Ford and Chevrolet battled for the number one spot again in 1959 and Chevrolet came out ahead with 1,481,071 against 1,394,684. Once again, the new Chevrolet was completely changed from the preceding year and the 1959 sedan featured “slimline design” styling. The 1959 Impala was now a complete line of its own.

The same basic engines continued with the 135 bhp six and the 185 bhp 283 cid V-8 at the bottom. Optional engines included the Super Turbo-Fire 230 bhp 283 for $147, and two Rochester mechanically fuel-injected small-blocks. The first Ram-Jet had a 9.5:1 compression ratio and was good for 250 bhp, while the second had 10.5:1 compression and developed 290 bhp. Both cost an extra $485.

The remaining engines were based on the 348 cid V-8. The 250 bhp Turbo-Thrust V8 cost $199, and the 280 bhp Super Turbo-Thrust V=8 was an extra $269. The solid-lifter 300 bhp Special Turbo-Thrust V-8 with a single four-barrel cost $268, and the Special Super Turbo-Thrust V-8 with three two-barrel carburetors and 315 bhp cost $333.

Other popular options included the Powerglide automatic transmission ($199), Turbo-Glide automatic transmission ($242), new close-ratio 4-speed manual gearbox ($188) and overdrive ($108). Air conditioning cost $468, power windows and power seats were each $102, power brakes were $43, and a pushbutton radio cost $87. Air suspension was still offered for $135, but the word was out about its lack of durability, and few people bought it. Improved safety-master brakes were announced.

A total of 14 exterior colors were offered for the 1959 Chevrolet Impala, along with 10 two tone-combinations. They were Aspen Green (903-A), Highland Green (905-A), Frost Blue (910-A), Harbor Blue (912-A), Crown Sapphire (914-A), Gothic Gold (920-A), Inca Silver (509-A), Roman Red (923-A), Classic Cream (925-A), Snowcrest White (926-A), Satin Beige (938-A), Grecian Gray (940-A), Cameo Coral (942-A) and Tuxedo Black (900-A).

Two-tone combinations included Snowcrest White/Tuxedo Black, Snowcrest White/Highland Green, Snowcrest White/ Grecian Gray, Snowcrest White/Roman Red, Snowcrest White/ Crown Sapphire, Frost Blue/Harbor Blue, Harbor Blue/Frost Blue (reversed), Satin Beige/Gothic Gold, Satin Beige/Cameo Coral and Aspen Green/Classic Cream. Magic–mirror acrylic laquer paint was introduced.

Chevrolet introduced 12 new interior colors in vinyl, and vinyl and cloth combinations to complement the new exterior colors. Impala convertible tops were primarily black or white.