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2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

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Comments

  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    With 35,540 miles on my 2000 Impala LS, I decided it was time for new tire replacement. I could have gone for another 2K miles, but decided it was time for new tires. Currently, Costco is offering $60 off on Michelin and Bridgestone tires (4 tires). Sales end June 29. Instead of buying Michelin tires (too costly), I went with Bridgestone RE910 tires (225 x 60 x r16) for $85 (price include mounting and balance). With $60 off, my total cost including tax was $307. (Its comforting to know that the RE910 has 60K mile warranty).

    I must say, the RE910 isn't exactly the quietest tires, but the handling is so superb! I never thougth my Impala can handle sharp cornering, but with these tires, man what a ride!! Furthermore, braking seems to be better with these threads. Of course, there is a tradeoff between quiet ride and cornering/handling. I chose performance ride over quiet ride. These RE910 threads are similar to my low profile tires that I used to have on my Honda Accord.

    Anyway, one last thing I have to worry now. Since my car is now completely paid off, I planning on getting my radiator flush, and replace the transmission fluid, as well as replacing with new spark plugs. At first, I thought about selling my Impala, but now decided to keep this car until I hit 100K miles! Oh, if you live in CA, our governor has recently raised the car registration by 300%!! Ouch!

    Also, I helped a friend move out of her dorm at UCLA. We were all very suprised as to how much cargo space the Impala has!! We had a fridge, 3 large suit cases, 4 boxes, and misc items all stashed in the Impala. Yet, the car still drives like a dream on the highway....
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Is something magical about 100k miles?

    johnclineii, now at 124k
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    29,298 vs. 13,451 May 2002 a 117% increase!!!

    Even beat out the Honda Civic.

    http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svsedan.asp
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    has anyone seen the LSX. they sell alot of add-on parts for the Impala and Monte
    http://www.slpeng.com/vehicles/impala/index.shtml
  • nosirrahgnosirrahg Member Posts: 872
    I also had RE910s put on when my original issue Goodyears wore out (I think I changed mine at @ 45k miles, but I'm sure I don't deal with the same traffic situations here in AR that you deal with in CA). I agree that these tires improve the handling, and while they aren't whisper quiet, I found them to be far more quiet than the Goodyear GAs. I do think my gas mileage has suffered slightly with the Bridgestones (primarily on the highway), but only by a couple of MPG.

    On a slightly related note, I had the carb rebuilt on my '82 F-350, and now get 11MPG vs. 8MPG before!!! Still a gas-guzzler by all measures, but %-wise a hugh increase - I never thought I'd see double-digit MPG figures in that beast!!
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    Couldn't resist making the 12,000 post. My LS is now 7 mos. old with 4,600 miles. Can't drive it enough.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Durn, I was waiting for that.
  • randys2003randys2003 Member Posts: 1
    Just picked up my 2003 Impala LS and it did not come with a coin holder. Does anyone have the part number so I can order one? The dealer states that the coin holder is a thing of the past.. :(

    Many thanks!
  • drivinisfundrivinisfun Member Posts: 372
    Today I mailed the last payment on my Impala! Paid it off in just 27 months.
  • bh0001bh0001 Member Posts: 340
    Anyone out there put Cooper Touring SLE tires on their Impala LS? I'm finally able to justify dumping the Eagle GA garbage that came on the car. Any feedback on Cooper would be appreciated since I've never owned a set.

    Thanks!
    Brad
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I think you would be much more impressed with the Michelin Harmonys.
  • ghostwolfghostwolf Member Posts: 91
    I am considering the Cooper GTZ for my next set of tires, mostly because they are made in the USA.

    The set I have now are BF Goodrich Touring T/A VR4. They are made by Michelin. At the time I bought them I had no idea (or really cared) that they are French owned.

    I'm not a xenophobe (and I know my Impala is put together in Canada.. at least its still North America, and not all Canadians hate us yet. I know its hard to buy *anything* made in the USA anymore) and I know the french could probably care less that I don't buy another set of their tires. But it makes me feel better to buy American (if not American then at least North American) than to support France in any way.

    I can tell you that b4z is right about those Michelin's (based on my experience with BF Goodrich). They are good tires.

    I have a few thousand miles to go on the tires I have but I am really looking into those Coopers trying to see how others like them.
  • drivinisfundrivinisfun Member Posts: 372
    You'll be surprised to find out thatthe Impala has a number of French made parts in it...hint, hint...look for the "VALEO" seal on some parts in the engine compartment....
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    I think Michelin tires are way overpriced. You can save easily $100 for a set of four if you go with other brands like Yokahamas, Bridgestones, Pirellis, and etc.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I am VERY happy with my Dunlops...
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    The South Koreans love us and their brand is just as good as Michelin brands at about half the cost. Actually, they are better than some of Michelin's Goodrich offerings.

