2009 Chevrolet Impala Review: One Of The Most Reliable Years For The Large Sedan

Alex Showalter
Jun 10, 2022

The 2009 Chevrolet Impala lasts around 250,000 miles with some A/C and door lock issues. At $5,283 – 7,914, it’s an affordable choice for a sedan designed to carry people.

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likeFilled The Good
The engines offer good power for the size of the sedan, there’s plenty of passenger room and cargo space is excellent.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The suspension is loose and floaty, the 4-speed transmission is outdated and the interior has a lot of plastic.

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Impala a Good Used Car?

  • Yes, 2009 is a good year. Owner reviews praise the durability, smooth suspension, and decent power.
  • Reliability ratings are average. There are more serious mechanical complaints on the 2010 and newer models.
  • Performance is average from the base V6, but the V8 offers great power for a sedan.
  • The Impala is a safe car, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
  • Fuel economy is below average, at up to 23 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle L H
The health of a car is important.
I do not have any complaints about my vehicle. I have enjoyed my car for over 3 years now. I couldn't ask for a more reliable car.
accountCircle Jacob B
Reliable and roomy family car.
Reliable and roomy family car. Comfortable. Decent gas mileage. Drives smooth. Great stock stereo system.
accountCircle Sharon L
It has a column shift and a bench seat.
Bench seat, column shift and a CD player. All of which you can no longer get. Also it's great shape and paid for.
accountCircle Lisa J
My car has great gas mileage.
My impala has great gas mileage. It is very classy looking and very roomy. I love taking it for long trips because it's so roomy and just runs fantastic. I have had this car for over a year and have not had any problems with it. Besides needing tires and oil change. I know that in the future I will purchase another impala. I would love to have the Chevy impala ss. It is a fast and very sharp looking car. I also love the OnStar and the easy reach to my controls on my steering wheel. There's more better car than a Chevy impala.
accountCircle Danny L
Got a lot of miles, very fun car.
Was good on gas now it needs to be tuned up, like that it's a big car, don't like when something goes bad and have to go through things to get the problem fixed.
accountCircle Susan W
It is reliable and comfortable. The interior is spacious. The systems work well. My one complaint is that the message system is placed where the odometer reading is given so that if there is any kind of message you can't see the odometer reading.
I believe that my Chevy Impala is a good car with some luxury features and that if I take good care of it, it will last me a long time. Also, because it is an Impala, I named it Vlad. That's right--Vlad the Impala.
accountCircle Alan M
It is a car for an average person. It doesn't have all bells and whistles but is comfortable.
It rides well and Ken comfortable. It hasn't a nice color and appearance. I think the reliability on it is good so on long trips I am not worried about breaking down.
accountCircle Anna L
It is very spacious inside yet still looks rather compact from the outside.
It is spacious, dependable as I use it to travel a lot for my kids sporting events. The gas is okay, it could be more fuel efficient, kind of a gas guzzler when taking short trips but on long hauls it is good. The lights at night are also a little dim, hard to see on a dark highway.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Richard D
The car from hell and I wish it were still there.
It sounds like a machine gun firing when you change the air duct flow, the power locks do not always work properly, the passenger door does not feel like it closes properly. In other words, this is probably the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned in my life.
accountCircle Rusty Cooper
Safety
Theproblems I've had with this car start from the motor mounts transmission mount the clicking in the dash traction control light the door locks don't work half the time when they do work they lock and unlock by themselves. The worst thing on the interstate doing 65 and all of a sudden the lights come on in the car drops to 10 miles an hour almost immediately nothing good to say about this car at all
accountCircle Danielle D
There are way to many miles on it. It was previously owned
There has been way to many recalls. Hard to keep it going. Still having issues and time for a new car
accountCircle Lady W
The car cranks up with the remote.
I hate my car due to the noises that the broken fan under the steering wheel makes. After this car gets over a hundred and fifty miles, everything seems to go wrong even if you maintenance it. I've recently endured issues with the radiator fan. The fan would not cut off even if the car was off. The fan would eventually burn and out and cause issue with my radiator if I didn't replace the sensor. Then the tire bearing and the fact that my car constantly says engine hot ac off even when I have coolant and water in the car. It's a whole mess. Three months after I got the car I had to replace the battery. Even though the car was bought used, I shouldn't be haven't this many problems. I'm trading it in next year.
accountCircle Mason Peck
Poor engineering
Would not recommend poor engineering andbuilding materials buy a Toyota like me.
accountCircle Eric
Junk
This car has been a problem from day one the transmission slips all the wheel barings have to be changed every 3 to 6 mounth
accountCircle Brandon N
Avoid Chevrolet Sedans at all costs
Air conditioning has gone out more than I can count and the engine has needed constant maintenance since 50k miles. It's been a money pit from day 1 and I would not recommend any Chevy sedan to anyone looking for a midsize car unless you enjoy paying for maintenance and expensive repairs often
accountCircle Dawn L
Wouldn't buy this vehicle
I don't care for the quality of the vehicle. The back seat has very little leg room. It's difficult to get in and out of the vehicle. The doors are very heavy and do not stay open unless you are able to get them fully open.

