The 2005 Impala only lasts 150,000 miles with a lot of transmission and gauge cluster problems. At $3,978 – 6,176 it’s cheap, but still one to avoid with all the issues.
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Impala a Good Used Car?
- No, 2005 is a bad year. Owners have complained about transmission issues, electrical problems, and brake system failures.
- Reliability ratings are poor. Impalas from 2005-2009 all have a lot of issues, with some mechanical improvements for the 2010 model.
- Performance is poor from the base engine, but the supercharged SS model is quick.
- The 2005 Impala is safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is similar to rivals, at up to 22 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Impala?
- Consumer Reports says the Impala has an unsettled ride and very low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Impala 4.4/5 and likes the torque from the V6, but finds the suspension too soft.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Impala a 4.3/5 and enjoy the visibility, but dislike the electrical problems.
What Common Problems Does the 2005 Chevrolet Impala Have?
The problems with the 2005 Impala are serious including broken gauge clusters, worn-out transmissions, and security system issues.
A broken gauge cluster is the most common complaint from owners at around 80,000 miles. The only solution is replacing the entire assembly, costing about $500.
Rough shifting and transmission failures are another frequent issue at roughly 95,000 miles. The transmission is a known weak spot, and can be rebuilt for about $1,800 or replaced costing over $3,000.
Failure to start is an issue showing up on a lot of Impalas at nearly 90,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by the security system and repairing the pass lock system costs about $400.
There are 4 serious recalls including the fuel pressure regulator, steering shaft, steering knuckle, and ignition switch. All of the recalls increase the chance of an accident.
How Long Will the 2005 Chevrolet Impala Last?
A properly maintained 2005 Impala will last about 150,000 miles, half as long as top competitors including the Toyota Avalon. Regular annual maintenance costs are expensive, according to Repair Pal, at $410 per year.
Most Impalas from 2005 will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the ABS control module for $650, camshafts costing $1200, and the axle shaft which costs $550.
We've had issues with the passlock system, and it is very expensive to fix. It is a big inconvenience to wait until it resets.
It is reliable. We got it used with right snack under 100,000 miles. It has never actually left us stranded. The problems it has as previously stated is that about 1-2 times a week she will be stubborn and not start so we will have to wait between 10-15 mins and then she will. The sensor is not working so well as it constantly tells us we have low tires and low oil and do not. Which our traction control will not work BC of this. We have also changed out the alternator, battery, and starter but it is definitely a wiring issue.
Yes it is a reliable car. I have had mine for 16 treats and it still runs like charm. The only problem I am having right now is a wire shortage in my radio which is a quick 5 minute fix!
We have had to replace the shift cylinders and replace some fuel injectors but otherwise it has been good.
It has only one major problem and it's the sensors. The car needs a full tune up. There's not many problems besides that.
The only thing is the speakers and the heater fan on it. There is a lot of dents in the car. But I still love it.
Currently I am having a few problems but I am working on diagnosing them. Spark plugs and wires egr valve basic tuneup.
No I am not having problems with it I have had this car for 13 years and only had transmission problems once.
How Much Is the 2005 Chevrolet Impala Worth?
Blue book values range from $3,978 – 6,176, making the Impala similarly priced to a Chrysler 300 or Ford Crown Victoria. When new, the price range was $22,350 to $28,555. Depreciation is significantly worse than average, losing 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Impala?
There are three models of the Impala available. Technology is very outdated and 2005 is the last model year before a complete redesign in 2006.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Front Bench Seating
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- 4-Speaker AM/FM Stereo System
- Keyless Entry
LS is a step up adding features such as:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- Front Cloth Bucket Seats
- Tire Pressure Monitoring
SS is the performance model and has:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Performance Suspension
What Engines Come In the Impala?
- The base engine is a weak 3.4L V6 that has 180 horsepower, and gets up to 22 MPG combined.
- An upgraded motor in the LS model is the slightly more powerful 3.8L V6 which has 200 horsepower and gets up to 21 MPG combined.
- The SS model comes with the most powerful supercharged 3.8L V6 with 240 horsepower, which gets up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is decent, taking 7.1 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour.
What Colors Does the Impala Come In?
How Big Is the Impala?
The 2005 Impala is an average size large sedan, similar to the Buick LaCrosse and Nissan Maxima. Passenger room is great throughout the cabin, and it’s one of the few sedans that can seat 6 people with the front bench seat.
Cargo space is larger than a lot of other sedans with 18.6 cubic feet of room in the trunk.
How Does the Impala Compare to the Competition?
The Chevrolet Malibu is a competitor in the same price range. Handling is much better in the Malibu, but the Impala has more power and space for passengers. We don’t recommend either sedan, since they both have a lot of mechanical issues.
The Toyota Avalon is the highly rated rival costing $2,000 more. Where the Avalon stands out is with significantly better reliability ratings, but the Impala is more spacious. We recommend the Avalon since they last much longer.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Impala?
Yes. I love my car. It is old and has a lot of miles on it but I would still rather drive it than my husband's newer car.
Yes very good. We have not had very many issues with it. We have had it for 2 years. The one downfall is that there is an electrical problems with the wiring somewhere around the ignition so about 1-2 times a week it does not start and we have to wait at most 20 mins for it to start. It gets good gas mileage especially when the oil has been changed about 27-28 mpg. It is comfortable, has a lot of kick, a lot of room, and awesome features.
Yes the 2005 Chevrolet impala is a very great and reliable car if you take care off it and keep up with the maintenance on it.
Yes it is. Has been very reliable for me and my family. Some minor problems but they were easy to fix.
Yes it is a good vehicle to get around to different locations. Does not have many problems as far as any leaks and is good on gas.
Yes I have had it for 7 years. It had almost 300,000 miles on it. I love this car and if I were to get a new car it would be impala again.
It is been very reliable for the whole time of ownership. No major issues I feel if you take the preventive maintenance tips in to consideration you could put 450000 miles on this bag bob.
Great vehicle very reliable and dependable. They are full size cars great for travel and family of 4. Very good on gas easy to maintain.