There’s a lot to like in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. But with an underwhelming entry level engine and less-than-stellar fuel economy, it’s far from the best 2014 four-door on the market.
2014 Chevrolet Impala: Quick Overview
- The 2014 Chevrolet Impala introduced the 2.5L inline-four EcoTec engine, retired from the nameplate in 2020.
- Expect to spend a little extra keeping your Impala running, with the average annual maintenance cost coming in at around $579.
- The entry-level 2.5L inline-four delivers 195 horsepower. The LT and LTZ offer a 3.6L V6 cranking out 305 horsepower.
- With a 2.5L you should expect to get 21/31 miles to the gallon city/highway. The V6 is estimated at 19/29 mpg.
- The 2014 Impala holds a four-star rating with the NHTSA, and the highest rating of G for Good in all of the main categories with the IIHS, but no Top Safety Pick award.
- The Impala is pricier than the 2014 Taurus, and the entry-level engine is weaker than the V6s found in the Taurus and 2014 Charger. The 2014 Impala is a decent full-size sedan, but far from the best on the used market.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2014 Chevrolet Impala have?
The 2014 Chevrolet Impala has 524 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Over 180 are for the electrical system, with many pointing to a fuse problem resulting in everything from the radio going out to electrical fires in the glove box.
Approximately 105 complaints are for steering, with drivers reporting power steering failure.
In third place, there are 104 complaints pointing to the electronic stability control system, with the dash reporting “Stabilitrack in need of service.”
There are currently 12 recalls on file, with one in July, 2014 for loss of power steering assist, another that same month for improperly torqued steering component fasteners, and two recalls in early 2014 for the electronic parking brake, which had a tendency to drag, potentially resulting in a fire.
Twelve recalls in less than a decade is a lot. But Chevrolet have been quick to address problems with the car, so as long as you get your Impala serviced, these shouldn’t scare you off of the car.
What are the Prices, Models, and Specs?
The 2014 Impala should depreciate at a rate of around 50% over five years. The car was launched with an average sticker price of around $27,500, with the Kelley Blue Book putting the fair market value at $14,948 for a mid-range LT sedan.
- LS: This is your standard entry-level trim. Adequate for a 2014, with eight-way power adjust driver seat, premium cloth trim and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Nothing too exciting, but nothing missing, either.
- LT: The mid-range model. The biggest addition here is the option of upgrading to the 3.6L engine. Plus, power adjust lumbar controls, dual-zone air conditioning, and some slick leather on the steering wheel and shifter.
- LTZ: The luxury model. Remote start, heated leather seats, and some attractive style upgrades throughout, including chrome door handles and mirror caps. It’s not quite a BMW, but it’s closer than you might expect.
How Long will the 2014 Chevrolet Impala Last?
A 2014 Chevrolet Impala should get you a minimum of around 150,000 miles. With proper maintenance, don’t be surprised to pass a quarter million. We’ve yet to hear of a million-mile Impala, but it wouldn’t be the first Chevy to go the distance.
Expect a 2014 Impala to run you somewhere in the area of $579 a year in repairs and maintenance. Pricier than a compact, but cheaper than a typical full-size truck, SUV, or luxury car.
Yes. It is very reliable. It does not seem to have any problems. Maintenance is easy and affordable.
It is very reliable. We have had only a few repairs since we purchased it. I cannot think of any problems other than the usual wear and tear issues.
It does not have any problems. It is a very reliable vehicle and very dependable vehicle especially if you have a family.
Yes very reliable. Any problems that I have had were my own fault. Nothing with the car in general. Great gas mileage.
No the car is very reliable and safe. No mechanical problems yet and it is already five going on six years old, wore out a set of tires already. And put on better rubber still handles like new.
The only problem I had was the headlights went out more often than other cars. Other than that reliable.
I needed some sensors replaced and that cause some issues as far as the signals and mirrors working but once those sensors were replaced the car was like brand new.
In this particular model there are numerous blind spots. The temperature in the vehicle is hard to control. The high beams were awful, so I had the lighting replaced on mine. The driver's seat is for some reason a little deeper which causes some leg issues after driving for a while (and this is not just me, my daughters said the same thing). And the seat also does not rise too much which is a bit of a problem if you are short. The center visual system is very hard to see if it is sunny and the console is somewhat awkward to access, again if you are short.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
- Basic onboard tech includes Bluetooth connectivity, remote keyless entry, and a full color driver info center.
- Upgrade to the LT and you get Bluetooth audio streaming and a couple extra USB ports. The LTZ adds remote start.
- Standard safety features include all the basics for a 2014: electronic stability control, full airbags, etc. But you can upgrade to the Advanced Safety Package and get forward collision alert, blind zone and rear cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
What Engine Options are Available?
In terms of how it feels on the road, the Impala is sort of a throwback to the “land yacht” sedans our grandparents used to drive: built for comfort, not speed. You’ve got two engine options to get you there.
- 2.5L Ecotec inline-four. 195 horsepower, 187 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ecotec lacks the oomph of the V6, but delivers superior fuel economy at 21/31 mpg, city highway.
- 3.6L V6. 305 horsepower, 264 lb.-ft. of torque, this direct-injection engine is available in the LT and LTZ trim levels. It doesn’t feel like am Impala unless it’s got a bit of muscle under the hood, and that’s what you get with the V6. Expect an mpg of around 19/29.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the 2014 Chevrolet Impala?
You might say they don’t make ’em like this no more. A legitimately full-size sedan with the interior stretching nearly five feet from shoulder to shoulder. You can fit five average-sized adults in this car without squishing the guy in the middle.
You’ve got about 14 cu. ft. of trunk space, which means you can hold up to five medium-sized suitcases.
How Does the 2014 Chevrolet Impala Compare to Other Full-size Cars?
Full-size cars haven’t quite gone the way of the dodo, but if you want a roomy, affordable, American-made four-door, the list is getting pretty short. The leading nameplates would have to be the Impala, Ford Taurus, and Dodge Charger.
If you’re a muscle car fan, you stopped reading at “Dodge Charger.” The Kelley Blue Book puts the 2014 at a starting price of around $15,000. This is with the entry-level engine, a hefty 3.6L V6 cranking out 292 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Chargers are pricey to maintain and refuel, but only marginally more so than Impalas.
As for the 2014 Taurus, it starts off with a 2.0L inline-four delivering 240 horsepower, with a low-end price in the Blue Book at just under $11,000.
It’s also got way fewer recalls than the Impala, and a perfect five star safety rating with the NHTSA, one star above the Impala.
Of the three, the Taurus is the best all-arounder for the price, and the Charger is worth the extra maintenance costs if you like a bit more oomph under the hood. The Impala is still in the running here, but it’s easy to see what the Charger and Taurus offer over the Chevy.
Final Verdict: Is the 2014 Chevrolet Impala a Good Car?
Yes. But there’s a lot of room for improvement.
The onboard tech is solid for a 2014, with Bluetooth, USB, and some nice safety upgrades like lane keep assist. If you like those roomy, muscly sedans that ruled the roads back in the day, the 2014 Impala delivers.
But, it’s less capable than the Taurus at the entry level and costs more, and it’s worrying when a car has twelve recalls in under a decade.
The 2014 Impala is far from a lemon. But to call it the best full-size 2014 would be a stretch. Worth a buy if you can get a great price on it, but maybe not at the fair market KBB estimate.
Photos: Chevrolet
