2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

1104105107109110265

Comments

  • morphius909morphius909 Member Posts: 67
    Yes, after 20,000kms on our 2000 LS, the "pop" has made an appearance. So has its relatives, pop-pop(after kind of warm) and pop-pop-pop after the comparment is hot to the touch!

    New shim kit is coming in from Vancouver, so all will be fine soon:))

    Other then that, car has been pretty good.

    Air conditioning is SOOOO COLD now, you need a blanket if you just sit in the back! I only noticed the "excursion" a couple of times, but highway driving-brrrrrrrr, cold!

    Paul
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    I went to the Dealer today to pickup the set of Hubcaps for the new Impala, (The ones on it were Greenish) they said the ones they ordered had com in last week and were actually WORSE than the ones on the car when I bought it, We went out and found 4 Perfect ones on 2 seperate 2002 Impala's, Switched them and I am back in business, There were a few 2001 Impala's that had awful hubcaps, apparently this is an Epidemic of Half painted Hubcaps, I told him if the ones I got today start to turn I will be Back! Anyway, they had a Bunch of 2002 Impala LS and a few 2001's left, the Fully Loaded 2001 LS with a MSRP of $26+ had a price on the window (including all of the incentives I got on our new Base) of $22,300....Less than I paid for my Loaded 2000, It was $23,200!! And Stickered for $25,600......Oh well I'm better off, I only owe $13K on mine and it just turned 20K Miles.Also I got the new Motor Trend Magazine in the Mail this morning and there is an article that says the V8 Impala SS is Back on!! Maybe by 2003, it said it would have the LS1 and some form of Traction Control to "Control Smokey Burnouts"! A small article but was nice to read, they say this may spawn a Monte Carlo SS also, Lets's hope this is for real this time! It is in the Newest 2002 Motor Trend New Car issue. Don
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I would buy a 2-4 year old car and pay cash for it.
    Do any of you guys listen to Dave Ramsey?
  • crosley4crosley4 Member Posts: 295
    Our 2k LS has been popping for a while again. It started out as a pop in the morning a few times like it's a litle stiff from sitting all night, then it would be quiet all day.

    Now it's poppping full time again. I guess a phone call to the service rep is needed to find out if the dealer/GM will do anything with the car at 43k miles.

    I am sure they would/could find the problem, but my worry is what my wallet will experience.
  • nosirrahgnosirrahg Member Posts: 872
    Hope I'm not repeating old news (I've been distracted by some personal stuff for the past couple of months; only 800 posts behind!!), but happened to read an article this morning from the Aug. 23 Wall St. Journal @ Japanese sedans.

    The article focuses on the new Camry and Altima, and how they're being introduced at a time when the "big 3" U.S. manufacturers have been focusing efforts on SUVs.

    The good news: "Over the next few years, GM plans special-edition models of the Chevrolet Impala in part to fight the Japanese, though it believes the car, released for the 2000 model year, is different enough to cut its own niche."

    I know we've all hoped for a "true" SS Impala, but it sounds like there could be several offerings in the works. Anyone have any insight into this? (And again, if you've been talking about this for the past couple of months, my apologies!)
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Can you post a link to the Wall Street Journal article?
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    This is another instance where buying still makes more sense. 0%, 0.9% even 1.9% is almost 'FREE' money to purchase a new car. The less finance charges you have to pay over the life of the loan, the better giving an extra incentive to re-invest your cash into better investments, payoff the vehicle earlier, etc. etc.

    For better or worse, the Impala hasn't seen 0% or 0.9% APR deals since introduction back in 1999. The car sells very well so GM has had little incentive to lower the finance rates like it has done on other W-body vehicles namely Regal, Intrigue and Pontiac GP.

    My 36 month loan carries a 6.5% APR which is very good but not exceptional considering that I could have gotten a much better APR on other GM products. However, this is incentive enough for me to pay off the car as early as possible to save on those accruing finance charges altogether.

    Is a nice feeling to be free from car payments and be able to save that money into a 'Car Fund' for the next one and pay cash for it.
  • baveuxbaveux Member Posts: 175
    I totally agree with you,financially this is the right move,buy 1 to 2 years old,save thousands of dollars,usually the 1 year bugs are fixed,still warranty,and usually if you are not happy you can return the car within 30 days (On GM optimum program) Yes this is the way to go ,but the feeling of buying a new car is not there.
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    It looks like it will only let me post one at a time. (lousy software here...)


    http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/joelis2/FRCovers1600.jpg

  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Nice ride!. Love those racing style brushed metal pedals...
  • bh0001bh0001 Member Posts: 340
    Damn! I drooled on my keyboard.
  • Is there a big difference between the pop, the pop pop, and the pop pop pop?