What Do Critics Say About the Impala?

  • Consumer Reports says the Impala is competitive in its class, with average owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds gives the Impala a 4.4/5 liking the comfortable suspension, but disliking the subpar interior materials.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the Impala 4.3/5 and enjoy the roomy cabin, but dislike the dated technology.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Chevrolet Impala Have?

The most common complaints found on the 2009 Impala include noises in the dash, worn out door locks, and a reduction in power from the engine.

Excessive noises in the dash are the most common complaint from owners at around 90,000 miles. The source of the problem is the air conditioning actuator, which costs about $330 to replace when it wears out.

Worn-out door locks are another problem mentioned by owners at roughly 65,000 miles. The door lock actuators wear out over time, and cost about $150 per door to replace.

A reduction in engine power shows up on some Impala models at around 120,000 miles. The most common source is a sensor failure which costs around $100 to replace, but there’s a chance that the ECU has failed, costing around $1,000 to change.

There are 5 recalls on the 2009 Impala, with the most important one being for the lower control arms in the suspension which can break and increase the risk of a crash.

How Long Will the 2009 Chevrolet Impala Last?

A properly maintained 2009 Impala will last around 200,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles more than other large sedans like the Chrysler 300. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to many rivals, at $505 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Most 2009 Impala models will have over 100,000 miles so prospective buyers should be prepared to replace the engine front gasket for $750, engine mounts costing $350, and axle shaft seals which cost $150.

accountCircle AJ S

It has a weird click that occurs but it has been looked at and it is nothing to worry about. Some of the sensors are starting to go off like tire pressure sensors but after hand checking them they're fine.

accountCircle madina w

No I do not have any problems with the car. I have had the normal brakes radiator type of issues. Nothing too serious.

accountCircle Kamera B

Yes the 2009 Chevrolet impala ltz is reliable because it can lasts a long time and no the car does not have problems.

accountCircle Sara S

It hasn't had any huge problems I have had to replace the tires on it kind of frequently and other than that no it's been a good car.

accountCircle Davern J

The Chevy impala is really reliable, no engine problems or suspension issues, but it is a little hard on the gas.

accountCircle Allan L

Very reliable with the normal amount of maintenance. No unusual problems, it has now gone over 100,000 miles and I feel it could go another 100,000 miles. Would buy another Chevy when this one needs replacement.

accountCircle Sandra A

Mechanically our 2009 Chevrolet impala ls is extremely reliable. However, the air conditioner has had problems since approximately one month after purchase. It has a continuing ticking sound when the air conditioner is turned off.

accountCircle Brett B

My impala has been in the shop numerous times in the 4 years I have owned it. I have spent a fortune on repairs and I am constantly having to borrow a car from other family members while it's in the shop.