    BTW my Goodyear GA's are performing well. But I plan to replace them early since Goodyears do not wear well in my experience. Also using a winter tire so snow traction is not an issue.
  • t_tookalookt_tookalook Member Posts: 29
    I changed my headlight bulb to the xenon but didn't like them and changed back to the factory bulbs. They were too 'white' for me, however, my neighbor has them on his 2002 and swears by them.
    Is there any other bulb that will give more light
    w/o the 'stark white'?
    Is driving lights the answere??
    t-tookalook
  • this_is_nascarthis_is_nascar Member Posts: 199
    Are the 2003 models plaqued with the engine cradle ticking issue?
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I was showing property Thursday with clients in the car and the airbag light flashed then stayed on.

    After showing the next house I turned the car on and it flashed for awhile then disappeared.

    This is a major safety item for me and I can't be driving this car with out a functioning airbag system.

    I also don't want to spend anymore money on this car since it is 6,000 miles out of warranty.

    The plastic intake manifold has me spooked as do the warped rotors that GM refused to fix several months ago.

    I still have the vibrating exhaust system that buzzes the whole car under acceleration.

    The Cadillac CTS is looking awfully good to me.

    Thinking I am pretty much over the Impala and it may be gone by October if I can sell a few more houses between now and then.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    When one WANTS to get rid of a car, reasons are easy to find. As Click and Clack say, either keep everything fixed or get rid of it.

    The air bag light is probably caused by the module connection under the seat needing a cleaning. Mine did that a couple of months ago. Dealer fixed it. Total cost to me: $0.00 Number of miles on odometer at the time: 100,000+ When the light is on, by the way, the airbags do NOT function. I was also told my habit of keeping things under the seat or allowing them to get there (newspapers, magazines, etc.) may have contributed to the problem.

    Manifold? I have 125,000 miles now with no problems on a 2000. Vibrating exhaust? Any good shop could fix that in less than an hour.

    Brakes? Never had a problem. I am on my third set of pads and second set of rotors, the latter of which were replaced after 100,000 miles. Type of driving I do? Largely the same as you, I am in a type of real estate as well and drive the car on business.

    Want to get rid of the car? Fine. But don't be dissing Impalas. The same maker also makes the CTS. Will you be using the CTS in your business? Will it be large enough for that?

    As for me, when the new Mazda6 hatches and wagons come out in the first quarter of next year, I will almost certainly be buying one. The niggling little cost cutting items that Lutz has done to the car since 2000 will be driving me away from GM. Yes, I drove a CTS. No, I won't be buying one. I have to have more rear seat headroom than the current Mazda6 sedan. Either the hatch or wagon should do that. A lot of real estate people round these parts drive wagons.