    LOL
  • Woweee wowee wow wow wow.
  • roderacerroderacer Member Posts: 311
    NIIIIIZE!
  • night_owl1night_owl1 Member Posts: 760
    Comparison between the Impala, Taurus and Intrepid. I did spot a few inaccuracies (The Impala doesn't offer a internal trunk release?) but it was a nice article overall. How come the other two cars have CD changers?


    http://www.motortrend.com/aug01/afv/1.html

  • jeffreyw1jeffreyw1 Member Posts: 145
    What month's edition of Motor Trend has that V8 Impala SS article in it and does the article have a photo,too? Thanks for the help!
  • blckthreeblckthree Member Posts: 153
    The Impala does have an internal trunk release, it is a white colored handle that glows in the dark. Thinking it was standard for the 2001, and an option for the 2000, or maybe even a possibly free safety enhancement if you ask for it??
  • jeffreyw1jeffreyw1 Member Posts: 145
    That is one nice car you have. I hope I can own a used Covette some day. You are one blessed individual to have a car like you have.
  • A friend of mine got a 1994 C4 for $14,000 on eBay. Add $3000 worth of mods, and he's spent $17K total.
    A used 'vette is definitely in your future, if you want it.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Performed a similar review of the Taurus, Intrepid and Impala LS last year.


    Results and comments were very similar between the 2 articles.


    Sorry but beyond the 'sleek' looks of the Intrepid and better interior packaging I can't bring up myself to ever consider an Intrepid or Chrysler product for that matter.


    The mediocre engine performance from the 3.2L SOHC V6 engine is simply unacceptable. The propespect of a failed transmission is not a pretty sight to look forward to. And the way the Intrepids age is nothing to write home about. My father's in law 1997 Intrepid is falling apart with just 40K on the odo.


    The cab forward design looks cool but it has its share of ergonomics related problems, not to mention the poor crash test scores shown in the IIHS offset tests.


    Here is another perspective on the Intrepid vs the Impala LS:


    http://www.thecarplace.com/01motor.htm


    http://www.thecarplace.com/intrepid.htm

    Also I spotted an error in the MT article...the 3800 V6 has 225 pounds feet of torque, not 200.

  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    http://www.thecarplace.com/impala.htm


    Good to see the good ol' 3800 V6 still gives the OHC V6 engines a hard time in the test track =)

  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    It is in the Newest Edition, October 2001 of Motor Trend, It is the New Car issue and the artice is very small with no picture, it is witin the section of Motor news, I don't have it with me to give you a page number :( But it does mention the traction control that will be fitted to the LS1 V8, they apparently presume that the project is BACK ON!!!??? to write a small article, when I say small it is just about 60 words or so. Don
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    They should stop on thier tracks Fix Or Repair Daily Motor Company when their 2003 Marauder goes out to the market (And probably with the custumary 10 recalls attched to it).

    The Impala SS will beat the crap out of the Marauder..
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    Thanks for the comments. It is a great car. I never get tired of driving it. I have 8000 miles on it since May. I wanted one bad enough that I decided to take advantage of some extra equity growth in my house since I built it 5 years ago. So you could say I am driving a tax write-off.

    Anyway, I never intend to sell it, so it doesn't really matter how much it depreciates. But good news for those of you who really want one but always though they were out of your range, the C4's are dirt cheap these days, and the C5's are even starting to come down due to all the C6 hype being mentioned lately.

    Now to start deciding on a winter car that I need to pick up in about a month from now. So far, its either going to be a 2000 Impala LS for about $16k (avg miles), or a 1998 Caddy STS for about $19k - $20K.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    Hard to believe that MT gave the Impala a "B-" for interior comfort and roominess. It's the most comfortable sedan I have ever sat in. I give it an "A" rating.

    Furthermore, MT gave the Impala a "B" for ride quality and handling. In my opinion, for the size of this sedan, the handling and ride quality are superb. It's also the fastest among the 3 sedans. I give it an "A-".

    As for trunk size/utility, there no other vehicle that I know in its class that offers larger trunk size than the Impala. I give it an "A".

