The Chevrolet Impala received a major redesign in 1971, making it the biggest passenger car Chevrolet had ever produced. The new Impala was 220 inches long, which was comparable to a 1957 Cadillac. Its 121.5-inch wheelbase helped deliver a smooth ride, and the wider frame resulted in a very spacious cabin. The 1971 Chevrolet Impala was available as two-door sport coupes and custom coupes, as well as four-door hardtops and sedans, a convertible, and station wagon. Prices ranged from $3,400 to $4,000, which was a significant hike from the previous year. As a result, sales suffered.

For the base sedans and coupes, the Chevrolet Impala’s standard engine was a 250-cid six-cylinder with a single-barrel carburetor that delivered 145 hp. V-8 options ran from a 350-cid, 245-hp engine, through 255-hp and 300-hp 400-cid motors, all the way up to a powerful 454-cid unit that produced 365 hp. A three-speed manual transmission was standard on the smaller engines, while automatic could be equipped to all the power plants.

Power ratings were revised for 1972, so though engine choices remained the same, their new numbers were 110, 165, 170, 210, and 270. The Impala received some slight exterior restyling in 1973, included federal bumpers, and the six-cylinder engine was no longer available for the Impala. Emissions-related regulations brought engine output down from the previous year. In 1974, the Impala’s front end carried a different look from its Caprice Classic corporate sibling, though the two came back in line in 1975. Another notable change during this period is the introduction of a Landau coupe in 1975.

By 1976 the Chevrolet Impala had evolved to be a 4,200-pound car, which was out of step with fuel-conscious car buying climate of the day. In 1977, Chevy launched a smaller Impala to better meet customer demand. The fifth generation Impala, however, remains noteworthy as one of the biggest cars Chevrolet ever put on the road. The earliest cars of this era are particularly attractive due to their more powerful motors and cleaner exterior design, and enthusiasts are willing to pay higher prices as a result. High production numbers for these cars mean parts support is abundant and ownership is relatively easy.