2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

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Comments

  • roderacerroderacer Member Posts: 311
    hvan3: I am not sure if I like seeing all these Impalas on the road nowadays. Just yesterday I was in the 'fast lane' and was last in a line of 4 Impalas. 2 base 2 LS's.

    I liked the uniqueness of the Impala. With the no interest, I guess it was inevitable.

    Hmmm, there should be more and more new Impala drivers on this board, one would assume.

    Enjoy!
    RR
  • A lot of the Impalas on the road are rentals. They seem to be saturating the rental fleets. It was inevitable, when the Lumina was discontinued.
  • jeffreyw1jeffreyw1 Member Posts: 145
    I have a white 2001 Impala LS and you can see down to the primer paint at the side mirror's plastic molded seam. I have noticed some small black specks off in the paint on the hood:( I really do think Chevrolet should solve this quality issue. It certainly does not serve as a marketing tool to get others to buy this car if paint quality is an issue.
  • jeffreyw1jeffreyw1 Member Posts: 145
    what year the Pontiac Bonneville had a supercharged engine and if so, what was the size of the engine? I am asking because my boss has a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville which shares the same 3.8L engine with the Impala. He is impressed with how fast it can go.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Jeff - the current generation (since 2000) Bonneville SSEi does have the supercharged 3.8L Series II cranking out somewhere around 240 hp I think. The SSEi boys over in our Bonneville forum can tell you for sure. I see you've posted your question there as well.

    The Bonneville SLE and my SE model both have the non supercharged equivalent of your Impala LS engine. We do not require premium gas whereas the SSEi does.

    Hope this is helpful.

    Ken
  • The Grand Prix GTP and Buick Regal GS also have the 3.8 SC engine.
    The Grand Prix GT, and Buick Regal LS have the Impala LS 3.8 engine.
    The Grand Prix SE, GrandAm SE2, GT and I think Olds Alero shares the Impala base 3.4L, along with some other GM mid-size guys.
  • this_is_nascarthis_is_nascar Member Posts: 199
    I seem to be having the same issue you described. Anything after the 1st push of a button, barely ever works. It needs to rest for 30-seconds or so, then will work once or twice.

    I take it they had to remove you dash to replace the part? That's the part that worries me the most. I'm fearfull they won't put it back properly.
  • Has anyone had the intermittant auto-door lock problem? Was it fixed?
    If so, did it involve replacing the BCM?
    Is a BCM replacement what they do for the intermittant keyless entry, where they remove the dash panel to replace a module?
    Questions, questions.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Rest assured they won't. For what is worth, I prefer to use the key lock in the doors and forget about the remote control transmitters. All my previous cars until the Impala did not have remote Keyless entry. I really like the convenience it offers (Specially the trunk lid opening)but when those things stop working, oh mama mia!

    My keyless entry has never given me any problems on either 2000 or 2001 LS. I take good care of the key fob remote control and that should explain why I haven't had to have the whole dashboard ripped apart ;)

    Garypen, I know that there is a TSB for the intermittent auto door lock feature problem, But I am not aware of exactly what is it involved on the repair procedure. My car has a build date of 4/01 and the door locks have never given me problems of any kind.

    I think some people do get lemonish Impalas and others don't ;)
  • When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade. That's what they say, isn't it?
  • bdimebdime Member Posts: 130
    Living in the Chicago area makes the remote start a beautiful thing. Car is warmed
    up and toasty interior on cold winter mornings- also cooled off on hot humid days
    in the summer. I had mine installed by the dealer - aftermarket - it's great!
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    Tell me more about your remote starter. How much is it and what brand do you have? Have you had any problems? Does your remote starter come with keyless entry? I don't want to be carrying around two remotes.

    Thanks.

    I'm heading over to the accessory board right now and see if I can get any info.
  • hengheng Member Posts: 411
    I put a $50 unit from Sams into a Grand Prix. Works great!

    If you intend to do the installation yourself, you will spend lots of time on your back with your head buried under the dash. But more importantly, you need to be savy enough to be cutting into ignition wires and the such. I would say finding and identifying the right wires was half the job, making the physical connections was the other half.
  • spence30spence30 Member Posts: 52
    I looked into a remote starter for my 2000 LS as well as my 99 Blazer, and was given an estimate of aprox $300 each. They said it had something to do with the ignition lock out feature??? I would love to find a more reasonable starter as well with 1 fob... thanks
  • ghostwolfghostwolf Member Posts: 91
    Can you give me the link to that Zaino Message Board? I would like to be a part of it, I love the product.