    No, I"m not bias because I own an Impala, but the Impala is definitely superior to the Taurus and the Intrepid. The Impala should have gotten more "A's" than what the MT report card shows. Now, if you put a Toyota logo over the Impala, I bet you MT will give this vehicle ALL "A's" .

    IMO
  • sean258sean258 Member Posts: 5
    I agree with that. So will Consumer Reports.
  • rs0460ars0460a Member Posts: 2
    My wife's 2001 LS shows an inflation rate of 30-32 pounds, but the 60 series tires say a max of 44 on the sidewall. Since I normally fill to the max (I don't check pressures every month), are there any technical reasons why I can't go with the 44lbs (don't give me the road noise opinion - my wife is hard of hearing and only uses the car around town)

    Thanks.....
  • The max rating lets you know at what point the tire actually becomes unsafe, although it's probably a consevative rating with some headroom.

    However, long before you reach that point, the tire will lose some traction and handling, also possibly causing a dangerous situation.

    If you want a firmer ride, fill it to 35psi cold. Otherwise, use the recommended 30-32.

    I can't believe you don't check your pressure at least once a month. You should be checking it once a week, let alone once a month. However, if it's difficult for you, or you just don't feel like having to get out of the car, and pressing a $10 gauge against each valve stem, then do it AT LEAST once a month.

    Do it when you check the oil, brake, PS, coolant, and washer fluids. You check those periodically, don't you? I thought so! ;-)
  • woo_bywoo_by Member Posts: 28
    for those who have installed the JET module in the car (as well as others who might know the answer to this):

    how do you route wires from under the dash to the engine? I tried looking today for an opening from the dash to the engine and couldn't find any way to get the wiring "harness" through...
  • I can't answer your question. But, please let us know how the module works out, once you get it installed.

    Thanks.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Why would anyone want to put 44lbs of air in their tires?
    Even if i was using my impala as a race car on a road course or even autocrossing, I would never put more than 40lbs. 35lbs max for the street. period.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    Two years ago somebody inflated my tires to the sidewall maximum, when changing oil at dealership. I wrote "somebody", because the person definitely is not mechanic.

    I failed to recheck the tire pressure after oil change. For several days, while a good, dry, sunny weather stayed, the car run great. A bit stiff, but I like it.

    However, the following week I had to drive with my family to the next city in rain with slush. Not unusual for Connecticut in November. Well, in such a weather the car did hold road well, did not want to stay in its lane. Continuousely tried to slid into the next lane. In heavy traffic, rush time, with speeding tired people returnig home from work.

    Had to work a lot with steering wheel that evening - it was like playing with a bicycle at extremly low speed. Just 40-45 miles, but it took a lot of work and nerves. Was very tired after only one hour driving.

    Well, it was different car with different tires. Chevy Malibu with Affinity. However, the same probably would happen with any car.
  • 2k_impala_ls2k_impala_ls Member Posts: 311
    My Ls has 4800 miles and has the metalic tick and/or snapping sound that only can be heard pulling in and out of the garage if I turn the wheel. This is not the pop is it? or is that something entirely different. I have no vibrations and the steering is tight with no noises while driving. I have low mileage (from 2/2000) and plan on waiting untill the 3 years is almost up to get it fixed. I will never hit 36k by then. I figure if I get it fixed and there is a similar problem down the road, it will still be covered. Any thoughts. thanx, joe
  • artwisartwis Member Posts: 66
    I just checked out GM's Chevy site and they show a LS sport option which will be available later in the 2002 model year. The big red lense on the back is gone and the rear lights are the four red circles and the rest matches the body paint. I don't know what else is in the sport package though.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Sounds like you had a great trip to NH in August - right in my 'neck of the woods'. It is nice here and we enjoy the summers at our lake front cottage in NH - rest of year at the Maine Coast. The moutains are great - particularly in the fall when colors are spectacular - you should try that same drive at that time of year someday.

    Glad the Regal served you well and in comfort for the trip.

    Ken
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    We are getting closer to our trip to "your neck of the woods" Looking forward to it for sure. I have been helping out a friend by running his route (FedEx Ground) up in the High Country (about5200 ft.) and the weather is so much cooler than down here in the Valley of the Sun. Friday there was actually a cold rain shower! you'll have to bear with me fellow Impalians, in Az in August Sept. we just don't get cold rain! Least not down here. It was refreshing.
  • lrymallrymal Member Posts: 105
    After reading the Motor Trend article, I also was a bit miffed, although they seemed to like the car.

    The only area I come close to agreeing with in the article, about the plastics...