How Much Is the 2009 Chevrolet Impala Worth?

Blue book values range from $5,283 – 7,914, making the Impala about $1,000 less than a Hyundai Genesis or Nissan Maxima. When new, the price range was $23,790 to $31,135. Depreciation is a bit worse than its rivals, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Impala?

There are five models of the Impala available. The stereo system was updated for the 2009 model year, with the next full redesign coming in 2014.

LS is the base model with:

  • 16-Inch Steel Wheels
  • Front Bench Seating
  • Cloth Seats
  • Dual-Zone Climate Control
  • OnStar
  • Keyless Entry
  • 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System

LT is a step up and adds:

  • 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Remote Start System
  • Carpeted Floor Mats

2LT offers more improvements such as:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Fog Lights
  • Alarm System
  • Bluetooth Connectivity

LTZ is a luxury-focused model with:

  • 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Leather Seating
  • Front Bucket Seats
  • Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
  • Bose 8-Speaker Stereo System

SS is the sport model and features:

  • Unique 18-Inch Wheels
  • Black Exterior Trim
  • Sport Suspension
  • Larger Engine

What Engines Come In the Impala?

  • The base engine offers average performance from the 3.5L V6 which makes 211 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG combined.
  • A step up is the more powerful 3.9L V6 which produces 233 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG combined.
  • The flagship engine is the powerful 5.3L V8 offering 303 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is good for a large sedan, taking 6.6 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Impala Come In?

How Big Is the Impala?

The 2009 Impala is an average-sized large sedan similar to the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse. Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin, and it’s one of the only sedans that can fit 6 people with the front bench seat.

Cargo space is great for a sedan, offering 18.6 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which will fit 4 to 5 suitcases.

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How Does the Impala Compare to the Competition?

The Chevy Malibu is another rival from Chevrolet, which costs around $500 more. Technology is better in the Malibu, but the Impala has more passenger room. We recommend the Malibu since it has better reliability ratings and is more up-to-date.

The Toyota Avalon is a competitor which costs about $3,000 more. Interior materials and technology are both better in the Avalon, but the Impala SS has a more powerful engine. We recommend the Avalon since it’s the longest lasting full size sedan on the market.

Ranks #9 Large Cars by Owners

1
car
4.67
2
car
4.46
9
car
4.11

Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Impala?

accountCircle AJ S

Yes, the vehicle runs great and is very dependable in any weather condition. It has 240,000 miles on it but still does great.

accountCircle madina w

Yes the impala is a good and reliable car with minimal problems. I have not had to replace anything major. With regular maintenance the car will float on the road. I have also drove out of town and although it is a little old it was great on gas.

accountCircle Kamera B

Yes the 2009 Chevrolet impala ltz is a good car it moves around a lot and it could last around a long time if you take care of the car.

accountCircle Sara S

Yes it is a great car I use it every day and it has given me little problems and I have had it for two years now.

accountCircle Davern J

Yes it is a good car, drives great and is very dependable, the space is comfortable and is a smooth ride.

accountCircle Allan L

This is a fine and safe car to drive. It has four doors and large enough to carry 5 passengers in comfort. We use it on long trips and it is very comfortable and steady on the road. It is also very good on gas. I find Chevys very reliable and also very stylish.

accountCircle Sandra A

Our 2009 Chevrolet impala ls has proven to be an excellent vehicle. We have had no need for any major mechanical repairs. It has taken us from California or Nevada to New Orleans on numerous occasions.

