Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1977 Impala.
The 1977 Chevrolet Impala is noted for having recorded only a single owner complaint and three recalls, with trailer hitches identified as the primary complaint area. In the broader complaint history spanning 1991 to 2020, the Impala line saw its fewest reports in 1997 (just one complaint) and its peak in 2004 with 1,071 complaints, placing the 1977 model at the low‑end of the spectrum for reliability issues. This suggests that, relative to later years, the 1977 Impala exhibited a comparatively trouble‑free ownership experience.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 208.7 in |
| Overall width | 74.8 in |
| Overall height | 54.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight | 3585 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Impala of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Custom Hardtop Coupe 6.6L V8 | 11.20 sec | 20.50 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1977 Chevrolet Impala generated a single federal complaint categorized under trailer hitches and recorded no crash‑related or fire‑related complaints. In the broader federal record from 1991 onward, complaint volume remained low until the early 2000s, when it began a steep increase that peaked around 2004. The 1977 model therefore sits well before this upward trend, placing it in a period with comparatively minimal documented safety issues. Its complaint profile is limited to one trailer‑hitch entry, with zero crash or fire complaints. Consequently, from a regulatory safety standpoint the 1977 Impala appears to be a low‑risk used purchase.
All 1 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
A CHILD COULD OPEN THE REAR SIDE COMPARTMENT DOOR AND ENTER THIS COMPARTMENT. THE CHILD COULD BECOME ENTRAPPED IF THE DOOR WERE TO CLOSE, AS IT CANNOT BE UNLATCHED FROM THE INSIDE. Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL COMPARTMENT DOOR LATCH, WHICH CAN BE LATCHED WITHOUT A KEY, WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY THAT REQUIRES A KEY TO LATCH AS WELL AS LOCK THE DOOR.
Remedy:
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.