    Thanks
  • stormdavystormdavy Member Posts: 80
    Just an opinion on the tail light treatment on the '02 Impala 'Sport'. From one picture seen on the Chevy website, I don't find it all that attractive, especially considering some of the beautiful tail lamp designs coming out recently that are crisp and jewel-like. This seems like a cheaply done 'masking' and a missed opportunity for something beautiful and distinctive. Perhaps just making a center panel over the trunk body colored, then having the leftover shapes around each set of double circles framed with a smoked or clear lens. (Then again, that might look too much like an oversized Lexus I-Series). If Chevy just took a look at some of their 'heritage' designs such as the '58, or sequence of round tail lamps from '60 - '65, they could surely come up with a more distinctive and eye-catching look. Indenting the circular lights instead of having them flush would also be good. But I'll reserve my final judgement until I see the car in person.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    I went to the South Florida International Autoshow with my wife last night. Too many damn beautiful cars in that exhibition...a car lover's dream!

    I saw the 2002 Impala LS Sport in person. It was a Galaxy Silver sample. I liked the graphite trim accent in the dash and doors but it is nothing special I am afraid. The floor mats say "Impala" on the sides and have the log, pretty neat. The Impala logo is embedded in the door trim panels and looks nice. One thing that the sales brochure doesn't mention about is that the Impala LS Sport has the Sport instrument cluster found in the Monetcarlo SS coupe. To the left of the instrument cluster (Where the Water temperature and Fuel gauges reside on LS models) now there are four sets of instruments: Fuel, Water temperature, Oil pressure and Volt. Neat. The speedo and tach looked like in 3D. In the Speedo right below it says "Limited Edition".

    The rear light treatment looks pretty good I might add. If you dislike the red reflector panel, you'll appreciate the painted rear panel. After seeing the Altima's Jewel tailights, the Impala's don't look that great anymore.

    The wheels are nice but I missed what kind of rubber they were.

    No sticker price was affixed to the car..is not for sale just yet, until later in the model year.

    More observations about the car show to come..
  • I don't understand the attraction to the Japanese style, or "jewelled" as some call them, taillights. IMO, I think they look cheap and a little gaudy. Whenever I see them, I think of teenagers from the crappy side of town in 8 year old Civics and Integras with body kits and huge wing spoilers.
  • bh0001bh0001 Member Posts: 340
    I can't seem to get the link to copy/paste properly.

    The Zaino board is in the Maintenance section here on Edmunds. Search for Zaino, or scroll through the Maintenance section. Who knows, maybe you'll find something else interesting!
    Brad
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Maybe I can help - try this link: Zaino Car Polishes/Products. I think that's the one bh0001 is trying to link.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans Message Board
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    Speaking of Altima. My wife picked up her new one yesterday. You know for someone who didn't want to buy another Impala because she thought it was too big, this is a really big car! It's a couple of inches shorter but interior it blows our Impalas away. With the seat all the way back I can barely reach the steering wheel, good thing it has a telescoping feature. Even with the seat back all the way, I have about 3 inches of knee room when sitting in the back. My wife was showing the neighbor the car and he said he liked it better than my Impala...I told him that's fine, I can still blow her away from the line! Of course had she gotten the v6 it would be a sad story indeed. I couldn't let my wife have a car with a bigger engine than me could I?
  • crosley4crosley4 Member Posts: 295
    Hunter39 , sounds like your wife will be happy.

    We looked at GMC Envoy yesterday. Nice vehicle, but over priced. We did not test drive the vehicle and left basicly because we did not like the salesman and his manager. We asked about 4 door 1500HD crewcab GMC trucks in 2 wheel drive. They only had 4x4 trucks and some 4x4 trucks on order. They did not seem to hear my words "I want a 2 wheel drive truck" as they contiued to tell me about resale value on 4x4 trucks. I told them I know all about 4x4 trucks since I have owned 3 of them. Higher maintenance, lower fuel mileage , more parts to break or wear out.

    At the Ford dealer we were offered " $10,500.00 " for our 2k Impala LS as a trade in. This was a bit of a surprise. My wife was getting out of her chair to leave imediately. This Ford dealer is a "fixed" price dealer, they do not go with the MSRP on the window.

    Most of their prices are $2,000 to 2500.00 under MSRP , so I knew the offer on the Impala would be that much lower than book value.