accountCircle Brett B

I really like the looks of my car and it drives well. However, I have had to have a lot of repairs on the car. I bought it used but I know the person who had it before took good care of it. I know other people that have had good luck with impala's so maybe I just got a lemon.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Eric on July 15, 2021
Junk
This car has been a problem from day one the transmission slips all the wheel barings have to be changed every 3 to 6 mounth
accountCircle amy a on May 10, 2021
Reliable family car that I love to drive
Has 140000 miles on it. Only problem is that spark plugs need to be replaced more often than usual. Otherwise I love it.
accountCircle Taylor B on May 10, 2021
It has really good gas mileage and is very spacious.
I live the gas mileage. I love how smooth it drives. The trunk is huge and there's lots of leg space in the car.
accountCircle lenore T on March 31, 2021
Maintain your car in and out and it will serve you well
Reliable, comfortable, good on gas. Classic design and well made
accountCircle wanda J on March 20, 2021
Was not looking to pay much but still wanted a decent ride with a the basic features
Comfortable nice color not too much for a car note leather interior room although it's a little intimidating
accountCircle Beth S on March 19, 2021
Its very big, plenty of room - can fit several passengers in comfort
Love the Impala with suped of engine, heated seats, several levels of programmed stations, and gotta love onstar!
accountCircle Charles J on March 18, 2021
Why I love my Chevy Impala.
I absolutely love my Impala. It is a beautiful metallic slate gray. It drives and handles great. It is probably one of the most comfortable cars I have ever ridden in. The stereo is just the best!
accountCircle Brian A on March 18, 2021
It's been very dependable (so far!).
I like the 6-cylinder engine. I also like the legroom available for me since I am tall. I wish that the seats were more comfortable.
accountCircle Vince J on March 18, 2021
It's heavy and a bigger vehicle so I feel safer in this car.
It is a good running vehicle, good sized engine (V6), and being a firefighter I need a reliable car. I like how it handled in the snow, it's heavy and it has a wide stance to get through heavy snow.
accountCircle Laura A on March 17, 2021
Chevy Impala SS great car inside and out!
Love my car have loved it since day I bought it brand new it's been very reliable no performance problems it's an SS has great pickup and goes fast love it!
accountCircle anna j on March 16, 2021
It has lasted a long time with the proper care and maintenance.
I haven't had any mechanical problems with it. Doesn't use a lot of gas. Replacement parts and tires are not too expensive.
accountCircle L H on March 11, 2021
The health of a car is important.
I do not have any complaints about my vehicle. I have enjoyed my car for over 3 years now. I couldn't ask for a more reliable car.
accountCircle Deborah K on March 10, 2021
Its pretty good on gas and the parts are relatively inexpensive.
I would not say it has problems to speak of. I wish it had a lighted vanity mirror and/or a light on the rearview mirror so I can check my makeup when it's dark out (not while driving of course).
accountCircle Jeanne W on March 9, 2021
Gets me from point a to point b with no issues at the same time it is a comfortable car.
Impala is a comfortable, smooth driving vehicle. It has enough power to make passing easy. Gas mileage is better than expected.
accountCircle Rusty Cooper on March 9, 2021
Safety
Theproblems I've had with this car start from the motor mounts transmission mount the clicking in the dash traction control light the door locks don't work half the time when they do work they lock and unlock by themselves. The worst thing on the interstate doing 65 and all of a sudden the lights come on in the car drops to 10 miles an hour almost immediately nothing good to say about this car at all
accountCircle Brandy H on March 4, 2021
When driving my car you cannot remove the key unless you hit it pacific button.
I had to buy this vehicle because I need a car asap it has a lot of issues with this the motor mount is bent and he's brakes rotors pads something to do with tie rod I need some work but overall it still runs really well and I still take care of it.
accountCircle Tina B on March 1, 2021
It's in excellent condition and drives very very well
No complaints and i really like my car and the way it runs
accountCircle Krystal A on February 23, 2021
It's a good comfortable family car
It's a very comfortable car but I've experienced a lot of issues with it. Been very expensive experience for me.
accountCircle Pamela B on February 21, 2021
