With the SS Supercharged you’re getting:
- Cruise control
- Supercharged 3.8L engine
What Engines Come In the 2004 Chevrolet Impala?
- The starter engine available in the Base model is a 3.4L V6 delivering 205 lb.-ft. of torque and 180 horsepower. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and configured in front wheel drive. The 3.4L averages 21/32 miles to the gallon, city highway.
- Standard in the LS and available in the Base is a 3.8L V6 producing 200 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque. Front wheel drive, 4-speed automatic. Expect to get around 20/30 miles to the gallon.
- In the SS Supercharged you’ll find a supercharged version of the 3.8L V6. Same transmission and configuration as the standard 3.8L, but you get 240 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 18/28.
What Colors Does the 2004 Chevrolet Impala Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2004 Chevrolet Impala?
The Impala has always been known for its spacious, comfortable interior, and the 2004 edition is no exception with 59 inches of hiproom and plush bench seating. But the saggy suspension kinda offsets the whole package. You’re going to feel like you’re sitting on a Slinky every time you hit a bump.
On the other hand, the suspension has held up well over the years, with few major complaints on file. But if the suspension feels wobbly even in peak condition, what’s the difference?
How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Chevrolet Impala Have?
The Impala’s trunkspace is pretty generous at 18.6 cubic feet. You can’t fold the seats down or anything, and the Impala’s not really built for towing even small trailers, so it’s a little inflexible in this regard. But 18.6 cubic feet should be enough to carry anything you expect a mid-size car to carry.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2004 was the fifth model year for the 8th Generation of the Impala, launching in 2000 and retiring in 2005.
2000: 2000 was a revival year for the dormant Impala nameplate, featuring a brand new design and a fresh V6 engine under the hood, plus modernized safety features like traction control and anti-lock brakes.
2001: OnStar was new for the Impala in 2001, made standard in the LS trim.
2002: Chevy added dual-zone air conditioning as a standard feature and the LS got some leather accents in the cloth seating trim.
2003: Chevrolet made side airbags a standard feature, and they added an XM Satellite Radio option.
2004: The SS Supercharged was new for 2004, offering a supercharged version of the 3.8L V6 engine.
2005: No major changes for 2005. Chevrolet were getting ready to wheel out the 9th Generation Impala in 2006, putting the 2005 model on the backburner.
How Does the 2004 Chevrolet Impala Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Taurus is probably the best American-made mid-size car to come out in 2004. The car has far fewer complaints and recalls on file with the NHTSA than does the Impala, an entry-level model starts in the same price range as the Impala, and performance specs are comparable. But, it is missing a supercharged V6 model.
A 2004 Toyota Avalon delivers 210 horsepower, it’s known for its longevity, and it’s a much more comfortable ride than the Impala, but it typically lists at around $1,500 higher in the Blue Book.
There were a lot of great mid-size cars on the market in 2004, and some of them have held up beautifully over the years. The 2004 Chevy Impala can deliver power, it’s built to last, and it’s fun to drive. But if you’re not a diehard fan of the car, there are better options out there.
Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Chevrolet Impala?
I like the Impala because it is a sturdy, no bells and whistles, good gas mileage, no rust because the body is aluminum. This one is a line car which means it was used by a government agency or something like the police. Many on the road and mechanics are knowledgeable.
Yes I enjoy my car she is a bit older now days and in need of a few repairs but it is not out of my reach to fix her
It's a good dependable car. I purchased it pre-owned and it is serving me and my family well. Parts are not too expensive to replace.
Yes it is a good vehicle. Reliable, good on gas and starts every time even if it’s extremely cold out
Yes, it has been very dependable with very little problems. The only problem I have had with it is that it sometimes makes a clicking noise in the dashboard. It has something to do with the air conditioner.