    The car is good, the interior is good. But why the fake wood accent piece on the instrument and door panel? Gosh, I have hated that stuff for YEARS. About the only car that is going to have real wood in it is a Rolls Royce.

    Doesn't matter what make vehicle for me. If wood accents ain't real, they don't need to be there. I know it is fake, my passengers know it is fake. FAKE FAKE FAKE. Die!!!

    In another paragraph or two, I let y'all know how I really feel. ;>
  • Besides the soft portion of the dash and upper door panels, the fake wood is among the highest quality plastic in the car.
    The mid and lower dash panels, the front upper dash cover, the lower door panels, the console, the DIC housing, etc are all in need of "quality enhancement".
    They mar what is, far the most part, an excellent car and in most other respects a credit to the US automotive industry.
  • norbnancynorbnancy Member Posts: 118
    I like wood trim, fake or otherwise as long as it has a good quality look. I even had a 1967 Caprice wagon with simulated wood trim on the outside between the moldings. I liked it, I would like some wood trim around the center council and shifter area. Enjoy the ride.
  • phollanphollan Member Posts: 14
    I read what Motor Trend had to say about the Impala SS project still going on. I never thought they would use anything as big as a 5.7L V-8. 345 hp! Yikes! The Impala does well with a 200hp motor, so that would just be scary.

    It's supposed to be ready within a year. Maybe for '03? Too bad I won't be ready to buy for another 5 years.
  • 3871338713 Member Posts: 26
    Hey artwis, I saw this car, too. It looks excellent. Anyway, I can tell you what else it includes. It has the 200 hp 3800 V6 and Independent Sport Touring Suspension. It also has 16 inch diamond cut High Sport aluminum wheels (from the Monte Carlo SS High Sport), "Corvette- inspired" body- color rear taillamp panel, Chrome exhaust tip, "racetrack- inspired" strut tower brace (which I believe is on all Impalas), 4 wheel ABS with break cooling ducts, Tire inflation monitor ( again on all Impala LS's), Graphite instrument panel and side- door trim, and Custom embroidered Impala logo on the floor mats and front door trim panels. It looks like a very cool car, and I hope is a foreshadowing to a V8 Impala SS we're talking about. Here is the adress- http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/ls_sport.htm
  • That's exactly how I feel!! I even checked the price for a factory match woodgrain for the console shifter area...around $99. An entire kit is over $200. But, besides the higher cost, I think that's just a little too much woodgrain. It'll start to look like a panelled basement. I'd have to put in a foosball table.
  • fathertyriciusfathertyricius Member Posts: 116
    I stumbled on this web site and thought to share it with everyone.

    http://www.55-57chevys.com/coccc/fifties/ad26.html
  • driveme2drinkndriveme2drinkn Member Posts: 15
    My thanks to 38713 for posting the link to the Chevy web site. After seeing the 2002 Impala, I can't believe that the side moldings still don't match the car's color. It's like a big pimple on an otherwise beautiful face. Does GM think that the mouldings serve as an accent piece?
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    Hey Frank, We tested the new Altima on saturday. I have to say that there were not too many things I could say against the car. There is no way to talk the wife into another Impala (which was my plan, I kept telling her about the Impala Sport!)and so now she will wait on the Camry, but the Altima has gone ahead of the Passat for now, mostly because of price (almost 5k difference for not a whole lot more car really) but the styling is there as well. Nissan did a very good job with the re-design.
  • outlaw1outlaw1 Member Posts: 5
    I have recently bought a 2001 Impala, at the time of purchase the "service vehicle light" was illuminated. Two computer modules were replaced relating to the message center to get the problem fixed. The first replacement did not work, and I took it back for the second the same day I drove out with it. Now 8,000 miles later the light is back. Anyone experienced this problem, or have any suggestions?
  • The new Camry is a pretty sharp looking car s well. It appears the Japanese automakers have woken from their deep design sleep. However, fully equipped the Camry is entering Passatville on price.
  • fathertyriciusfathertyricius Member Posts: 116
    Well my 2001 LS has its first problem... Im wondering if anyone experienced the same... when you start the car and you put on the radio to FM.. then turn on the rear defroster, you loose all reception and get static... turn off the rear defroster and the reception comes back. If you turn off the car but put the key in accessory, turn on the rear defroster, it goes to a weak signal, but once you start the car, all reception is lost. I have no clue as to what went wrong... maybe someone has an idea.. thanks....
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.