    On my 1971 Chevy short bed truck I had for sale that I believe jeffreyw1 was asking about. I sold it early saturday morning . The guy had cash and POOF my baby was gone. I think I should have asked a higher price for the truck. Many times I have uttered the words:" I'll never sell this truck".

    Tony
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Crosley:: I guess you'll be better of puting up an ad in the newspaper and sell the Impala yourself. Dealer's will always give you below wholesale trade in prices....
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    I just started a new topic in Town Hall and think it should draw lots of interest. The title is:
    "Mechanics: Horror Stories." I bet all of you have had at least one bad run in with a dishonest or incompetent mechanic. Please post your horror story under my new topic. Here is the link: easyrider300m "Mechanics: Horror Stories" Oct 28, 2001 1:54am ---Ok, Guys--start your postings!
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    KEEP IT!! I too like to trade cars every 3 years but my LS will be the exception, I plan to pay it off and buy used Pickup truck, Older one for everyday use and keep the Impala in the garage for when I want to cruise! Besides my wife has an Impala now that I can jump into anytime! Forget about used car values, They went in the hole when the Low Interst came out on new cars, Will take a long time to stabilize, I read a story about a dealer who took 40 used cars to an auction and brought all 40 back because the money was not there, even at Wholesale! Great for a Buyer and bad for the seller,, That is if you can find a buyer. Don
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    After Searching High and low for a Set of the ""Rear"" Moulded Spalsh Sheilds, Including getting a dumb look from a few Parts Depts. and hours of e-mailing different Dealerships, I finally SCORED! I found a Buick Dealership in Rhode Island that had a Parts Manager that went "above and beyond" and called me at home to say he could get a set from another State, only I could not return them, I said..OK! They came from a Place in Akron OHIO and my searching was not in vain after all! Try and find a set (Rear that is)and you will have a long search. He was suprised I had the P/N since GM erased it from ALL of their computers. Glad I e-mailed that guy one day! Now I have 2 Impala's both with the Moulded Splash Sheilds, BTW.. they look Great on the Navy Blue Base with the Grey rocker Panel. Just blends the car in a Bit! Don
  • bh0001bh0001 Member Posts: 340
    Thanks Pat. That's the one!
    Brad
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I purchased my '99 Intrigue in march '99. I turned it in 27 months later in June '01 with 35,000 miles on it. The MSRP was exactly $23,000. They got $8300 for it at auction. Kind of stops your heart doesn't it?
  • driveme2drinkndriveme2drinkn Member Posts: 15
    I guess I haven't been paying attention, but I have recently noticed that there are two different side moldings on the Impala LS, and the difference is at the rear of the car. On my 2000, the rear molding wraps around the rear of the car and terminates just under the tail light. I have seen others that curve downward parallel to the license plate. Are those the 2001 models?
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    bz4......OUCH!!!

    driveme2drinkin......Right! That signifies the 2001 model, although there were some early 2001's that were made in late 2000 that still have the painted licence plate area, after about 11/00 the 2001's ALL had the Grey Plastic around the licence plate area.

    Don
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    The Altima does not have more interior room than my Impala. I spent most of the day driving it around town with my wife and I found that it drives really nice, very quiet, good pick up for a 4 cylinder, but the interior does feel a bit cramped after a short time. It does have a lot of leg room and the shoulder and head room are impressive, but my Impala is better.
  • Detailed the Impala this weekend. Cleaned and conditioned the leather. ArmorAlled the dash, console and door panels. Shampooed a coupla spots on the carpet and mats. Waxed the exterior. (Zymol, not Zaino. Sorry guys. Trying to use it up first before buying the Zaino.)
    Gotta say...It's a pretty good looking car. Smells good again, too.
  • crosley4crosley4 Member Posts: 295
    I had checked on the trade in value of the 2k Impala before we visited the dealers this weekend.

    $13,400 to 13,600 was the figure I got on our LS. The 45k miles kills the value by around 1800 to 2,000 usd than if the car had 20k miles on it.

    I figured the "fixed pricing " at Lou Grubb Ford would get us an offer of $11k or slightly more. The $10,500.00 figure was a surprise.

    The only 2k Impala's I've seen in the local fish wrap have been dealers. they are priced at 13,500 to 14,000.00 usd.

    Why are we after a replacement vehicle? In the past two weeks there have been a couple of times we felt a "pop" when backing the Impala out of our garage. When the temps got to the low 50's it seemed to do the "pop".