    And the Impala may well have 175,000 miles on it by then. I doubt I will have any mechanical problems before then, but if I do I will either fix them or get rid of the car. I can't live with a car that has problems. Not, at least, when I can afford to have them fixed. Back when I was in high school and college the stories were far different, as were the old worn out cars I drove! :)
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I simply don't have the time to deal with a car that is in the shop.
    I can drive the Camaro, but it is not suitable for clients and has no a/c.
    The other thing that bothers me about the car is
    the poor paint quality.
    I have multiple chips on the hood and front end.
    The roof has been etched by tree sap and bird droppings. etc. etc.
    The Impala is an excellent highway car and is very comfortable.
    I will keep it until the family vacations are over
    (we are all very tall).
    If I take clients in the CTS I will just have to pull the seat up until my knees touch the dashboard.
    My other choices are Avalanche(without body hardware) for 28K out the door and Marauder also at 28K out the door.
    The CTS will be about 32K with discount.
    But the '04s with the 255hp engine are a revelation.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I test drove a Marauder. Be aware that rumors are rampant the car will soon be discontinued. Ford hasn't confirmed those rumors, but they ain't denied them either.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    It will be discontinued. I think 2004 will be the last year.
    Ford has not seen foot to put any money into the development to get more low end torque.
    The 5 speed auto from the Aviator would solve the low end torque issues but it has a completely differnet computer system, harnesses, etc.
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    I don't think the lack of power was the only issue with this car,its huge, its heavy, and it ain't cheap.. but even with a larger engine and more torque would not compete with current Altimas and Maximas with their 3.5 engine....only a few nostalgic Ford lovers showed true interest in the car....Same with the current retro T Bird...sales are way below expectations it will also probably be discontinued within a year or 2........ the 1994-1996 Impala SS cars were not big sellers.....I believe they sold only 56000 total in 3 years...and GM realized they could make more money making pickup trucks at that Arlington Texas plant....I am surprised that GM isn't using the the current Impala platform in NASCAR as all the other brands racing are converted 4 door models.....INTREPID, GRAND PRIX, AND TAURUS for 2003....The Impala is a hot seller and currently outsells the Monte Carlo 3 - 1...using the Impala body would inspire the sportyness of the Impala now that they offer the Impala SS again..Come on CHEVY lets race the Impala!!!!!
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    The lower production of the Impala SS was not a sign that it was not a hot seller.
    '94 production was limited by wheel manufacturer.
    '96 production went to December '96.
    The Imapla SS was a huge hit and dealers sold every one they could get their hands on.
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    I saw the spy pictures of this car in late 1992 when word was that John Moss was given permission to spruce up the aging Caprice..It made its debut in 1993 and I saw my first one at the at the Toronto Auto show....I was impressed with the the cool black grille black paint and sporty 17" wheels.When I looked inside I couldn't believe it was the same old Caprice with digital dash no tach, it had bucket seats with a console but was auto shift on the column..It had the SS emblems but it was obvious little money was spent on the interior of this car. I couldn't wait for the first one to arrive at one of our local Chevy Dealers...I was very fortunate to be able to take one out for a spin....for a large heavy sedan with a detuned Corvette engine it had lots of torque, probably a 1/2 second faster to 60 then my curent Impala LS..certainly a very stiff ride compared to my 2001 Impala LS.. I saw magazine road tests between 6.5 - 7.8 seconds to 60.. but again little attention was made to the interior which is very important to me..the car turned a lot of heads but most everyone that I talked to indicated that Chevy didn't go far enough (as they usually do) to make this car a stunner in all respects....it was obvious this would be a short production run....B4z you are right they sold everyone they produced...but GM decided that making money (which is why they are in business) was more important then making important upgrades to this car that it so desperately needed in this car competetive world...today there is a very thin market for cars of that size and weight as is the same with the Marauder...the sporty, powerfull midsize sedans is where the action is today in 2003.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Yep.
    That is why I am looking at the CTS.
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    This is one of the more objective reviews of the Imp IMO:http://www.acarplace.com/reviews/2002/impala-2002.html
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    No posts on the Impala thread in 5 days?

    That has got to be a record.

    Check engine light now on the Impala.

    One more thing for me to check.
  • abmultiabmulti Member Posts: 1
    I believe my ISS is going bad.Am out of warranty (2000). Does any one know how difficult it is to change this out my self? I can get a new ISS for about $90 and was thinking of doing the grease kit as well for $30. The dealer's time is approx. 1hr. to do grease.Also, where can I get a write up for the procedure to change this. As to the problem of coolant going bad (acidity)and leaking the manifold,it is worth while to change coolant every 2yrs. or 25kmiles.The coolant question has me puzzled as,if the coolant is going acidic and causing leaks in the plastic manifold then i would think that EVERY 3.8 would have to eventually have the manifold replaced.No? Or is there some other possible factor with the intake plastic going bad.
  • garywgaryw Member Posts: 116
  • txguytxguy Member Posts: 57
    The leaking manifold is due to heat warping the plastic. The failure rate on the thermoplastic manifolds must be high. When mine was replaced I had to wait a couple of days because the parts warehouse serving the Houston area had 15 on back order.

     The new coolants do break down and cause problems with engine interiors but it's with metal parts and seals. The Dexcool should be changed every 24 months to avoid that problem.