It's a great value! I would buy the same model again when the time comes.
It's been very reliable. Had some transmission trouble, but warranty covered a new one. I plan on driving until it completely gives out.
accountCircle Linda C on February 15, 2021
I inherited it from my mom who didn't drive, so it only has 50,000 miles.
It is very comfortable and has been very reliable. It does pretty good on gas. I have a problem with a thumping noise in the dash, I think it is called an actuator. I wish it had a back wipers. I also would like more compartments and cubbies for sunglasses, CDs, and drinks.
accountCircle MaryAnne L on February 11, 2021
Good car. Not a cash guzzler.
Just rust under drivers door. The car runs well and good on gas. Have only had regular maintenance on it.
accountCircle Teresa Y on February 10, 2021
It has heated seats which is great in the winter.
I love my car. It has heated seats, movable chairs, temperature of outdoors, direction vehicle is headed. It has a very large trunk.
accountCircle Kevin b on February 9, 2021
My car is the most efficient and nice looking car.
My car is blue. I like the car because it is efficient and runs great, even though it is 10 years old.
accountCircle Jeremy W on February 7, 2021
Chevy Impala rocks! Great car, by a great company
This has been the best car that I have ever owned. The maintenance is very easy up keep and there have not been any major problems. After 10 years the ac still runs ice cold, and all major electronics work well. The interior is easy to clean, and maintain. This car is great on gas and I love that I can also use the flex fuel option and use e85 if I want. This is a very sturdy and well made car. When it's time to replace it, I def intend on going with another impala.
accountCircle Little R on February 2, 2021
Used 09 Impala, wonderful after 200, 000 miles.
I love my car. It was bought used within the last 90 days and has well over 200, 000 miles on it. The car is still in awesome shape, it runs like a champ! Everything works on it with the exception of the drivers side seat, its stuck, but that's a small thing. I will definitely stick with Chevrolet when I decide to upgrade.
accountCircle sue a on January 27, 2021
Chevy is a very reliable vehicle. Safety is a priority also
It's reliable, plenty of passenger room and trunk space and it looks good
accountCircle Elizabeth V on January 20, 2021
Pros and cons of a Chevy Impala lt
My car is super reliable and dependable. It's fast and I've had nothing ever go wrong with it. It's good on gas and very comfortable inside. It's a nice sedan for a family and a huge trunk. I wish I had a sunroof but it's still nice. It hAs a spoiler so it kind of makes it look a little sporty.
accountCircle Vicki R on January 16, 2021
Reliable
Decent car but the ticking time bomb sound is making me crazy.
accountCircle Rich on January 12, 2021
S
Best most reliable love ever owned bought new still going strong
accountCircle John W on January 12, 2021
It is a wonderful, delightful car. I would tell others about it all the time.
Has no problems. The car runs great and is a good vehicle and reliable to use I would tell others to get this car. It is a wonderful, delightful and enjoyable car. I think everyone should check out Impala 2009 it is totally awesome. Cheap and affordable. Good on gas and good on repairs.
accountCircle alice F on January 9, 2021
It handles well on ice and wet roads.
It's dependable and I feel safe in it. It handles well. It's downfall is that it has too many blind spots. You have to be very aware and have to count on looking multiple times.
accountCircle Daniel E on January 8, 2021
That it's a good family sedan.
I like its reliability and gas mileage. I don't like that it hasn't retained its value very well since the time I bought it.
accountCircle Elijah D on January 6, 2021
2009 midnight blue, microfiber seats. OnStar &, extra charging ports. Sunroof!
Comfortable size, compact and very eye catching car. Great on gas, sunroof, OnStar. Great sound when playing music!! Many cup holders and plug in jacks in backseat for extra charging, and car TV set ups and etc... Maintenance is ok to keep up with. Smooth, comfortable, stylish ride, with safety features and everything is just right to cruise through life.
accountCircle Michael H on January 6, 2021
Great car, reliable and dependable. My next car will be the same make and model.
My car has great performance. It's very reliable in getting me to a from where I need to get to. It came with nice interior and very comfortable seats. Came with a nice stereo system and also a AUX port for music. Most the problems I have had have been just normal wear and tear.
accountCircle Robert Stevenson Greene on January 5, 2021