    If this popping crap starts again while we own the car we may speak to a lawyer. We still love the car but this popping cradle stuff has got to go. Mayb we are only hearing / feeling something completely different than the engine cradle since our 2k Impala now has the lastest and greatest engine cradle under it ??

    Tony
  • stormdavystormdavy Member Posts: 80
    This may not be the best thread-- is there one more devoted to chat about the looks of a car? Anyway, just to respond: Agree that some of the 'jewelled' tail lamps look gaudy and cheap, especially all the aftermarket copy cat kits for Integras, Talons, Civics et al, which, as far as I know were triggered by those of the Lexus IS. But taking the new Altima ( first one whose styling I haven't hated) as an example, the look is sharp and precise, which I think is a direct reaction to years of ill-defined 'blob'-shaped lights.

    Think evolution of these trends is very cool to watch. One (to me) ugly trend is how, suddenly, alot of white back-up light in the tail light design is seen as a 'must'. Begun with the Infiniti SUV, and now copied everywhere. Very unsubtle look. Neatest new tail lights seen (alas only in a magazine) are on new Mercedes coupe. They kick [non-permissible content removed].

    But back to Impalas: will the current Impala become the next Bel Air? Will Chevy have a version of the Cadillac CTS, which is RWD, and thus be back in the ball game with a RWD Super Sport contender? Then Chevy could have the 3-tail lamp (6) Impala, 2-lamp (4) Bel Air, and even a 1-lamp (2) Nomad, like back in '58. Incidentally, current Monte Carlo lamps when seen from rear at night look a bit like that old Nomad, big-[non-permissible content removed] rear end and all.
  • bdimebdime Member Posts: 130
    Original quote was $699 for remote start with alarm package. I argued that with the DIC the vehicle has an alarm on it and they reduced to $400. Could probably get a comparable price in outside after market location. Mine came with two remotes that include the door unlock and alarm disarm- BUT- if you forget to arm the alarm the cars own alarm/theft prevention will arm itself and you need the other remote to deactivate or put up with the alarm sounding until you turn the ignition with your key. They installed an Audiovox- Pursit series for me. It works well and I only rarely get caught by the cars own alarm/theft deterrent going off on me. I've thought about triing to disable it but decided it's a good thing in case I get too stupid and then someone gets into my vehicle and damages the car or steals personal belongings.
  • nosirrahgnosirrahg Member Posts: 872
    Took my Impala in today to have the ISS, cradle, brakes, wheel liners, etc. looked at while still under warranty. Haven't heard any status as of this writing; keeping my fingers crossed.

    Did pick up a copy of the 2002 Impala brochure; not sure I like the "sport" look or not. Depends on how well done the tail light treatment looks in person.

    However, I REALLY like the front license plate cover. I wanted to try to create one of these for my own car, but it was going to take too much work to adapt a cover from a Cadillac to make it work. Assuming these aren't available at this point, but I look forward to getting one when they're in stock. Wish I could find a blank one; I've got the Chevrolet script logo and the "V" emblem from the '59 Bel-Air we had growing up; I think it would look GREAT on the front of my Impala.
  • I think the clear taillight craze began with the kids and their Civic/Integras long before the IS300. Although, Lexus/Toyota might be to blame because they've been using them for awhile on other models. The RX tail lights are specially ugly, IMO. Nowadays, it seems to be a stock item on many less expensive cars, as well.
    BTW, the IS300 is sold in Japan as a Toyota Altezza for about $5000 less than the IS300 is here. Slap an "L" on the hood for an extra $5K. Pretty good marketing, eh?
  • jons01jons01 Member Posts: 59
    I just finsihed waxing my Impala to help protect the paint from winter's effects, and even though I was careful, I still got some wax on the black body side mouldings.

    There was some discussion on this forum awhile back about the best way to remove it, but I do not recall what was concluded to be the best method. It would save me some time if someone could give me the information.

    Thanks
  • agentelevenagenteleven Member Posts: 95
    I don't know if this was the topic of the previous posts, but it works like a charm for me:

    Peanut Butter!