    My '01 LS is pushing 55k miles, no squeeks, rattles or any other signs of age. It looks great and runs even better!
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Body color moulding makes a big difference
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    I hope there are more substantive improvements than the making the body trim the same color as the paint. The window trim and grill are still black so what's the big deal? Are there any safety or performance improvements?
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    My understanding is that minor changes to the 2004 Impala and LS...same engines and horsepower (Impala SS 240 hp but you knew that)...a couple new colors, new style sports cloth seats and leather .....and the 2004 Police Impala fuel shutoff will now be 129 mph with an engine oil cooler....no supercharged engine available for the Police Impala, same 200hp 3800...A lot of cities in the USA ordering the Intrepid Police squads. Over $1200 cheaper then the Impala and top speed 135 mph...Intrepids have the same problems as the Police Impalas loss of three inches in the front seat travel to accomodate the prisoner cage in the back seat..Officers over 6 feet 2" complain of lack of leg room in the front...Our Ontario Provincial Police used Impalas for two years and I understand they cancelled a large order of them and ordered Crown Vics again....my nephew is a police officer and tells me at very high speeds the Crown Vic is more stable then the police Impalas....During the past year on ebay I have seen several used Police Impalas for sale and most have the ticking cradle problem...I thought the Police cradle was stronger, but I guess not strong enough...The Police Impala needs more horsepower....it is the slowest to accelerate to 100 mph (Crown Vic & Intrepid 2 seconds quicker)...The Police Impalas are much more efficient fuel economy wise then the Crown Vics but maitenance costs are much higher....Kansas city police chief said the Crown vic costs 2.7 cents per mile maintenance costs, the Police Impalas over 5.7 cents per mile.....the front ends are very prone to high repair costs.....
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Thanks for the info.

    As a layman it is hard for me to understand that the largest auto company in the World can't design a proper front suspension.

    Mine now bangs away on bumpy roads.
    Just like my Intrigue did.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    You have to realize that the W-body is a fairly new design and these suspension issues will probably be fixed in the near future.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    LOL.
  • dgonzalez13dgonzalez13 Member Posts: 110
    My base 2000 Impala is still running strong, and smoothe. Swapped out the tires last year, new brakes and rotors last year too. But after 2 rear end collisions and 2 sideswipes to the front passenger side it has always been driven away as if nothing happened (while the Volvo and Jeep Liberty were towed). I can put up with the little creaking noise from the front end till I get a new 2004 Impala, but if the new one creaks like this, I will return it as quick as possible. Anyone know of the complete list of ADD/DELETES on the 2004 Impala's compared to the 2003, or 2002?
  • mihasimihasi Member Posts: 2
    Sounds stupid, but up to now I'm not sure should I use Syntetic or Regular Motor Oil. The same vagueness with gas. 81 / 89 /91 octane?
    Please advise.
    Thanks,
    Mike
  • dgonzalez13dgonzalez13 Member Posts: 110
    If you own it and plan to keep it for 5 years or more, Synthetic oil. Whether you own or lease, you can use the low octane gas with no problems. Just stay away from cheap watered down gas places, using them for more than a fill up usually turns on my check engine light. The problem disappears after filling up and burning through 2 tanks of name brand gas.

    Synthetic and lowest octane gas seem to be working for me. Good luck with your car.
  • bearmerbearmer Member Posts: 37
    There hasn't been a successful unibody police car. They aren't strong enough for the abuse they get. Changing the cradle or the suspension won't help. Consider climbing a curb at 20 mph. The front cradle mounts don't give any strength to absorb the shock load from the wheels. They just give stiffness to the front clip. No matter how creative they get, the rear cradle mounts are attached to the floor pan sheet metal. Even if they add a lot of metal to the area, the force is all applied locally. A box frame is what's needed to remove the forces from the body.
  • drivinisfundrivinisfun Member Posts: 372
    Found a very eager buyer during the weekend for my '01 LS. They loved the car and within 20 minutes or so the deal was sealed! I am glad because the car is going to a new loving home and I know the new owners will take good care of it just like I did for 27 months and 21.9K miles. The car is an absolute cream puff....looks showroom fresh inside and out. The person that bought it from me could not believe how had I managed to get the doors and side panels of the car free from parking lot door dings and scratches. I had all the maintenance records and they did not want to see them....they said that the car was practically in brand new condition and had no doubts about the degree of care it had received. They are getting the last 10 months remaining in the factory warranty.

    Sold it for $13,500. I think I did really well on the sale. These cars are retailing in my area between $13K and $14.3K. I was asking $13.9K so I gave them a nice $500 break for them to take it right away. I will be signing over the certificate of title over to them this week to complete the deal (Car was already fully paid off).

    I really enjoyed my Impala and had troublefree service from it. This car has not a single squeak and rattle...tight as a drum!.

    I am looking forward to my next car, a '04 MINI Cooper S.

    I'll be around from time to time to answer questions about the Impala as I had a fare share of experience with these wonderful cars.

    Thanks to all. This discussion thread has been great and informative.

    Best of luck to the rest of you holding onto their Impalas.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    You did really well. 13.5k is excellent for a '01 Impala LS private party sale.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    My LS is now near 37K miles. Last week, I had my battery replaced. It was such a pain in the butt. You have to remove the bar that sits on top of the battery. Then, when I removed the cable from the battery, the metal terminal (+) came loose from the battery. Thus, it took me about 15 minutes to remove the metal nut away from the cable. I returned the old battery to Pep Boys, and the guy at the parts counter told me that the AC Delco batteries are known to have the metal terminal come lose from the battery.