Reliability,price and maintenance
Outstanding value for the money and a well kept secret believe it or not it’s faster than 80 percent of the cars on the road yes it has branded looks but that adds to the fun and the exhaust note superb and it’s actually the fastest SS Impala ever built according to General Motors the 2009 body really doesn’t age at all honestly again bland but well designed
accountCircle Jason H on January 5, 2021
I like the look of the car and the power, but I'm over 6 feet tall and my knee is about an inch from the dashboard even with my seat all the way back. I'd like a little more room. Also every time I get a Chevrolet something breaks during the first 2 years. Yes, it is under warranty, but couldn't you put decent parts in from the start so it doesn't inconvenience your customer?
The Chevrolet Impala is a stylish and powerful car
accountCircle Marie K on January 5, 2021
The most important thing other should know is the car is good on gas,.
I like that I have only needed routine maintenance.. No major repairs... I have no dislikes.. No complaints..
accountCircle Sadie K on January 4, 2021
Affordable and easy to repair.
Seems good. Easy to get part for and everybody works on them. They are everywhere. Every part store always have the parts in stock. It was Affordable. We bought it with less than book value and had less than $80,000 We have had very few problems even tho the car has a salvage title. It does not have all the luxury as some cars. It has cloth set and no heated seats. Which don't really matter to me. Wish it had a fold down back seat.
accountCircle Caleb K on December 30, 2020
2009 Chevrolet Impala review
Good gas mileage for a daily driver. Has a large trunk for storage room. Can easily fit my pets and a car seat in the back seat with room for us all. Have had very few issues with the vehicle performance and mechanical wise, any issues that came up were easy fixes.
accountCircle Sherry P on December 25, 2020
She is so reliable and great to drive
I love the way she feels on the highway. She still looks great after putting over 200,000 on her.
accountCircle kayla m on December 21, 2020
I like that the vehicle is roomy and drives/rides well. I love that it gives me updates about my tire pressure and when the oil needs changed. The biggest issue i have had with the car is that the wires under the gear shifter break due to wear and tear. It was not designed very well.
Wires break under gear shift due to faulty manufacturing.
accountCircle Vivian H on December 18, 2020
It is a police kit car so the lights at the top are different.
I love the style of my car. I love it is not expensive to fix any mechanical problems. My car rides smooth and is spacious! I do not like the radio it comes with.
accountCircle Craig S on December 18, 2020
My car is dependable and gets good gas mileage. It drives nice on the highway.
I like that my car is dependable. It drives nice and doesn't require a lot of maintenance. I like that it gets good gas mileage.
accountCircle Charlene A on December 11, 2020
It still seems to run well as old as it is. My children like to drive it also.
I like the styling. Has a large trunk. It handles well. No complaints.
accountCircle Lauren W on December 2, 2020
One interesting detail of this car is how easily it drives and breaks.
This vehicle is incredibly reliable. I love how nicely it drives for being almost 10 years old. I have never had any major problems with this car other than the occasional repair of some engine parts.
accountCircle Virginia H on November 30, 2020
It has not had any problems for the eight years I have had it.
It still rides great. I have not had any problems with it. It still looks nice. It is fairly good on gas.
accountCircle Terrence S on November 24, 2020
Black 4 door car white grey sets black tins windows, good wheels.
Gas to high, the Chevrolet has a score of 7.5 out of 10 which is based on my evaluation of 58 pieces of research and data elements using, comfortable ride, powerful v6 and v8 engines, but it is a nice clean 4 door car it is rids smooth when you keep up with the maintenance.
accountCircle Dave A on November 12, 2020
Solid driving vehicle that performs well
Great car reliable and excellent runs and drives great
accountCircle terese l on November 11, 2020
I the three cars I have owned have been impala's reliable, great gas mileage, comfortable
The chevy impala is a very reliable car great gas mileage.
accountCircle Leneica L on November 10, 2020
It's not too bad on gas and It's fast. The look of it is sporty
I like the look of it, but the Reduced Power engine light keeps coming on even after I changed out the Throttle Body Sensor
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.