    Just a little. Rub it on the wax on the moulding with your finger. It should dry out a little and flake off like clay. Pulls the wax out with it. May leave a little greasy spot, but follow up with a little Armor All or similar, and you're good to go!
  • The Zymol cleaner/wax just rubs off the moldings with the same towel I use to wipe the body with. What brand are you using?
    I seem to remember people saying that they had no such problems with Zaino, either. I could be wrong on that.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    If you use instead Zaino, you won't have a problem removing excess wax from the black mouldings ;)
  • I don't. Like I said, it comes off with the same towel that I am using to wipe off the body.
    I'm glad I remembered correctly that Zaino doesn't have that problem, either. ;-)
    Apparently, the guy having the molding problem doesn't use either one.
  • spence30spence30 Member Posts: 52
    I got a price of $200 for a remote starter with 1 fob, $40 more to get the fob to act like the original one, and $75 for a chip to work w/ the pass-lock teft deterent system.

    I've been tring to get a good trade on a 99 LT Blazer, but all trade values are about $2000 under what blue book wholesale numbers are. Look's like private sale, of hold onto your vehicles...
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Congratulations on your new Altima! Well it is important to keep the wife happy or else....

    I saw the Altima at the autoshow and I really liked it. It is a big car, bigger than the current Accord and about the same as the new Camry. I think the Altima is the most stylish of the 3 popular Japanese sedan offerings and the one that offers the best powertrain combos. I like the clear tailight lenses treatment, perhaps the most tastefully done this side of Hitachi Rice cooker land.

    The new 2002 Lexus IS300 SportCross wagon looks nice as well, but the Mazda Protege 5 sportwagon looks better IMO and for about $15K+ less.

    I guess that some aftermarket parts company will eventually produced clear taillight treatments for the current Impala, altough I suspect that no Impala owner would like to have his "All-American" cruiser suddenly confused with a Honda Civic...
  • I can hear the comments now, "Whoa dude! Your Honda Civic is HUGE!"
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    I guess GMAC took a major bath when you returned the Intrigue to them. In despite of the ALG residual values guide prices for the Impala, I suspect that at least the Impala LS will do slightly better than the suggested % residual values after 36 and 60 months of use.

    In the local paper adds here I see 2000 Impala base sedans (With the 3.4L engine) and an average mileage between 15K and 25K miles going between $14K and $18K. LS are very few and far in between and asking prices are in the $18K to $20K neighboorhood.

    At least here in South Florida, the Impala is doing a bit better in the used car market. I am not sure in other "Unfriendly" domestic car markets such as the West Coast.

    Yesterday I drove my sister's new 2001 Base Impala, and the car drives, rides and handles pretty well. However, the car doesn't have the brisk, instant throttle response from standstill of the 3800 V6 equipped car, but for everyday no frills driving, the Base sedan is a pleasure to go places and even spend time in traffic.

    The ride quality of the Impala LS is definetely on the hard side, you feel the road imperfections much more than in the base sedan. The base suspension is not as mushy as I remember it to be when I first test drove a 2000 Impala base at the end of 1999. The steering on the base car is noticeable slower than in the LS but it is nicely weighted on center and not vague and sloppy like a recent driving experience encounter with a new Buick LeSabre.

    Handling around the corners goes to the LS.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Gary, just picture an Impala LS with a 20 foot wing, a set of eight clear light lenses across the rear panel, a Folger's Coffee Can exaust, fat tires and suspension chopped up and fully dropped to the ground. Of course, you can't forget about a pair of Bazooka speakers,deep mirror window tints and a set of neon lights inside the cockpit and on the underside of the car.

    Just thinking about it, it makes me almost wanting to make a run to my nearest Hitachi cooker auto accessory supply store..

    Oh and the all important engine power contributing wide stripes running front to back and the stickers that read "Chevy Power", "Chevy Racing", "Powered by Bush", etc, etc..
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    I just received my latest copy of Autoweek. They are taking about a new 2001 Impala "Low Rider" show version. Wait until I tell you what that puppy has under the hood..
  • There's a link on Nathan's web site to an Impala kinda like that!
    BTW, I posted my 2001 LS on a "for sale" web site right in the price range you specify!
    I probably won't see any bites as long as the current 0% APR factory incentives are in place.
    But, once they end I should get some nibbles. Only 5500 miles, like new, upgrades (speakers, tires, splash guards, headlights), plus new LS dealer stock is kinda low. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
    Until then, I'll keep it clean, shiny and well maintained. After all, I gotta drive it almost every day! ;-)
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Gary, did you get the seat track fixed? Sorry to hear you are selling it, mine has been flawless and works like a Rolex.

    What are your getting next?
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