    My Impala LS car history:

    1) About 2K miles, engine had a slight hestitation. Had the ECM software upgraded at 13K miles. Problem fixed.

    2) At about 31K miles, had my ISS lubed. Problem fixed.

    3) At 32K miles, had my front brakes replaced

    4) At 36.7K miles, had my battery replaced.

    Overall, I"m still very satisfied with my Impala!!
  • mihasimihasi Member Posts: 2
    Where can I get some Repair Manuals. On-line versions?
  • discgolferdiscgolfer Member Posts: 72
    I also replaced my battery this weekend. Just over 3.5 years, 48,000 miles. The girl at the register at Pep Boys said they only wanted $5.95 to do the work, but when I went to the service area, the guy said they were REALLY busy. Not wanting to wait, and figuring that changing a battery is easy enough, I went home to do it myself. Same thing. Ended up having to remove the cross bar, and also finagle the old battery out, sideways, on its end, and there was no handle to hang on to. It was a bit of a pain, but I was able to complete the job in about 20 minutes. It really was a pain, considering it was only a battery. Hardest battery I ever had to change...
  • ehennessehenness Member Posts: 92
    I have a minor correction. There indeed have been many successful unibody cop cars. Every Chrysler Corporation car (except the 1960-1967 Imperial) was unibody since 1960, and they had well over 60% of the police market for many years, and were a strong contender for police sales until the Diplomat/Gran Fury were discontinued in 1989.

    Also, Chevy's Nova was unibody, and it was a successful (in performance, at least, maybe not by sales volume) police car.

    I think you mean front drive cars, given your later points (which are correct). You can and did have unibody RWD cars. The FWD cars are also unibody, but have other problems (as stated)--the whole drivetrain is out front and can be damaged more easily. Ford had a lot of problems with this very issue in the police Taurus--ask the city of Baltimore. They dropped the police package with the redesign for 1996. Chevy's had more luck with the Lumina and Impala, though there are still some problems.

    Suitability often depends on use. One department may find Impalas or Intrepids to be the perfect car, while others need and want the Crown Victoria.

    One note on the Impala--apparently the transmissions are not holding up on the cop versions. The Greater Boston Police Council (which coordinates buys of equipment) went with some 2000 and 2001 Impalas. They were well-received, and one department gave a glowing report to the Impalas, and another department bought 5 based on that. In the time it took to deliver the cars, the first department's Impalas hit 60,000 miles and beyond, and the bottom fell out. When the second department asked again, the first said they were sorry that the second had ordered the cars--the first department had so many problems that put cars out of service that they'd had to put unmarked detective cars on patrol, and they'd since ordered all new Crown Vics. These are now in service and they have no Impalas any more.

    The second department is now having the same troubles now that their 5 Impalas have over 60,000 miles. The main trouble is transmissions, not front ends though. The department mechanic says they are constantly having problems that take them out of service. He said they are much more troublesome than the department's older Crown Vics, with close to double the mileage on the Impalas. He even commented that one unmarked (former patrol) '89 Crown Vic seemed less troublesome, and it had over 120,000 miles.

    I'd post a link to the newspaper article where I got this info, but it's no longer there and they don't archive. It was in the Medford Transcript, at www.townonline.com/medford

    Just food for thought, since the civilian transmissions are generally considered quite good.
  • mrgeneseomrgeneseo Member Posts: 4
    Hi. New to the board, and I would like to ask about the Impala transmission. Is the difference between the success between civilian and police transmissions that the actual transmission is different, or just that the police ride them a lot harder and differently than a regular driver?
  • ehennessehenness Member Posts: 92
    Wish I knew. I couldn't get any sense of that from the article (and the PDs involved had bought the cars for patrol--I don't think they got any new Impalas for unmarked units. They just hand down the old patrol units when they get new ones).

    The first town mentioned is suburban to rural and the second is much more urban (more traffic lights, more traffic, more stop and go, more idling, more calls to respond to), which makes it even tougher to say what's going on, since they aren't quite using the cars the same way.

    The writer did contact NYPD, since they have a huge fleet of Impalas, but he was unable to get in touch with anyone who could comment in time for the article's deadline. I'd have been interested to hear what their experiences have been.

    I would hope that GM used a beefier version of the transaxle for the cop package Impalas, but I can't say that for sure.
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